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Arsenal announce Partey’s contract update as uncertainty looms over his future

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Thomas Partey

Arsenal have confirmed the departure of four first-team stars and provided an update on Thomas Partey‘s future in their retained list for 2025-26.

There had been question marks over the future of Partey in north London – given that his current deal is set to expire at the end of the month.

However, the club have now confirmed that talks are ‘ongoing’ with the 31-year-old Premier League star. On Wednesday afternoon, the club revealed which men’s, women’s and youth stars that they would be parting ways with but insisted Partey was among three players who were having deals negotiated.

On the club website, they wrote: ‘The following players’ contracts also expire on June 30, 2025. Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course. Chloe Kelly, Thomas Partey, Michal Rosiak’.

The north London side went on to confirm that, among 20 players set to leave the club, that Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney, Neto and Jorginho will all exit.

Unlike his accompanying trio, Sterling departs the club following the end of his loan spell there – having joined at the start of the season from rivals Chelsea.

They continued: ‘Ahead of the official Premier League announcement of all men’s players who will be out of contract on June 30, we are taking this opportunity to say thank you to those leaving us when their contracts are completed at the end of the month.

‘This includes men’s players and scholars who have represented the club at first-team, under-21, and under-18 levels, together with members of our women’s squad, whose departures have been previously announced’.

The full list included: ‘Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Teyah Goldie, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt, Jorginho, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Ismail Oulad M’Hand, Neto, Brian Okonkwo, Elian Quesada-Thorn, Zacariah Shuaib, Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney’.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Sammy Gyamfi Warns Nation Wreckers: I Don’t Care Whose Ox Is Gored! … Gold Smugglers Will Be Dealt With Decisively

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Sammy Gyamfi, GoldBoard's Chief Executive Officer

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, has announced a major crackdown on gold smuggling and illegal trading.

The announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, during his keynote address at the Mining in Motion Summit held in Accra yesterday.

Addressing a high-profile audience, including His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, ministers of state, diplomats, industry captains and representatives from across the sub-region, the CEO declared the era of illegal gold trading ‘officially over.’

“In the coming weeks, we shall launch a standing anti-gold smuggling taskforce, in conjunction with the National Security Secretariat. All persons who fall foul of the law will be dealt with – no matter whose ox is gored.”

This taskforce marks a pivotal point in Ghana’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of its gold value chain and ensure that the nation reaps the full economic benefits of its mineral wealth.

Despite Ghana currently holding the title of Africa’s largest gold producer, its artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) sector has operated in a loosely regulated environment, leading to rampant smuggling, foreign currency losses, and environmental degradation.

This, Sammy Gyamfi said, necessitated the establishment of GoldBod by President John Dramani Mahama to reform the gold sector and has indeed become the central state agency mandated to buy, assay, refine, and export gold – particularly from the ASM sector.

Since assuming the rights and responsibilities of the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), GoldBod has implemented sweeping reforms to close regulatory gaps.

Between February and May 2025, GoldBod purchased and exported gold valued at over GH¢40 billion, or approximately $4 billion, solely from the ASM sector.

This performance has now surpassed that of large-scale gold exporters for the first time in the country’s history. “In May alone, we recorded gold exports of 11 tonnes, valued at over $1.1 billion USD,” the CEO revealed adding “This level of output and forex inflow is transforming our economic fortunes.”

Building a Sustainable and Transparent Supply Chain

To reinforce Ghana’s position in the global gold market and ensure traceability, GoldBod will launch a digital supply chain traceability system before the end of 2025.

The technology, he noted, will allow the government and international partners to track every gram of gold from mine to market, ensuring that all gold originates from legal, environmentally sustainable, and ethically compliant sources.

Additionally, starting September 2025, GoldBod and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will begin training artisanal miners in eco-friendly practices and recovery optimization techniques. This initiative aims to increase productivity while minimizing environmental harm.

