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Bawku natives Resident in Ashanti Region commit to Peace

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Ashanti Regional Security Council with leadership of Kusasi and Manprusi after the Peace Pact

Indigenes from Bawku, resident in the Ashanti Region, have taken a significant step towards peace by signing a pact aimed at preventing a spill over of the Kusaasi-Mamprusi conflict.

The agreement comes after recent violent incidents in Asawase and Asokore Mampong Municipality, which left a local chief and a 60-year-old man dead.

The Ashanti Regional Security Council spearheaded the process, involving a seven-member committee with security officials, representatives of Kusasi and Mamprusi groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

The leaders pledged peaceful coexistence, urging their communities to see each other as brothers and sisters.

DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Regional Police Command, explained the mediation process and importance of the peace pact for regional harmony.

REGSEC consoles Mpatuam Community over Assemblyman’s death

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Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister addressing chiefs and residents of Mpatuam

Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, leading the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), last Thursday visited Mpatuam on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama to commiserate with the chiefs and people over the killing of Mr. Sampson Darkwah, the Assemblyman for AboaboTetekaso.

The late Sampson Darkwah was allegedly shot dead by military personnel stationed at Asanko Gold Mines during a confrontation over mining concessions.

The Minister and Members of REGSEC

Dr. Amoakohene, together with Mr. Isham Alhasaan, in charge of government programmes and the Regional Security Council, expressed sympathies to the family and residents, assuring a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Minister stated that the government would ensure a thorough probe into the Assemblyman’s death and ensure peace and the security of the residents and address all concerns towards lasting peace.

He also pledged to ensure safety and security of Assembly Members and directed the release of another detained Assembly Member.

According to him, a committee comprising Nananom, the Amansie West District Assembly and Asanko Gold Mines would deliberate on an amicable solution while the entire command unit of the military involved would be replaced.

The chiefs of Mpatuam and adjoining communities at the durbar

Mr. Antwi Boasiako Amponsah, the Presiding Member (PM) of the District Assembly called for thorough investigation, and halt of Asanko Gold Mines operations, until the impasse was resolved.

Nana Owusu Ababio III, Akatanease chief, complained that Asanko Mines had reneged on its corporate social responsibility, alleging that the company had failed to honour promises of provision of health facilities, employment of 25% to 35% of the youth and construction of their roads.

Dr. Amoakohene joins Sewua chiefs to clear weeds at abandoned Regional Hospital Project Site

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Sewuahene conducting the minister and DCE round the abandoned facility

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, on Saturday joined Nana Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie II, Sewuahene, the Queen mother, Nana Akosua Abrefi and the Bosomtwe Assembly, to clear the bushy environment of the abandoned Ashanti Regional Hospital Project site at Sewua.

Nanà Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie II busily clearing weeds at the abandoned project site

The 250-bed capacity hospital project was initiated by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in 2014, but was abandoned for eight years, under the Nana Akufo-Addo- led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Even when the project was not fully furnished and operational, it was commissioned on January 4, 2024 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

It has since been abandoned and the site has become overgrown with weeds.

Initially planned as a 250-bed hospital, it is equipped with modern facilities like gynaecology wards, intensive care units, operation rooms and medical gas plants as part of the “Ghana 8 No Hospital Project” funded by Euroget De Investment, at the cost of $339 million.

According to Dr. Frank Amoakohene, construction began in 2015 and was scheduled for completion in 20 months.

He disclosed that pending challenges facing the hospital, include lack of access to power supply and access to road improvements.

Following candidate John Dramani Mahama’s 2024  campaign  promise  to complete the project, the Minister reaffirmed  the NDC government’s determination to ensure the completion of the facility and other similar projects to become operational within one and half years.

He noted that the completion of the facility would enhance healthcare access in the Ashanti Region and ease pressure on Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Nana Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie II, Sewuahene, commended the Minister and government for its readiness to complete the project.

The chief wondered why the region was neglected when it came to health facilities to the extent that the Asantehene OtumfuoOsei Tutu II, have to beg for funds to refurbish Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), while other ongoing facilities like the Regional Hospital Project at Sewua and Military Hospital Project at Afari remain abandoned.

Akwa Ibom Declares State Of Emergency In Health Sector

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Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno

The Akwa Ibom State government has declared a state of emergency in the health sector following a comprehensive review of its healthcare development roadmap.

The move, according to the government, is designed to accelerate reforms and deliver more efficient healthcare services in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting at Government House, Uyo, Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, said the emergency regime would be anchored on key directives.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of the Civil Service; the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor; Honourable Commissioners; and Special Advisers.

