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GNFS honours Newmont Akyem for its exceptional fire safety record

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Newmont’s Akyem Mine has been honoured by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for its exceptional fire safety record, reinforcing the critical role of fire prevention and emergency preparedness in safeguarding lives.

The company’s recognition, awarded during the 2025 Fire Safety Week Celebrations in Koforidua, comes at a time when the country has seen a sharp rise in market fires, domestic blazes, explosions, and industrial incidents, leaving families and businesses devastated. According to the GNFS, many of these tragedies could have been prevented with stricter adherence to fire safety measures, early detection systems, and proper emergency response training.

The award highlights Newmont’s commitment to upholding the highest fire safety standards in the Birim North District and the Eastern Region of Ghana.

A model for fire safety in Ghana

Newmont was among fifteen companies recognized for, not only complying with, but exceeding the fire safety requirements outlined in the Fire Precaution Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724).

The company’s fire safety protocols and discipline stand in contrast to the worrying trend that has contributed to the country’s growing fire statistics.

“Safety is not just a policy at Newmont. It is how we work and live,” said Akua Berantuo Armooh, Health and Safety Manager at Newmont Akyem.

“We have seen the devastating impact of fires on families, businesses, and communities across Ghana. That’s why we take every measure possible to prevent such tragedies at our sites and in our host communities. If a task cannot be done safely, it must not be done at all,” she added.

Beyond compliance: A commitment to protecting lives

Understanding that fire safety is not just about compliance but about protecting real people – workers, families, and community members, Newmont’s Akyem has implemented a series of initiatives to ensure that fire-related emergencies are prevented or swiftly contained.

The initiatives include joint emergency drills with the Ghana National Fire Service’s New Abirem unit to improve response to fire incidents, both on-site and in surrounding communities; provision of fire safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE); specialized training in extrication techniques and victim rescue; and practical fire extinguisher training sessions for employees and community members, among others.

As Ghana battles recurring fire outbreaks, Newmont’s approach serves as a model for industries, businesses, and communities. The company’s emphasis on prevention, training, and collaboration with the fire service demonstrates that with the right systems in place, fire incidents can be significantly reduced – saving lives and protecting livelihoods.

Such recognitions from institutions such as the GNFS are not mere awards for display; they are calls to action for companies and individuals to prioritize fire safety, invest in preventive measures, and take responsibility for the well-being of those around them.

Muntaka Demands Information on Police Officers Providing Private Security to Individuals

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BERNICE BESSEY
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IGP Tetteh Yohuno at interior Minister, Muntaka at the regional commanders' meeting

The Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has directed the Ghana Police Service to provide details on officers providing private security guard duties for individuals.

Speaking at a conference of Regional Police Commanders in Accra on Friday, the minister questioned the growing trend of police personnel being assigned to private individuals, sometimes even escorting them through the city.

Mr Muntaka being introduced to the senior police officers

“You go around our country and see so many of your men and women protecting private individuals, whether at their homes or escorting them in traffic. How much scrutiny have you done on these individuals? Is it because they are a pastor, an imam or a businessman?” he asked.

He emphasised the need to streamline this practice to ensure that police resources are being used effectively.

The minister revealed that he has already written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requesting a comprehensive list of all private individuals receiving police protection.

Concerns Over Police Use for Private Security

The minister raised concerns about armed officers being stationed at private residences with AK-47 assault rifles, without proper vetting of those they protect.

“How do we justify assigning armed officers to private homes without assessing the security risk? We must protect those who need protection and ensure it is done right,” he stated.

The regional commanders who attended the meeting

He also questioned the management of armoured vehicles used by security escorts and called for stricter oversight, particularly in ensuring that such vehicles do not end up contributing to crime.

Crackdown on Foreigners in Illegal Activities

Addressing another critical issue, the minister vowed to repatriate foreigners found engaging in illegal activities, particularly in forests and mining areas.

Alhaji Muntaka Mubarack addressing the regional commanders

“Since I became Interior Minister, we have deported over 107 foreigners involved in fraudulent and illegal activities. Any foreigner found engaging in such crimes will be repatriated immediately,” he declared.

He instructed regional police commanders to work closely with immigration officials to ensure swift action against foreign nationals involved in crime.

Stricter Gun Ownership Regulations

The minister also proposed reforms in gun licensing, advocating for mandatory firearms training before issuing licenses.

“We issue licenses after a background check, but have we trained them on how to handle or store firearms safely? This is why we have cases of accidental shootings in homes,” he noted.

The Minister also inquired why the spot fine system has not been operationalised.