GoldBod is also leading a licensing overhaul, with categories ranging from aggregation and refining licenses to export partnerships. All licensees are expected to comply with strict responsible sourcing standards, in line with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols.

A Call to Global Partners and Investors

Mr Gyamfi extended an open invitation to international investors to tap into Ghana’s rapidly formalising gold sector.

He cautioned that foreign entities are prohibited from buying gold directly on the local market but are encouraged to partner with licensed Ghanaian aggregators or apply for export partnership licenses, refinery operations, or jewellery manufacturing projects.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to value addition and announced plans to move Ghana away from exporting dore (semi-pure gold) to refined bullion.

Furthermore, work is underway to establish an ISO-certified, LBMA-compliant assay laboratory by 2026, a move aimed at cementing Ghana’s credibility and increasing returns from gold exports.

Investing in Communities and the Environment

In line with its corporate social responsibility goals, he pledged that GoldBod will reinvest a portion of its trading surplus in land reclamation, environmental sustainability programs such as Blue Water and Tree for Life, and geological research to end “lottery mining.”

Additionally, significant resources will also be directed toward education, healthcare and clean water projects in mining communities that have borne the brunt of illegal operations for decades.

“We will not rest until every gold smuggler is put behind bars,” he emphasised. “The days of operating outside the law are gone.”

To conclude, Mr Gyamfi left his audience with a powerful message: “Ghana is ready. GoldBod is prepared. Together, we can chart a new course where our natural wealth uplifts communities, strengthens our economy and protects our environment.”

Government Imposes GH¢1 Levy On Fuel To Solve Dumsor

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Fuel

The government is imposing a GH¢1.00 levy on ex-pump fuel prices, aimed at raising revenue to deal with the energy sector crisis.

The government is looking to settle the US$3.1 billion energy sector debt, as of March this year, to keep the lights on.

This year, the government will require an additional US$1.2 billion to procure essential fuels for thermal power generation alone, Parliament has been told.

Titled the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, the paper was laid in Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, under certificate of urgency by the Minister for Finance.

After the first reading, the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, referred the bill to the Finance Committee, together with the leadership of the Energy Committee, to consider and report to the House.

Laying the bill under a certificate of urgency, waived the normal processes bills go through to be passed, which could last over a year.

However, the law allows bills under urgency to be passed in a day.

The Speaker referred the bill in the late afternoon, Tuesday, and the committee’s report was submitted to the plenary. The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill was passed into law yesterday, at the time of going to bed.

OBJECTIVE 

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, explaining the objective of the bill to Parliament, said “The object of this bill is to raise additional revenue to support the payment of energy sector shortfalls, reduce energy sector legacy debt and to stabilise power supply.”

He argued that the power sector is the biggest economic and fiscal risk the nation faces presently, adding that it could lead to a major crisis if not confronted head-on.

Describing the challenges in the energy sector as enormous, the Minister for Finance noted that the difficulties emanate from debt, shortfalls, insufficient gas and inefficiencies.

“The total energy sector debt as at end March 2025 stands at 3.1 billion US dollars. This amount includes the amount owed to independent power producers, state-owned enterprises, fuel supplies and fuel suppliers,” Dr Ato Forson mentioned.

NON-PAYMENT

The Minister for Finance indicated that the non-payment of bills owed to ENI and Karpower affected the World Bank guarantee of US$512 million and the GNPC guarantee of US$120 million last year.

He further stated that the government is, therefore, required to find an additional US$632 million to restore these guarantees.

“Mr Speaker, a minimum of US$3.7 billion is needed to clean up the overall energy sector indebtedness for us to have a clean slate,” he intimated.

“Right Honourable Speaker, to help raise additional revenue to fund the needs in the power sector, the government is proposing an increase in the ex-pump price of petrol, diesel and related products,” the minister announced.

According to the Minister for Finance, the impact of the levy being imposed will be absorbed by “the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, and this will mean that consumers will not have to pay extra for the price of petrol and diesel, beginning today.”

