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NIMC busts illegal NIN enrolment operators in Gwagwalada, arrests suspects

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several suspected illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment operators during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other locations.

The Commission also seized equipment allegedly used for unauthorised NIN enrolment, data modification and other unethical activities.

NIMC disclosed this in a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on October 30, 2026, saying the operation was conducted by its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU).

The Commission said the exercise was part of its intensified crackdown on illegal enrolment activities, unauthorised modification of personal data and extortion, which it described as threats to the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System.

It noted that many of the challenges experienced by Nigerians with their National Identification Numbers stemmed from bypassing official enrolment procedures and patronising unauthorised operators.

According to the Commission, NIN enrolment can only be conducted at NIMC-approved enrolment centres, while data modification can be carried out through its self-service platform.

NIMC also urged NIN holders to download the NINAuth application from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to enhance the protection of their identity information.

The application, it said, provides security benefits and enables users to print their NIN slips. The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for extortion and unethical practices, assuring Nigerians and legal residents of its commitment to providing seamless and hitch-free NIN enrolment services.

The Commission consequently advised applicants and existing NIN holders to use only its approved channels for enrolment and other identity management services.

Arogundade others fault call for media to declare poll winners

The growing call by some political actors for media organisations to engage in the announcement of winners of elections has been described by ….as an invitation to anarchy.

Speakers at a forum in Abuja which included media executives and representatives of civil society organisations(CSOs) said it was in order for media houses and others to participate in collating election results but not assume the role of announcing winners.

The forum tagged: ‘Dialogue session with media executives on the compliance with the national peace accord’ was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) with support from the European Union (EU) the International Press Centre (IPC) the Kukah Centre among others.

Executive Director of the IPC Lanre Arogundade argued that it was wrong to ask media organisations to declare winners of elections because of the divergence in media allegiance in the country.

Arogundade who warned about the confusion such practice could cause said: ‘If we do that we will have Kenya 2007 in our hands.’

Speaking on the topic ‘The media as a partner for electoral peace and accountability’ the IPC boss pointed out that the media have the capacity to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting national unity peace and cohesion and mitigate violence during the 2027 elections.

He however noted the media would do better in this regard if the whole society assumes the responsibility of creating a peaceful atmosphere during election season.

Arogundade added: ‘Crucially too the media needs the support of the rest of the society to get it right during the elections adding that it has now become the responsibility of all to defend journalists’ rights to adequate protection welfare and resources while they perform their responsibilities.

Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) Akin Akingbulu argued that contrary to what people might be saying ‘my take would be that because elections are counted and documented in the appropriate electoral forms the appropriate institutions get copies of these results.

‘Copies are also pasted at polling units. Polling officers agents of parties and other relevant officials get copies. So the results are already in the public space. So anybody can tally such results.

‘In my opinion it is constitutionally right for people to collate results especially if they were present in those polling units’ he said.

Akingbulu added that any political party that participates in any election but does not collate results cannot be regarded as a political party.

He said: ‘What I did not support which is not lawful is the declaration of results because the Electoral Act 2026 gives that function to the election management body that is INEC.

”My expectation is that yes whether it is civil society whether it is the observers or other groups as they get the results why not? You can collate.’

He however stressed the need for the people to be vigilant and ensure they were up and doing with the months left before the next set of elections in the country.

A former National President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Wahab Odusile noted the key role of the media in sustaining societal peace and advocated that media owners and journalists should be made to commit to promoting peace during elections.

‘The media too should be held accountable for the need to promote peace. We are called Nigerian journalists because we have a country called Nigeria.

‘We should be committed to peace. We should not use our pen to bring the country out of existence’ he said.

Executive Director of the Kukah Centre who is also a member of the NPC Attah Barkindo said the event was intended to ensure the involvement of the media in his organisation’s efforts to promote peace during and after electioneering in the country.

Barkindo argued that the duty of creating a peaceful atmosphere during electioneering activities in the country is not solely that of his group but a collective responsibility of everyone including the political players themselves and the media.