He urged the officers to prioritise the welfare of personnel working under them, particularly in terms of healthcare, accommodation and conditions of service.

“A motivated workforce is essential for achieving our security objectives. Once the Police Council is established, all pending promotions and welfare matters will be referred for consideration,” he promised.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security, emphasising that new policies will enhance public trust in the police service.

“No Ghanaian should live in fear. We will implement policies that create a safer environment for businesses and investors while strengthening collaboration with the international community,” he assured.

IGP Calls for Policing Reforms

Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno also addressed the conference, underscoring the need for swift policing reforms to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

IGP Tetteh Yohuno addressing the regional commanders

He highlighted emerging threats, including Illegal mining and attacks on forest guards, violence in Bawku and its national security implications and robberies targeting mobile money vendors.

“Criminals are always seeking new ways to operate. We must stay ahead of them with innovative crime-fighting strategies,” the IGP said.

He also warned against corruption and abuse of power within the police service, urging regional commanders to prioritise the welfare of officers to improve performance.

The conference concluded with a call for regional commanders to take decisive action against crime and uphold ethical policing standards.

Young Excellence Music Awards set to thrill Belgium with a celebration of rising stars

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Moutabwoy, Emmanuel Ampaabeng and Bizzy Salifu

Belgium is set to host an unforgettable night of music, talent and cultural celebration as the Young Excellence Music Awards (YEMA Awards ‘25) makes its highly anticipated debut.

Organized by Emmanuel Ampaabeng, Founder and CEO of Westline Entertainment the brains behind Ghana’s prestigious Western Music Awards in collaboration with Elvis Mugisha, CEO of Mugisha Entertainment, YEMA Awards ‘25 is designed to spotlight and honor the next generation of musical stars from diverse backgrounds.

The awards is set to take place at the Claridge Event, Belgium on Friday, 2nd May 2025 at 10 PM.

This maiden edition will recognize emerging talents making waves in the global music scene, offering them a platform to shine internationally. Attendees can expect a night of electrifying performances from rising stars, including Moutabwoy, Laioung, Bizzy Salifu, Infinity Music Worldwide, IdPizzle, SK Frimpong, Skales, Fayn, Myasima, Motown Priest, Black Coco, Lyco, Bronze, and many more.

Beyond the performances, YEMA Awards 25 promises a spectacular fusion of music, culture, and entertainment, setting the stage for young artists to thrive.

For sponsorship, partnership, and ticket inquiries, visit www.yemaward.com or contact +32 47 28 76 7 67 / +233 547 777 604.

Samini calls for better pay for Ghanaian actors

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Samini

Renowned Dancehall Artiste, Samini has expressed concerns over the poor remuneration of actors in Ghana’s film industry, stating that the pay structure does not match the effort actors put into their craft.

Speaking on a podcast, the celebrated musician revealed that his personal experiences on movie sets have given him a firsthand understanding of the challenges actors face, particularly when it comes to compensation.

While responding to a question about why he hasn’t pursued acting more seriously despite his evident talent, Samini admitted that the industry is too draining, both physically and financially.

“It’s a very, very draining profession to be in,” he noted, emphasizing that he holds no disrespect for the film industry but believes actors deserve better.

The dancehall icon, who has graced multiple movie sets in the past, revealed that actors are severely underpaid compared to musicians, despite both being part of the entertainment industry. He illustrated this disparity by comparing performance rates for musicians versus actor fees in 2025.

According to Samini, A-list musicians can command between GHS 150,000 to GHS 250,000 for a full-band live performance. Even lesser-known musicians can earn GHS 15,000 to GHS 20,000 for a 30-minute performance in Accra.However, when it comes to actors, the situation is vastly different.

Samini disclosed that even A-list actors struggle to secure GHS 10,000 to GHS 25,000 for an entire movie project, which often requires them to dedicate up to three weeks of their time on set. “Some of the big names are able to push for maybe GHS 20,000 to GHS 25,000, but that even depends on who is hiring them,” he explained.

Meanwhile, lesser-known actors are paid as little as GHS 2,000 for weeks of work, a stark contrast to a musician earning GHS 15,000 for just three songs. “It’s crazy, and something has to be done about it,” he stated passionately.

Samini is advocating for a standardized actor pay structure or regulated pay system in the film industry, similar to what exists in music. He proposed that industry players should set a minimum pay structure to ensure that actors are fairly compensated.

“If for nothing at all, there should be some form of monitoring so they can control remuneration for actors,” he suggested.