LEVY

The minister said the levy will serve as a dedicated source of funding for the power sector.

The proceeds will be earmarked for the procurement of essential fuels for power generation.

In his view, the move will ensure that Ghana enjoys stable electricity.

He asserted that the current electricity tariffs paid by consumers do not include the cost of fuel used for the power generation.

Highlighting the need to find a balance between ensuring a stable power supply while promoting the financial sustainability of the sector, the Minister for Finance said the bill seeks to make “a modest” increment to the existing levy to augment the energy sector support account and to ensure the availability of fuel to back up power generation.

E-LEVY

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his comment opined that the government was introducing E-levy. Explaining further, he said what was abolished was the E-levy (Electronic Transaction Levy), and the new one is also E-levy (Energy Sector Levy).

“Mr Speaker, how can the Finance Minister in one breath repeal E-Levy and reintroduce E-Levy? Mr Speaker, we went into conclave. The issues that he just raised as justification for bringing this bill through a certificate of urgency never came up,” he argued.

He said the government has failed on its pledge not to introduce new levies.

NOT E-LEVY

The Majority Leader, Mahama Agariga, disagreed with the Minority Leader that the bill was E-Levy.

He said, “For the record, this is not E-levy. What is before us is the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill. And basically, it is saying that Ghanaians should give one cedi, one Ghana cedi each, when they buy a litre of fuel so that we can end dumsor.”

Ato Forson Pays GH¢2.7bn Into GETFund

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that a total of  GH₵2.71 billion has been transferred to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to support key educational initiatives, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

The announcement was made during a presentation to Parliament on Tuesday on the status of statutory fund disbursements.

“Mr Speaker, GH₵2.7 billion for the months of January, February, March and April 2025 have all been transferred and received by the Ghana Education Trust Fund,” Dr. Ato Forson stated.

He emphasised that this transfer, made in full and on time, marks a significant step towards stabilising educational financing under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

He added that the funding is now fully covering the Free SHS programme under GETFund, helping to eliminate past bottlenecks.

“Subsequently, the challenges, including feeding, which previously impeded the smooth implementation of the programme, have been resolved as a result of the payment that we have made,” he told Parliament.

In addition to education, Dr. Forson reported that GH₵987,965,073 has been transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), representing the first quarter allocation for 2025.

This move, he said, reflects the government’s firm commitment to fiscal decentralisation and local economic development.

“Mr Speaker, the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the District Assemblies without fail, and expenditure returns submitted to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent releases will be made,” Dr. Ato Forson said.

The Finance Minister lamented how over the past eight years, only 40% to 50% of DACF allocations were directly transferred to the MMDAs, undermining their ability to deliver services.

“It is evident that decisions taken in recent years have regrettably undermined the capacity of MMDAs to respond effectively to the pressing needs of our people at the local level,” he said, blaming the situation on the “re-centralisation” of the fund.

To reverse the trend, the Mahama-led administration has made policy adjustments to ensure that a minimum of 80% of DACF allocations reach the Assemblies directly.

“Without a doubt, this measure will empower Assemblies to drive economic growth at the local level and deepen the process of decentralisation,” he noted.

Dr. Forson announced that approximately GH₵6.1 billion of the GH₵7.57 billion earmarked for the DACF in 2025 will go directly to local Assemblies, with each expected to receive a minimum of GH₵25 million.

Cabinet-approved guidelines have also been issued for the utilisation of DACF funds. These include: 25% for model market construction, 10%  for health infrastructure, including at least two CHPS compounds in rural districts, 10% for educational facilities (KG, primary and JHS blocks), 10%  for potable water (at least ten boreholes), 10% for school furniture, 5% for administration and monitoring, and 20%  to complete abandoned projects by former development authorities.

The Minister for Finance urged Members of Parliament to monitor the utilisation of these funds. “Mr Speaker, Honourable Members are also encouraged to monitor the utilisation of this amount sent to their respective Assemblies in line with the approved guidelines by the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama.”