He blamed relevant state agencies for failing in their responsibility to prosecute politicians who violated peace accords after signing.

He said: ‘The peace accord has been annotated to link it with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act but people still violate it.

‘In the past we have collated data of people who have violated the peace accord. We have information and data on violations of the Electoral Act; on violations of the Constitution in relation to elections.

‘We handed this data and information to INEC and the police who are paid with taxpayers’ money; they don’t do anything. But people keep coming for the Peace Committee.’

Kogi vigilantes arrest two over alleged vandalism of PHCN armoured cable

Operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), attached to Sector D Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalism of an armoured cable belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The suspects, identified as Jonah Bako, 30, and Abdullahi Yunusa, 45, were arrested on October 30 at about 9 p.m. following sustained credible intelligence.

According to a statement by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, Bako was allegedly caught vandalising the electricity cable before his arrest.

During interrogation, the first suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and identified Yunusa, a scrap dealer, as his regular buyer. The alleged receiver was subsequently arrested.

The Comptroller-General of KSVS, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Anataku, commended the operatives for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in the fight against criminal activities across the state.

Anataku also expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support and encouragement to the service.

He called on residents to support security agencies with credible and actionable intelligence, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

The Comptroller-General assured members of the public that all information supplied, as well as the identities of informants, would be treated with strict confidentiality.

UPDF details timeline of Somalia exit following new Defence ministry mandate

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially commenced the immediate drawdown of its troops deployed in Somalia under bilateral arrangements, with the first cohort of soldiers already arriving back in Uganda.

The military revealed on Monday that the withdrawal of forces under the bilateral agreement will wrap up within days, setting in motion a broader, phased exit plan that will see all Ugandan troops-including those serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)-fully complete their departure by the close of 2027.

The latest development was confirmed by Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who detailed the timeline on X (formerly Twitter).

“The UPDF will gradually withdraw all its forces in Somalia, including those currently deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) by the close of 2027,” Col. Magezi stated. “This will mark the end of Uganda’s enduring 20-year peace and stabilization support operations in Somalia, permitting the Somali Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for security in the country.”

Col. Magezi’s announcement builds upon recent communications from top military leadership regarding Uganda’s exit strategy. Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba had previously signaled the start of the security handover, emphasizing the deep sacrifice made by Ugandan personnel over two decades of operation.

“As we promised, we have started withdrawing UPDF from Somalia. After 20 years of a lot of blood and sacrifice, we are handing over security to our Somali brothers,” Gen. Muhoozi stated.

The phased drawdown arrives against a backdrop of mounting international financial constraints and shifting diplomatic priorities. In July, the United States informed the African Union that it would not support renewing the mission’s mandate before the United Nations Security Council in December, while the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) implemented a 25 percent funding cut affecting frontline operations.

Despite these global funding squeezes, Ugandan authorities have maintained that regional commitment remains steadfast. Speaking to troop-contributing leaders at the Extraordinary Summit in Munyonyo earlier this year, President Yoweri Museveni asserted that African nations possess the self-reliance required to tackle regional security challenges.

“If the international community wants to pull out, let them. All the problems we have solved here, we solved without their support. We got support from our brothers,” President Museveni stated. “Somalia will not be abandoned. We have the capacity. Whether others pull out or not, we shall stand.”

President Museveni further underscored that Uganda’s initial 2007 deployment was grounded in principle and regional solidarity rather than external demands.

“When therefore we decided to involve ourselves in Somalia, it was out of principle and strategy. We did not accept the chauvinism of Islamic groups who come here and waste our time… The second reason was to extend solidarity to Ethiopia… We had to stand with them,” Mr. Museveni explained.

During pre-summit deliberations, Gen. Muhoozi urged regional military commanders to navigate the shrinking international support by crafting self-sustaining operational models ahead of the scheduled UNSOS logistical support wind-down on December 31.

“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve,” Gen. Muhoozi told regional defense chiefs. “The future of our mission, and the sacrifice and progress we have all made together in Somalia, depend on the quality of the decisions we make at moments like this.”