He further exemplified that A-list actors for instance, should not be paid below GHS 50,000 per movie. B-list actors should earn at least GHS 30,000 and no mainstream actor should be paid less than GHS 15,000 for any role.

Samini believes that a structured and fair payment system will ultimately improve the livelihoods of actors and elevate the quality of Ghanaian films. In his concluding remarks, Samini urged producers, directors, and industry stakeholders to re-evaluate how they compensate actors.

“I think you can afford to pay them slightly more,” he emphasized, adding that the hard work of actors deserves to be recognized just as much as musicians’ contributions to entertainment.

His sentiments have sparked an industry-wide conversation about the financial realities of acting in Ghana and whether the film sector can be restructured to benefit all stakeholders fairly.

As the conversation continues, many hope that Samini’s voice will ignite a movement for better pay and conditions for Ghanaian actors, ensuring that the film industry thrives just as much as music has in recent years.

Musicians of today don’t make meaningful, resonating music –Ambolley

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Gyedu-Blay Ambolley

Celebrated Highlife musician, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, has expressed his disappointment in the current generation of musicians, accusing them of diluting the essence of Highlife music.

In an interview which was monitored by The Chronicle, the ‘Radomradomzo’ crooner lamented that Artistes of today have abandoned the traditional Highlife elements that made Ghanaian music rich and diverse.

Instead, he believes they have adopted Western influences, stripping the genre of its authenticity.

“If you listen to the songs of Shatta Wale, Black Sherif, and others, their beats are all Western beats. There is no Highlife in there,” he stated.

According to Ambolley, Highlife music in his era was deeply rooted in experience and storytelling, often incorporating a blend of bass guitar, and trumpet to create a unique and timeless sound.

He claims that younger musicians lack the depth to produce meaningful, resonant music.

“The musicians of today just make music about their girlfriends because they haven’t grown. They haven’t faced life in a deep way to be motivated to make meaningful, resonating music,” he argued.

Ambolley believes that this shift has “ruined Highlife” as the genre now struggles to maintain its original identity amid modern trends.

His comments come at a time when there is ongoing discussions about whether Ghanaian artists are doing enough to preserve Highlife, which has historically been the country’s signature music genre as we celebrate Ghana month.

While his remarks may stir controversy, they also raise critical questions about the evolution of Ghanaian music and whether today’s artists should do more to honor and maintain the Highlife legacy.

Israel kills Hamas official being treated at Gaza hospital

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Israel kills Hamas official

An Israeli air strike on a hospital in Gaza killed a senior Hamas leader and an aide on Sunday evening, a Hamas official told the BBC.

Ismail Barhoum, the head of the group’s financial affairs, was killed in the strike on Nasser Hospital, the main medical facility in Khan Younis.

He was receiving treatment at the hospital after being wounded in an air strike four days ago, the official said.

Israel’s military said it had struck a key Hamas member operating inside the hospital compound following “an extensive intelligence-gathering process” and said that “precise munitions” had been used to mitigate harm.

The Hamas-run health ministry said “many others”, including medical personnel, were injured.

The health ministry said on Monday morning that at least 61 people had been killed in Gaza by Israel over the preceding 24 hours.

It said 730 had been killed since Israel resumed bombing on 18 March.

Meanwhile a 75-year-old man was killed and a 20-year-old soldier was injured in what Israeli police said was a terror attack at a junction near the northern city of Haifa on Monday morning.

They said the assailant rammed his vehicle into a bus stop, then stabbed and opened fire at people before being shot dead by officers.

In Gaza, the department in Nasser Hospital that was hit was evacuated after a large portion was destroyed, the health ministry said.

Footage verified by the BBC showed people attempting to extinguish a fire after the strike.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals as hiding places for weapons and command centres, which the group denies.

Credit: bbc.com

Greenland condemns planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser

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Second Lady Usha Vance is visiting to celebrate Greenlandic culture, the US says

Greenland’s politicians have condemned plans for high-profile US visits, in the wake of President Donald Trump’s threats to take over the island.

Second Lady Usha Vance will make a cultural visit this week, and a separate trip is expected from Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede described the plan as aggressive, and said the duo had not been invited for meetings. Meanwhile, the island’s likely next leader accused the US of showing a lack of respect.

Greenland – the world’s biggest island, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans – has been controlled by Denmark, nearly 3,000km (1,860 miles) away, for about 300 years.

It governs its own domestic affairs, but decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. The US has long held a security interest – and has had a military base on the island since World War Two.

It is also thought Trump is interested in the island’s rare earth minerals. His son Donald Jr visited Greenland before Trump’s inauguration in January.