He concluded by affirming government’s broader commitment to timely statutory payments. “Under the leadership of President Mahama and the NDC, for the first time in several months, transfers to all statutory funds have been made promptly and in full,” Dr. Ato Forson assured.

Apart from GETFund and DACF, he revealed that GH₵2.03 billion had also been paid into the National Health Insurance Fund, enabling the scheme to clear arrears and implement the MahamaCARES health programme.

Majority Leader

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, commended the Finance Minister for presenting a comprehensive statement to Parliament on the payment of statutory funds, noting that there has been no delay in disbursements under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

“Mr. Speaker, the records at the National Health Insurance Authority are clear on a monthly basis, payments have been made to service providers and hospitals. We don’t owe,” he said.

He further stated that contractors under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) had confirmed receiving payments, adding that the usual disruptions to the Free Senior High School programme due to food shortages had not occurred this year.

Touching on the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the Majority Leader explained that the temporary hold on disbursements was due to legal and procedural constraints.

“There was no assembly to transfer the money to,” he stressed, pointing out that following the recent elections, the dissolution of district assemblies rendered them legally non-existent until the appointment and inauguration of District Chief Executives and government appointees.

Minority Leader

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin criticised the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, for veering off the content of the Finance Minister’s statement and ignoring pressing national concerns.

“The Minister of Finance was supposed to provide a policy direction regarding the 24-hour economy. He has failed to do that,” the Minority Leader charged.

He questioned why the Majority remained silent on the Finance Ministry’s failure to address key economic concerns, such as job creation and the non-payment of contractors.

“Why is he not concerned about the mass dismissals in the public sector?” he asked.

He added that the government had made a huge commitment to agriculture, allocating GH₵1.5 billion, but pointed out that over GH₵900 million of that amount was earmarked for compensation, leaving “nothing meaningful” for actual agricultural investment.

He further slammed the Finance Minister for failing to provide policy direction on the 24-hour economy, despite the President’s assurance during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that it would feature in the budget.

“The Finance Minister ran away from their own flagship initiative,” he stated.

On tax policy, he questioned why the government had failed to remove port taxes as promised and criticised the silence on the fate of the e-levy.

He also raised concerns about broken promises such as the establishment of women’s banks and the delayed swearing-in of deputy ministers.

“You cannot rise on your feet and mislead Ghanaians that you’ve fulfilled your promises. This budget is a disappointment,” he declared.

Krobo Chief Appeals To Ghacem To Complete Odumase-Tema-Akosombo Highway Project

By
JOHN BEDIAKO
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Nene Tettey Akira I

A heartfelt appeal has gone to Ghana Cement (Ghacem) and the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly to help in constructing a bridge to complete a link road from Odumase Krobo to the Tema-Akosombo highway.

The unfinished stretch, halted at a small stream just 2km shy of completion, has left commuters and haulage trucks, including those from Ghacem’s limestone mines, with no choice but to traverse a- 9km detour route through Kpong.

The Divisional Chief of Piengua in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Tettey Akora I, who made the appeal through The Chronicle, states that the completion of the bypass would bring about a lot of benefits to the Krobo enclave and beyond.

He continued that it will not only ease the journey for commuters, but also reduce the wear and tear on vehicles, cutting transportation costs and boosting economic activities.

Ghacem Ltd, according to the chief, is a major taxpayer to the government and contributor to the traditional council through royalties and also has a strong presence in the geographical area.

Nene Tettey Akora I believes that with Ghacem’s support, the bypass could be completed, benefitting both the company and the local community.

His plea highlights the potential benefits of completing the important link road, including reduced travel time, enhanced safety and increased economic opportunities in the area.

A source at the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly speaking on condition of anonymity stated that the road in question, which connects the Manya Krobo Rural Bank junction at Aklomuase, through a forgotten sports stadium project, has been neglected all these years until the immediate past New Patriotic Party (NPP) government revisited it.