“Under this emergency, medical facilities across the state will be further upgraded, while the recruitment portal for healthcare workers has been reopened,” Umanah explained.

“We are engaging 2,000 healthcare workers, and the requirement for voters’ identity card numbers has been waived for applicants.”

The Commissioner added that the Exco, presided over by Governor Umo Eno, also mandated reforms in medical training.

“The council directed the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, as well as the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on a contract basis,” he said.

To ensure smooth implementation, the government announced the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, drawing membership from relevant ministries and agencies.

Credit: channelstv.com

Lagos Holds Job Fair, Over 5,000 Job Seekers Storm Venue

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Lagos Job Fair

The lagos state government has held its 2025 job fair with over 5000 young job seekers, graduates, and entrepreneurs participating in the exercise.

This was revealed in a statement by the Lagos State Government on Friday.

The 2025 Job Fair also attracted more than 300 organisations across sectors, including ICT, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, media, and the creative industries.

While speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to equip Lagosians, particularly the youth, with the tools, skills, and opportunities required to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

Organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, the Governor described the event as a strong demonstration of the State Government’s resolve to build an inclusive economy where no talent is wasted and every ambition is given a chance to flourish.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the theme of this year’s fair: “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities”, directly aligns with the aspirations of Lagos youth, encouraging them to pursue careers and entrepreneurial paths that reflect their unique strengths, while contributing to the prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria.

He stressed that under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, youth empowerment remains a critical priority, highlighting ongoing investments in skills acquisition, vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship support.

On his part, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Toriola Abdulafeez, used the forum to call on stakeholders to support the State Government in implementing sustainable wealth creation programmes for the people.

Credit: channelstv.com

Court to hear Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking transfer to National Hospital

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Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal High Court will on Monday hear a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, seeking an order transferring him to the Abuja National Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Justice Musa Liman had granted the motion ex parte, praying for the permission of the court to hear the application during the vacation period in view of its urgency.

Justice Liman, who fixed Sept. 15 for the hearing, ordered Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, to serve all the processes and the hearing notice on the Department of State Services (DSS) in order for the security agency to respond appropriately.

“I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life.

“And so I agree that this matter can be heard by the vacation court,” Justice Liman, who is also a vacation judge, had said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, in the ex parte motion with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, had sought a relief.

Kanu, in the motion dated September 2 but filed on Sept. 3 by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, sought an order “granting leave for the applicant’s motion dated 1st September, 2025 to be heard before the vacation judge.”

Giving an 11-ground argument why their request should be granted, Agabi said Kanu is presently standing trial before Justice James Omotosho in charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

He said Kanu, on May 19, filed an application praying the court to admit him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the terrorism charge.

The lawyer, however, said that the said application could not be taken before the annual vacation of the court, hence his continued detention.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Tsunami hits APC, PDP as over 10,000 members defect to ADC in Benue

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Tsunami hits APC, PDP

No fewer than 10,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other political parties have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The mass defection took place on Saturday, May 13, 2025, during the official unveiling of the ADC in Agatu by the Benue State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba.

The ceremony, held in Agatu LGA of the Benue South Senatorial District, witnessed a large turnout of decampees, political supporters, and admirers of Sir John Ngbede, a prominent political leader in Agatu.

Ngbede also donated a building to serve as the new secretariat of the party in the area.

Speaking at the event, Tsegba commended the leadership of the party in Agatu for organizing what he described as the largest unveiling event in the state.

He praised Ngbede for his role in mobilizing grassroots support, describing him as a leader whose political influence continues to shape the direction of the local government.

He assured the people that the ADC is committed to inclusiveness, stability, and internal democracy, expressing confidence that the party would win all elective seats in the LGA.

On his part, Ngbede, a former Commissioner of Water Resources in Benue State, ex-Chairman of Agatu LGA, former State PDP Chairman, and Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections, was formally unveiled as the leader of ADC in Agatu.

In his remarks, Ngbede declared the dominance of PDP and APC in Agatu to be over, a statement that drew loud cheers and solidarity chants from the crowd.

Credit: dailypost.ng

FGR Blue Gold raises alarm over takeover of its Bogoso Mines

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Mr Y.B. Amponsah, MD of FGR

MANAGEMENT of FGR BLUE Gold has raised alarm over what it has described as illegal occupation of Bogoso-Prestea mine by Heath Gold Fields.
Accusing Minerals Commission (MC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) for facilitating the illegal occupation of the mine by Heath Goldfields, FGR Blue Gold is demanding an immediate reversal of the illegal takeover of the mine.