Continental and regional leaders have also reiterated their commitment to Somalia’s transition process. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf pledged sustained backing, stating, “I wish to assure the government and people of Somalia that the Commission will continue to mobilize all the political, diplomatic, and financial support necessary for the success of this mission.”

In response, Somali military leadership expressed appreciation for the two decades of external support. The Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, commended the peacekeeping forces for their long-standing sacrifices, while the Head of the AU Peace Support Operations Division, Brig. Gen. Cheick Dembele, stressed that unbroken African solidarity remains vital to building capable Somali security institutions.

Uganda made history in 2007 as the pioneer nation to deploy troops under the original African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Over the past 19 years, the UPDF played a pivotal role in driving back Al-Shabaab militants, liberating strategic territories, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Following AMISOM’s transition into AUSSOM in 2024, focus turned to strengthening local institutions-a mission now nearing its final chapter as Somali forces prepare for complete security sovereignty by late 2027.

You’ve Abandoned Retired Police Officers, Atiku Tells Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of abandoning retired police officers to a broken pension system and forcing them to fight for the dignity and security they earned through years of service.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said it was disgraceful that officers who risked their lives protecting Nigerians are now reduced to staging daily protests at the National Pension Commission simply to make their legitimate demands heard.

‘A government that can deploy police officers to protect the powerful but cannot protect them in retirement has failed them utterly,’ he said.

Atiku said the administration’s treatment of retired officers exposed the hollowness of its claims to be tackling insecurity. ‘If police officers who served this country must endure humiliation to demand a fair pension, what hope is there for other Nigerians who have spent their working lives in public service?’ he asked.

Atiku said he was deeply troubled by the protests and had instructed his team to meet with the officers and hear their concerns directly.

He also faulted President Tinubu for failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which, according to the statement, has remained on his desk since March.

The ADC candidate condemned the government’s ‘use and discard’ treatment of officers who spent their careers protecting Nigerians, including political office holders, only to be abandoned when they need support most.

Atiku said his Police Dignity Guarantee Plan would put the welfare and retirement security of law enforcement officers at the centre of his approach to tackling insecurity.

The plan includes prompt action on the Police Exit Bill, restoring gratuity for police officers and ensuring that officers are treated with dignity both during service and in retirement. He has also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of taking office.

‘Insecurity cannot be defeated while those who protect the country are denied security in retirement. My Police Dignity Guarantee Plan will ensure that officers who serve Nigeria are properly supported throughout their careers and are not abandoned when they retire. We will make Nigeria affordable again and restore dignity to those who have spent their lives serving it,’ Atiku said.

KolaDaisi varsity VC highlights quality teaching governance as institution marks 10 years

The Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University Ibadan Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji said the true value of a higher institution lies in the quality of its teaching students’ intellectual development and the integrity of its governance rather than the number of years it has existed programmes offered or physical structures.

Morenikeji spoke on Monday at a press conference held on the university campus in Ibadan ahead of its 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremony.

She said the briefing was organised not only to announce activities lined up for the celebrations but also to review the institution’s achievements over the past decade and outline its future priorities.

The vice-chancellor recalled that KolaDaisi University popularly known as KDU was established ten years ago by business mogul and Bashorun of Ibadanland Chief Kola Daisi.

She said the institution was founded with a commitment to providing quality tertiary education producing graduates with sound character and practical competence and contributing to Nigeria’s social and economic development.

Reflecting on the state of tertiary education in the country the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the future of private universities will not be determined by building expansion or multiplying academic programmes but by strict adherence to quality assurance institutional governance professional accreditation and graduates’ marketability.

Professor Morenikeji said at the briefing that the university will graduate a record 224 students across 16 academic disciplines at the upcoming convocation ceremony.

She pointed out that the university has grown from a modest total of 52 graduates in its early years to 224 this year reflecting steady expansion made possible by sustained investments in modern lecture rooms well-equipped laboratories comfortable hostel accommodation robust ICT infrastructure and other essential facilities for a modern learning environment.