Then Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Simon Kwaku, held the bull by the horn and reconstructed to the present stage at the stream with the intention of linking the Tema-Akosombo road, but his dream could not be fulfilled before his party lost the 2024 general elections.

The source believes that the newly appointed MCE, Mr Atteh Matey, also a visionary leader, would complete the project.

Ghacem through its subsidiary West Africa Quarries Ltd (WAQL) has been mining limestone in the Krobo stretch of the Akuapem range at Odugblase since 2004 when it was inaugurated by then President John Agyekum Kufuor.

It has over the past two decades improved the local economy, employed drivers and mechanics.

The limestone from the hills is transported to the cement factory in Tema, via Kpong.

Another route, according to a transporter is Odumase Krobo, Somanya, Madina and Mallam Junction to the factory in Takoradi.

A-G Files Key Disclosures in alleged GH¢49m Cybersecurity Fraud Trial

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice

The Office of the Attorney-General has formally filed disclosures ahead of the case management conference in the criminal trial involving the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei Boateng and two others accused of orchestrating a multi-million cedi fraud under the guise of procuring cybersecurity systems for Ghana.

The disclosures, filed on June 2, are in compliance with a High Court directive and will pave the way for a Case Management Conference (CMC) scheduled for June 11, 2025.

The prosecution will rely on testimonies from Frank Anane Dekpey, Edith Ruby Opokuwa -Director of Finance at NSB—and Frank Marshall Cromwell, a staff officer and investigator with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Mr. Adu-Boahene, his wife, Mildred Donkor, and a company named Advantage Solutions Limited face multiple criminal charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

The charges were formally filed by the Attorney-General on April 30, 2025.

According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly misappropriated over GH₵49 million in 2020, funds meant for a cyber defense system from ISC Holdings Limited.

The funds were intended to enhance Ghana’s digital security capacity, but were allegedly diverted through a private entity deceptively named BNC Communication Bureau Limited -closely resembling the government agency’s name.

Specific Charges and Allegations

In count one, the state alleges that on or around February 5, 2020, the accused dishonestly appropriated GH₵27.1 million of public funds. A second charge claims GH₵1 million was similarly diverted in March 2020, all under the pretense of executing the cybersecurity project.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, speaking at a press conference earlier in March, revealed that the $7 million contract had become the subject of a major financial scandal, with no evidence of equipment delivery or contract fulfilment.

Dr Ayine told reporters that an internal inventory check confirmed that neither the NSB nor the National Security Council ever received the promised cyber defense system. Investigations indicated that funds were transferred from the National BNC’s official accounts to the similarly-named private entity, and subsequently moved through companies linked to Advantage Solutions Limited.

Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Fraud?

The prosecution further alleges that portions of the diverted funds were used to purchase real estate in Accra, Kumasi, and London, as well as to acquire luxury vehicles.

The funds also reportedly supported the extravagant lifestyle of the accused and their associates.

Mr Adu-Boahene and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charges during their first court appearance on April 30, 2025.

The court, presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu, granted them bail.

Charges Summary

Kwabena Adu-Boahene faces three counts of stealing, one of causing financial loss to the state, one of using public office for profit, defrauding by false pretence and obtaining public property by false statement.

Angela Adjei Boateng (his spouse) has been charged jointly with Adu-Boahene for conspiracy to steal and profiting from public office.

Mildred Donkor, a former bank relations officer and company director, and Advantage Solutions Limited face charges of conspiracy and substantive money laundering.

The trial resumes in chambers on June 11, 2025 for a case management conference.

From Accra to New York – The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Eric Teye Otumi

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admin
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Dr Eric Otumi

As a young boy in Accra, Ghana, Eric Teye Otumi was captivated by the complexities of the human brain. This passion for neuroscience set the stage for a journey that would take him across continents and into the medical field.