In September 2024, the then Minister for MLNR, Samuel Abu Jinapor terminated the mining lease granted FGR BG for the Bogoso-Prestea mine for failing to meet certain conditions.
Heath Goldfields was subsequently granted lease for the Bogoso-Prestea mine. The company has since taken over the mine.

Addressing a press conference in Takoradi, the Acting Managing Director of BGFGR, Yiadom Boakye Amponsah denied that BGFGR failed to meet certain conditions as reason for the termination of the company lease.

He indicated that “Due to the inability of Mincom to subject the process to full-proof for reasons the Mincom can only explain, the entire mine has been subjected to a high level of confusion. The confusion has subsequently promoted various very negative activities such as theft of company assets, employees arrogating to themselves powers they do not have, and above all a company to present itself as new owners of a mine”

In spite of all these challenges, he said FGR/Blue Gold was steadfast in its quest to use the legal and acceptable processes and work with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources/Mincom to resolve the impasse amicably.

Acting MD, Y.B Amponsah told the news conference that though “we have referred the matter to international arbitration, we are committed to withdrawing the case unconditionally, as soon as the mining lease is restored to us”.

Giving a background of the issue, YB told the media that after the official notice by the Minerals Commission communicating the termination of the FGR mining lease, FGR through its Lawyers wrote to the Minerals Commission and disagreed with the decision to terminate the mining lease.

The company he said, in raising the dispute exercised its right under the Minerals and Mining law, Act 703.

The expectation,  he indicated,  was that the Minerals Commission would have allowed dispute resolution process to commence, but they surprisingly disregarded the legal process, which eventually plunged  “all of us into this challenging situation”.

He quoted sections of the Minerals and Mining Act,2006 (ACT 703) section 27(3) and (5), which the Minerals Commission could have used to resolve the dispute amicably, but  it rather took side and supervised the occupation of Bogoso-Prestea mine by Heath GoldFields.

“Regrettably, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have refused to uphold the law that governs mining in the country and have thrown the law into the garbage. Surprisingly the Minerals Commission has, in spite of the above, supervised the occupation of the Bogoso Prestea Mine by a  company called Heath Goldfields and illegally using FGR’s vehicles, houses, equipment and infrastructure”.

FGR MD Amponsah told the media he was fully aware of the illegal occupation of the mine, “but we believe that the wheel of justice grinds slowly, so we shall pursue the ongoing legal processes both in Ghana and abroad to avoid chaos and not to disrupt the peace and security of the catchment area”.

He said the position of ACT 703 on Transfer of Mining Lease to New Holders clearly defined the timelines of what needs to happen post termination of a mining lease and giving that particular lease to a new holder.

However, since the termination of the FGR lease on 20th September, 2024, the processes leading to the purported granting of the FGR lease to Heath Goldfields clearly demonstrated an orchestrated attempt to frustrate FGR.

On 15th April 2025, he told the media, the Minerals Commission(MC) published notice of application causing the gazette of Heath Goldfields, which should have been done prior to the granting of the lease in 2024.

Export of the raw rubber angers W/R Minister

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson touring GREL facilities

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has urged the management of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) to take decisive action to curb the shortage of raw rubber caused by the export of the commodity.

According to the Minister, local processing plants are struggling to secure adequate supplies to keep their operations running, a situation he described as unacceptable.

“If local plants are struggling to get supplies while there is enough raw rubber in the system, then TCDA must sit up and address the issue head-on,” he said during a tour of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) plants at Apemenim and Abura in the Western Region last Friday.

The Minister warned that the government’s vision of driving a 24-hour economy through agribusiness could be undermined if processors such as GREL were denied access to raw materials.

“It does not make sense to have sufficient raw rubber available and yet processors are struggling to operate. If this continues, the 24-hour economy will be defeated,” he emphasized.

He stressed that TCDA’s role must go beyond price setting. “Price setting alone is not enough. Market forces can distort the system if not actively managed. Both farmers and processors must be protected,” he said.

Mr. Nelson added that while protecting farmers was crucial, the sustainability of the entire value chain must not be overlooked. “Processing plants need raw materials to add value, and that value must reach the market. Otherwise, all efforts and policies, including the 24-hour economy, risk being defeated.”