She reassured parents and stakeholders of the institution’s academic standards explaining that KDU has secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission for most of its academic programmes across various faculties while others are currently undergoing routine re-accreditation.

The university presently runs competitive programmes spanning humanities sciences law health sciences and engineering including specialised courses such as Biochemistry Microbiology Industrial Chemistry Computer Science Cybersecurity Accounting Business Administration Economics Mass Communication Law and History and Diplomatic Studies.

Beyond academic approval the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university has earned key professional approvals notably from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and is actively engaging other regulatory and professional bodies to ensure KDU graduates have clear uninterrupted professional pathways upon graduation.

To further elevate the institution’s academic standing Professor Morenikeji highlighted ongoing efforts to build a robust research culture.

She noted that KDU has instituted formal research and intellectual property policies established a centralised database of research outputs and provided strong support for digital research infrastructure and competitive grant proposals.

She shared notable examples of the university’s research achievements including a patented plant-based bio-pesticide formulated locally from lemongrass and orange peel extract.

She also cited international recognition achieved by KDU scholars such as Dr. John Akintola’s research visit to a prestigious institute in France Dr. Anne Adeyonju’s research endeavours in Canada and Dr. Tenuola’s award of a child grant by the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa for critical research on displacement and indigenous farming practices in South-West Nigeria.

Many other academic staff she added continue to represent the university at international symposia and benefit from foreign academic fellowships.

Professor Morenikeji stressed that learning at KDU extends beyond classroom lectures explaining that several academic departments have struck partnerships with industry leaders to secure practical hands-on training for students while university teams work actively to link graduating talent directly with employers through organised job fairs.

In addition KDU has partnered with technical institutes to offer campus-based vocational certifications in high-demand skills such as multimedia installation lighting and stage management videography creative production and event management.

On student welfare and community engagement the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the management’s dedication to maintaining a safe comfortable and vibrant campus life.

She listed ongoing investments in healthcare sports host-building projects internet connectivity and a partnership under the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee affordable medical care for all students. She also commended KDU’s community outreach initiatives which include regular free health drives and infrastructural support for market women within the host communities.

Looking ahead to the next decade Professor Morenikeji revealed that management will focus heavily on deepening educational quality strengthening teaching and learning expanding research and innovation building strong industry partnerships for graduate employment and improving overall campus welfare and infrastructure.

She reassured the public that while the first decade established the foundational building blocks the coming decade will deepen KDU’s impact and solidify public confidence in its mission.

Charging the graduating set to be worthy ambassadors of their alma mater the Vice-Chancellor urged them to remain humble innovative and principled as they step into the world letting the quality of their choices the excellence of their work and their service to humanity speak for their education.

Earlier in his opening remarks the Registrar of the university Mr. Haruna Adetu welcomed media executives and guests to the briefing. He announced that the 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremonies will span two weeks running from October 26 to November 5 and will feature sports competitions community health outreaches entrepreneurship exhibitions award presentations the formal conferment of degrees and a high-profile Convocation Lecture to be delivered by former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

John Arcilla seeks justice for pets dumped in Bulacan, probe into crematoriums

John Arcilla has demanded justice for the 29 dogs and cats found dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, as he called for a thorough investigation of pet crematoriums across the country following the incident.

In two social media posts over the weekend, Arcilla described the incident as a crime and accused questionable pet crematoriums of deceiving pet owners who pay for the proper cremation of their deceased animals.

‘Ito ay isang krimen,’ he said in his first post. ‘Kailangang panagutan at makulong ang mga may gawa nito. Ang may ari ng crematorium at ang mga staff na kasangkot.’

Arcilla also called for the closure of establishments that fail to comply with the necessary standards, saying it is a form of estafa toward pet owners or fur parents.

‘Ito ay panloloko at isang estafa. kumukubra ng pera pero walang produktong legal,’ the actor lamented. ‘Hindi ito makatarungan para sa mga nagbayad at nagtiwalang fur parents na ang mga abo na nasa kanila ay hindi naman abo ng kanilang mga fur babies.’