During his undergraduate studies in biomedical science, Eric’s exposure to various facets of human biology broadened his horizons. Engaging with patients during clinical rotations unveiled the profound impact of direct patient care, steering his ambitions from research-focused neuroscience to the world of medicine. This realization marked the beginning of his pursuit to become a physician. ​

Eric’s academic excellence and determination earned him a full scholarship to St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine. Located in Grenada, West Indies, SGU is a centre for academic excellence and diverse student body, offering Eric a global platform to hone his medical expertise. ​

At SGU, Eric immersed himself in an intensive academic environment. The university’s comprehensive resources, including extensive study materials, review courses, and practice exams, were instrumental in his preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). These tools not only enhanced his medical knowledge but also cultivated a disciplined study routine essential for success in the medical field.

Beyond academics, Eric found SGU’s multicultural community enriching. Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds broadened his understanding of global health perspectives and encouraged lifelong friendships. Participating in community outreach programs allowed him to apply his medical knowledge in real-world settings, reinforcing his commitment to serving underserved populations. ​

The journey was not devoid of challenges. Adapting to a new cultural environment and the demands of medical school required resilience. Eric faced these hurdles head-on, developing coping strategies such as time management, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a support network of friends and family. These experiences fortified his ability to navigate the complexities of medical training and practice. ​

Eric’s relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in his successful match into the internal medicine residency program at New York Medical College/St. Mary and St. Clare Program. This achievement was a testament to his hard work and the solid foundation laid during his time at SGU. ​

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Otumi advises aspiring medical students to “Stay resilient, seize opportunities for growth, and remain focused on the impact you can make as a future healthcare professional,”. He underscores the value of utilizing available resources, embracing diversity, and actively participating in both academic and community initiatives.

His journey from Accra to SGU and to residency in the United States serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring physicians worldwide. It exemplifies how passion, coupled with dedication and the right opportunities, can transcend geographical boundaries and lead to remarkable achievements in the medical field.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.

About St. George’s University School of Medicine:

Founded in 1976, St. George’s University (SGU) is a centre for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU is truly an international institution, with a uniquely global perspective. The SGU School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

The school offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. Students can also enter the MD degree program from any education system around the world via the five-, six-, or seven-year tracks. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centres in the US and UK, with the unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.

 

Editorial: 8 Forest Reserves Rescued – Good News But …

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Ghanaian Times quoted President John Dramani Mahama in its Tuesday, June 3, 2025 publication that his government had suc­cessfully flushed out illegal miners from eight out of nine no-go forest reserves in the country.

In the view of the President, this is a major milestone in the country’s fight against the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey. President Mahama, however, noted that the small scale mining sector holds a major place in Ghana’s devel­opment, if properly harnessed.

“Artisanal miners are not enemies of the state. If properly trained and supported, they can be allies in our development. Working together with the small-scale mining sector, we will reclaim our forest reserves and restore the purity of our water bodies.”

The Times further quoted the President as saying that there would be a major shift in the permit­ting regime to ensure accountability. “We will track excavators to know whether they are being used for illegal mining. Ghana currently has more excavators than the rest of Africa. The new permitting regime will not allow you to import any excavator unless you have a valid permit to do so,” Mahama reportedly stated.

According to Scientists, trees are essential for human survival and well-being, providing vital resources, ecosystem services and benefits for our physical and mental health. They produce oxygen, help regulate the water cycle, prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity. Trees also play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and offer a range of resources for local communities, including food, medicine and building materials.

But despite these important roles that trees play for the survival of human beings, illegal miners threw caution to the wind and were using heavy machinery, especially excavators, to destroy our forests in the name of searching for gold.

The past governments deployed hundreds of military men and police to fight these illegal miners in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Western North Regions, but they could not defeat them because apart from death traps they set in the forests, the miners are also heavily armed.

They (illegal miners) kept on cutting down the trees, especially in places designated as forest reserves, because aside arming themselves in the forests, they also had powerful people in government defending them. In the end, they succeeded in not only destroying the forests, but river bodies as well.