The Minister further noted that exports of raw rubber should only be allowed when local processors had been adequately supplied. “It only makes sense to export the excess when all local companies have enough. Once local demand is satisfied, then the excess can be exported,” he explained.

He called for mechanisms to regulate supply and protect local industries from the adverse effects of unregulated exports.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of GREL, Thierry Cauchy, revealed that the company had the capacity to process up to 120,000 tonnes of rubber annually and to employ about 1,200 workers at its two factories. However, due to the shortage of raw rubber, the company was currently operating below capacity and employing fewer than 600 staff at its factories, leaving over 700 workers jobless.

Mr. Cauchy explained that since 2018, GREL has invested GH¢840 million in its operations, including two processing plants. With the Government of Ghana holding 26.75 per cent shares in the company, he said the challenges were not only threatening GREL’s operations, but also the Western Region’s economy.

He disclosed that despite regulations restricting raw rubber exports, there had been a surge in exports since July, further worsening the situation for local processors.

“The regulation on the export of raw rubber is not being respected. Local processors like GREL expected the rules to be enforced, but the opposite has happened. Our processing capacity has drastically reduced, employment has been affected, and the value chain is being disrupted,” he said.

GREL currently operates a 21,000-hectare concession across the Western, Central, and Eastern regions and, according to Mr. Cauchy, continues to contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy through investments, taxes, and employment.

Ashanti nation mourns late Asantehemaa …President, Veep to pay last respect Thursday

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, Late Asantehemaa

A funeral planning Committee, under the auspices of Manhyia Palace, the seat of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has drawn a comprehensive programme over four days for the observance of the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III.

The funeral rites, marking the last journey of the 14th Queenmother (Asantehemaa) begins today, climaxing on Thursday, September 18, 2025 when she joins her ancestors and maker.

The Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, Nana Effah Appenteng, during a media briefing, announced that the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu will sit in state from Monday to Wednesday, from 12 pm to 5 pm each day, while sympathisers including the general public file past the remains of the late Ashanti Queen mother from 5am to 5pm, from Monday to Wednesday.

Caution to the public 

The Funeral Planning Committee has as well cautioned the general public that there shall be no recording of the funeral process by any unauthorised persons or individuals.

The public is also cautioned to guard against extortion of monies in the name of Manhyia Palace by unscrupulous persons.

Dignitaries 

Nana Effah Appenteng, who is also the Paramount chief of Bompata (Amantena) Traditional area, announced that churches, the clergy, political parties, educational institutions, NGO’s, telecommunication firms, corporate bodies and identifiable groups and associations are expected to file past the late Asantehemaa on Monday September 14.

It will be the turn of the Judiciary, Ghana Bar Association, Security agencies, Ghana Armed forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, Financial institutions, State-Owned Enterprises and Public officials on Tuesday.

Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Parliamentarians, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Non- Ashanti Chiefs and Mining companies will take their turn to file past the late Asantehemaa on Wednesday.

Nana Effah Appenteng announced that the President, John Dramani Mahama and his Vice, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents John Kofi Diawuo Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr.Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia and the Diplomatic Corps will complete the filing past process by 11am on Thursday September 18, followed by a burial service at 3pm at Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace.

Temporary Closure of Kumasi schools, offices

The Funeral Planning Committee directed that all educational institutions within the Kumasi Metropolis to be closed on Thursday, for the observance of the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

All offices, including banks and other financial institutions, are also to be closed on Thursday and that there will be no commercial activity within Kumasi Metropolis as all shops are to be closed.

Restricted Movement on Thursday night

In a bid to ensure that total silence prevails in observance of Asante customs and traditions,  it has been directed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, that no movements and travels take place in Kumasi and the entire Asanteman on September 18 and that all residents of Asanteman have been directed to remain indoors on the night of Thursday, September 18, 2025 when the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, will be laid to rest (interred) at the royal mausoleum at Breman, Kumasi, to bring to an end to the four day funeral rites (Dote Yie) for the 14th Asantehemaa, who died at the age of 98.

14th Asantehemaa 

In February 2017, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in consultation with the royal family, appointed his then 83-year-old elder sister, Nana Ama Konadu, as the 14th Asantehemaa to succeed her late mother Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, the 13th Asantehemaa passed away in November 2016 at the age of 111, after reigning for 39 years.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III was born in 1927 to the 13th Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi SerwaaAmpem III (1977-2016) and Opanin Kofi Foffie.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, known in early life as Nana Panin, was the first born of Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi’s five children, the youngest of whom is Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

 

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