Announcing Mrs Vance’s visit, the White House said the second lady would visit historical sites and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race.

Her delegation – including her son – would be there to “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity”, the statement said.

Waltz’s trip was confirmed by a source who spoke to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News. He is expected to visit before Mrs Vance and to travel with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to the New York Times.

Credit: bbc.com

South Korea court reinstates PM as acting leader

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President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea’s constitutional court has dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president.

Han took over as acting leader last December when President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from duties and impeached by parliament after he attempted to declare martial law.

However, Han only lasted two weeks in power before lawmakers voted to impeach him as well. Since then, South Korea has been led by deputy prime minister Choi Sang-mok.

South Korea has been roiled by political chaos since Yoon’s botched attempt to impose martial law.

Shortly after assuming the role of acting president, Han blocked the appointment of new judges to the constitutional court – something the opposition had hoped would improve the odds of Yoon getting impeached.

As a result, they voted to impeach Han. But on Monday, the judges ruled seven to one to strike down the impeachment. “I thank the constitutional court for its wise decision,” Han said after the ruling was announced. “I will work to bring the government to order.”

South Korea remains on tenterhooks for another upcoming decision by the same court – on the impeachment of President Yoon.

Lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon on 14 December, but it is ultimately up to the constitutional court to decide.

If the court votes to uphold the impeachment, Yoon would be immediately removed from office and South Korea must hold a presidential election within 60 days. If it dismisses the impeachment, Yoon would return to his duties immediately.

Credit: bbc.com

US-mediated Russia, Ukraine talks open in Saudi Arabia

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Russia, Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia

A United States delegation led by real estate tycoon-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff has begun a high-stakes meeting with Kremlin negotiators in Saudi Arabia, where the Trump administration is pushing for progress toward a ceasefire in separate talks with Russia and Ukraine.

 

The meeting comes one day after discussions between a US contingent – led by officials from the State Department, the National Security Council and members of Ukraine Special Envoy Keith Kellogg’s team – and Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, which were described by the latter as “productive and focused.”

 

At the top of the agenda of Monday’s talks will be “the issue of the Black Sea Initiative and all aspects related to its renewal,” including “navigation safety,” according to the Kremlin.

Earlier in the war, the so-called Black Sea Grain Initiative enabled the safe export of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea waters. Russia withdrew from that agreement, which was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, in 2023, complaining that Russia faced obstacles exporting its own food.

 

Washington is eyeing a potential maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and hoping that some of the initial positivity in peace talks can be translated into a broader 30-day truce and longer-term negotiations. But a wide gulf in expectations exists between Russia, Ukraine and their US interlocutors.

 

As talks continue, so do the attacks on Ukraine, where Russian strikes have killed at least four civilians in the last 24 hours, according to regional officials on Monday morning, and injured at least 13 other people – including a pregnant woman.

Credit: cnn.com

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu lauds minister’s decision to complete all projects in A/R

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu

Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, former Member of Parliament for Suame, has lauded Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister’s bold decision to complete all existing projects in the Ashanti Region.

According to him, there are a number of infrastructural projects initiated by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, which were not completed before the exit of the government.

Some of the projects, he said, include Astroturfs, One District One Factory projects, Central Market project, Suame Roundabout Interchange project, Market projects, School infrastructure and Road construction projects.

The former Majority Leader and Minister for parliamentary Affairs assured that he (Minister) could count on the support of the Members of Parliament and other stakeholders in the region to work for the proper development of the region.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made the commendation at the Kumasi Bloc Public Dialogue, a high-profile and strategic forum aimed at rigorously assessing the 2025 Budget and examining its alignment with the developmental aspirations of Kumasi.

The engagement seeks to gather diverse perspectives from stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, policymakers, business leaders, market associations and civil society groups to critically assess the impact of the 2025 Budget on the development of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region at large.

The Dialogue also aimed to address the recent challenges, including market fires, infrastructural concerns and economic difficulties.

The forum also sought to ensure that the interests and developmental needs of Kumasi are thoroughly articulated and effectively considered in national policy making.

The former Suame legislator expressed worry over the removal of the COVID-19 Levy, saying once the world is out of the pandemic, COVID-19 levy should have been replaced with pandemic Levy towards addressing unforeseen future pandemic.

He said the government policy on Free Sanitary pads for students is not a bad idea, because when implemented, it would increase school enrollment and reduce girl absenteeism, especially in the rural communities, and urged the government to increase education infrastructural facilities to accommodate the students.

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