Until the advent of illegal mining in the proportion we are seeing today in Ghana, one could easily fetch water from our rivers and drink directly without any purification. But today, only those not afraid to die will dare drink directly from rivers such as Offing, Ankobrah and Tano among a host of others.

The reason is that, water in these rivers are no more wholesome, as the illegal miners have polluted them with poisonous chemical like cyanide. The most annoying aspect of it, as we have always been saying, is that those sponsoring these illegal miners are sitting in Accra and Kumasi and drinking treated water from Ghana Water Company, whilst the poor people are suffering from their wicked actions in the rural areas.

It is upon the basis of this that we are very elated with the announcement by the president that the miners have been flushed out of our forest reserves. But whilst commending President John Mahama for the action that his government has taken, we wish to also draw his attention to the fact that his fight against illegal mining will be judged based on the turbidity levels of major rivers in the country, especially those in the mining areas.

Since the President took over the reins of power, the exchange rate of the Cedi to the US dollar has tumbled from GHS16 to the present GHS10. This has positively affected prices of goods and services in the country, especially transport fares. This great feat is there for every Ghanaian to see.

In the same way the citizens of this country expect the turbidity levels of our water bodies to return to normalcy. Anything short of this will make the galamsey fight meaningless. Indeed, the fight against illegal mining will be meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of our water bodies from the hands of the nation wreckers. So The Chronicle will not applaud the president yet, though he has shown the determination fight against the canker.

On the day that our water bodies will become clean, we use this same column and in fact our front pages to acknowledge the good works of the president. For now, we say kudos but there is more work to be done to achieve the total liberation of our forests and water bodies from the hands of the illegal miners.

Police foil armed robbery attack on Kumasi-Bibiani Highway 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Ghana Police

A swift intervention by the Nkawie Divisional Police Patrol Team has prevented what could have been a deadly armed robbery attack on passengers traveling along the Kumasi–Bibiani highway.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday, June 2, 2025 at approximately 7:30 p.m. between Ahwerewa and Esaase.

Five armed men, one wielding a pump-action shotgun had intercepted two Sprinter buses at gunpoint and were in the process of robbing passengers when officers on patrol arrived at the scene.

Upon spotting the police, the suspect, with the firearm opened fire. The officers returned fire, fatally wounding one of the attackers.

The injured suspect was later confirmed dead at the Afari Government Hospital. The remaining four suspects managed to flee into the nearby bush and are currently at large.

Police believe some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds. In a statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Command urged medical practitioners and facilities to report any individuals presenting with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.

The deceased has been deposited at the Afari Government Hospital morgue pending further investigations.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ashanti Region, commended the Nkawie Patrol Team for their “bravery and professionalism,” noting that their swift response averted a potentially tragic event.

Authorities are appealing to the general public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and relevant information to support law enforcement efforts in the region.

Armah-Buah lauds IGP for helping to fight galamsey

By
admin
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Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Ghana Police Service for their unwavering efforts in combating illegal mining activities across the country.

Delivering an address at the Global Mining Summit on Monday, June 2, 2025 the Minister highlighted the critical role played by the Police Service and other security agencies in curbing illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and protecting Ghana’s vital water bodies and forest reserves.

“In recent months, the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of IGP Yohuno, has demonstrated exceptional commitment and resolve in confronting illegal mining head-on.

“Their collaborative operations with other security institutions have yielded significant results, especially in high-risk areas.”

Notably, in Samreboi and its adjoining communities, a special Police Anti-Galamsey Taskforce established by the IGP has seized over 100 excavators, bulldozers, weapons and chanfang machines.

Several arrests have also been made, with suspects currently undergoing legal processes. Similar high-impact operations have been carried out in other illegal mining hotspots, including parts of the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Central and Upper West Regions.

The Ghana Police Service, in a recent release, reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

The statement underscored the Service’s collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources and the sustainability of its environment.

The Minister concluded his remarks with a call for continued inter-agency cooperation and public support to sustain the gains made in the anti-galamsey campaign.

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