In a subsequent post, Arcilla shared his personal concerns as a pet owner, revealing that he had 11 dogs cremated after they died, mostly due to old age.

‘How can I confirm if all those urns contain the remains of my rightful furbabies?’ he said as he raised the possibility that some crematoriums could bury animal remains in their own properties while giving customers generic ashes instead.

Arcilla underscored that it is not an ‘overraction’ to demand accountability for cases like this.

‘Kailangan ma-investigate lahat ng pet crematoriums at ma-double-check ang kanilang facilities kung able and capable ba silang mag-operate. kung hindi at kahina-hinala ang kanilang operations, dapat ipa-close ito, at makulong ang mga may pananagutan, kasama ang staff na mga accomplice,’ he said.

‘Hindi ito overreaction. we pay a good sum for these services, out of love for our pets, whom we consider members of our families,’ added the veteran actor.

Arcilla’s remarks came after the remains of 29 dogs and cats were found inside sacks in a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte, even though they were originally brought to Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, for proper cremation.

Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla later ordered the closure of the crematorium involved in the incident.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), meanwhile, urged the owners of the 29 animals to pursue legal action against the establishment, saying the incident may constitute estafa by means of deceit.

Makerere university minister for culture suspended after freshers’ ball clash

Edward Mutebi, the Minister for Culture, Mobilisation and Social Affairs of Makerere University, has been suspended by the Guild President, Gracious Kadondi, for twenty days following an altercation at the Freshers’ Ball on Saturday.

Ms Kadondi said the decision paves the way for necessary investigations into the expected standard of conduct required of a guild minister, which Mr Edward Mutebi failed to meet.

”This suspension is for a period of twenty-nine (29) days pending the conclusion of necessary investigations and a final decision on the matter. The basis of this action is the expected standard of conduct required of a guild minister, which Hon. Mutebi Edward has failed to meet.” The notice dated November 1, read.

Ms Kadondi explained that the suspension is pursuant to Article 83(1) of the Makerere University Students’ Guild Constitution 2022, which vests in the Guild President the power to suspend a member of the Cabinet.

”I hereby suspend Hon. Mutebi Edward, Minister for Culture, Mobilisation and Social Affairs.” She noted.

During the period of suspension, Mr Mutebi will be barred from exercising any of the powers, duties, or functions attached to the office of his ministry and shall not be allowed to represent the Guild in that capacity.

Mr Mutebi has also been directed to return all instruments of power and any material in his possession relating to the said office.

Mr Mutebi did not pick up or return our calls on his known phone numbers on Sunday evening when this publication reached out to clarify whether he had received a copy of the suspension letter.

However, in a letter shared on Sunday evening via his social media handle X (formerly Twitter), Mr Mutebi said his office has noted with concern queries from the public regarding an altercation during the performance of artist Fik Fameica, and explained that they needed to maximise the little which was allocated for entertainment.

”We have noted with concern queries from the public in regard to an altercation during the performance of artist Mr Walukagga Shafik alias King Kong, Fresh Bwoy or Fik Fameica. We wish to clarify that prior to the event, the organising team had agreed upon guidelines, and in the best interest of time, we agreed that actions speak louder and that the best way to thank Makerereans is by making sure we maximise the little time we have to give them the best entertainment.” The November 1 letter read.

Adding, ”these guidelines were shared days prior and were equally approved by the security team.”

Mr Mutbebi, who issued an apology, said the event was disrupted by rain, forcing them to do away with ”unnecessary ” speeches, a decision, he said, didn’t sit well with some of their stakeholders.

”On behalf of the organising committee, we are profoundly sorry for the little time allocated to some of our performers and to those who were entirely left out of the program.” He added.

The Makerere University Freshers’ Ball held on Saturday night at Impis Grounds drew thousands of students, showcasing local artists including Feffe Busi, Hanz MC and Nina Roz among others.

However, the day took a twist when Fik Fameica took up the stage, but Guild President Ms Gracious Kadondi walked onto the stage with her team and demanded that she address the students before Fameica continued.

The singer responded with a demand that the Guild President leave the stage, turning the scene into a confrontation, prompting intervention from the security as students demanded she leave the stage and the singer continued.

In another scene, an unidentified woman was also spotted walking naked during the event.

The Freshers’ Ball, an annual event, is organised to welcome new students to the university.

PDP members back Sani over roads in Kaduna

Members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State have declared their support for Governor Uba Sani ahead of next year’s governorship election citing his building of roads in their communities.

The residents said they would support the governor at the polls despite their membership of the opposition party noting that his performance in infrastructure development had earned him their backing.

One of them Adamu Danburam a PDP coordinator in his area said he would vote for Sani because the governor had done for his community what the PDP had failed to do.

He said: ‘I am a staunch PDP member but for us politics is about individuals. Although we belong to the PDP I will vote for Sani because he has done for me what the PDP could not do.

‘Even as a PDP coordinator in my area I will vote for Sani because we should vote for someone who knows our community and has done something to improve our lives. I support him because he has constructed a road for us.’

Danburam prayed for the governor to complete his tenure saying residents hoped he would address other challenges facing their communities if re-elected.

He appealed to the governor to provide a hospital electricity and potable water for Birnin Da’a village.

Another PDP member Dogara Mohammed said he had never changed political parties but would vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming election because of the road built through his community.

‘Everybody knows that I have never changed political parties but this time I will vote for APC because of the road he constructed through our town.

‘The road will benefit many people including future generations. It will also help many people across the country especially those who use it to travel’ he further said.

Mohammed added that the residents intended to reward the governor for the project through their votes.

Similarly Hassan Abdullahi said the poor condition of roads had previously made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets in Soba and other locations particularly during the rainy season.

‘Before the road was constructed we faced serious difficulties because of the poor road network. It was difficult to transport our farm produce to markets especially during the rainy season.

‘But now Governor Sani has built a road linking Gurundafi Soba and Turawa. We can reach our destinations easily within a few minutes.

We are truly grateful’ he said.

The residents described the road project as an intervention that would improve transportation ease the movement of farm produce and support economic activities in their communities.

Kaduna State Government has also built roads in other parts of the state including a 15-kilometre road linking Kasuwar Magani to Wusar in Kajuru Local Government and a 23-kilometre road linking Madaci to Madakiya and extending to Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.

Northern Ashanti Mines Lease Revocation: Asante-Akyem Chiefs Back Government

Some chiefs in the Asante-Akyem enclave of the Ashanti Region have backed the revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines’ mining lease, insisting that mining companies must be held accountable for failing to meet their statutory obligations and demonstrate the capacity to operate their concessions effectively.

The chiefs, including the Mennamhene, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, and the Konongo Chief, Nana Awuah Abedimsa II aka Dr. Albert Awuah Jnr., have endorsed the Minerals Commission’s decision, citing concerns over the company’s outstanding mineral right fees and its performance in developing the mining concession.

According to Nana Awuah, the development calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and the selection of financially capable investors who can maximise the country’s mineral resources while contributing to the development of host communities.

Mennamhene, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, who spoke on behalf of Juansamanhene, Nana Kwaku Dankwah Opamago Kodie II, said the government was justified in terminating the company’s mineral rights.

He stressed that no mining firm should be shielded from accountability when it failed to fulfil its statutory obligations.

He explained that mining companies were required to meet specific responsibilities, including the payment of taxes, mineral right fees and other statutory revenues due the state.

He said failure to honour these obligations provided sufficient grounds for the appropriate authorities to take action in accordance with the law.

Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah stressed that holding a mining concession did not place any company above the law, adding that the government had the authority to terminate a lease where sufficient grounds existed to establish breaches of the relevant regulations and agreements.

He also criticised companies that portrayed themselves as victims after being found to have breached mining laws, describing such conduct as unhelpful to efforts to promote accountability and responsible mining.

Konongo Chief

The chief of Konongo, Nana Awuah Abedimsa II, described Northern Ashanti Mines’ performance as below expectations.

According to him, the company had not demonstrated the necessary financial capacity to undertake effective gold mining operations, raising concerns about its ability to develop the concession to meet the expectations of the state and beneficiary communities.

The chief said the decision by the Minerals Commission was therefore necessary, particularly where a company holding mineral rights was unable to demonstrate the capacity required to develop and operate the concession effectively.

He urged the Minerals Commission to ensure that the process of selecting a new operator followed the appropriate procedures, stressing the need for investors with the financial strength, technical expertise and operational efficiency to manage the concession in the interest of the nation and its beneficiaries.

Nana Abedimsah II maintained that the selection of a new investor should go beyond the mere transfer of mineral rights and focus on securing a company capable of translating the area’s gold resources into meaningful economic benefits.

He further called for transparency and due diligence in the process to ensure that the incoming operator could meet its statutory obligations, sustain mining activities and contribute to development within the concession’s catchment area.

Community Development Priority

The traditional leaders also called on the incoming operator to comply fully with the country’s mining laws and ensure that its activities contribute meaningfully to the development of the area.

Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah said the new company must learn from the circumstances surrounding the termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ lease and prioritise compliance with mining regulations, payment of statutory revenues and responsible management of the concession.

He added that the traditional authorities were prepared to engage the incoming operator to discuss development priorities and identify ways in which mining activities could support communities within the concession’s catchment area.

According to him, although the government was expected to engage the new company on matters relating to its operations, the chiefs would also hold discussions with the operator to establish a working relationship focused on cooperation, community development and sustainable growth.

The chiefs said such engagements would provide an opportunity to address the needs of communities affected by mining activities and encourage the new operator to recognise its responsibilities beyond mineral extraction.

They expressed the expectation that the change in ownership or management would create an opportunity for more effective mining operations, increased economic activity and improved benefits for the people of the area.

Minerals Commission’s Revocation

The chiefs’ reactions follow the revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines’ mining lease by the Minerals Commission over breaches of its statutory and contractual obligations.

In a press release dated October 27, 2026, the Commission said the termination was carried out in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), and the terms of the agreements with the company.

The Commission stated that Northern Ashanti Mines had failed to pay outstanding Annual Mineral Right (AMR) fees amounting to US$8.33 million for its mining leases covering the period from 2010 to 2025. It also owed US$49,928 in fees relating to prospecting licences for the period from 2019 to 2025.

According to the Commission, the company was issued notices on April 14, 2025, requiring it to remedy the breaches and settle the outstanding amounts within a stipulated period.

However, the company failed to comply with the notices.

The Commission further indicated that Northern Ashanti Mines had not undertaken any meaningful mining operations on the concession for more than two years, a situation it said contravened Section 69(1) of Act 703.

Following the company’s failure to remedy the breaches, the Commission said it notified the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on April 7, 2026, and sought approval to issue a termination notice.

The Minister approved the request on April 24, 2026, paving the way for the Commission to terminate the mineral rights on April 30, 2026.

They maintain that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that Ghana’s mineral resources are managed responsibly and productively in the national interest.

CEO Defence

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, also defended the revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines’ lease, rejecting allegations that the Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources acted in bad faith.

Speaking at a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Accra on Thursday, October 29, 2026, he insisted that the Minister had exercised his lawful authority before the termination process was completed.

He also disputed the company’s claim that it had paid US$1 million in annual mineral right fees, saying the Commission’s records showed payments of only US$300,000 in two tranches.

Mr. Tandoh questioned why the company, which reportedly claimed to have invested US$200 million in the mine, had failed to settle its outstanding obligations to the state.

He said the company had acknowledged receipt of the termination notice but had chosen to pursue legal action against the Minister, the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General.

He urged the company to allow the courts to determine the dispute, adding that the mineral rights had reverted to the state following the termination.

He said the Commission would continue to pursue the outstanding debts and take steps to protect the mining assets against encroachment and other illegal activities, in accordance with the law.