Minister Leads 800 Acre Land Reclamation At Nkroful

The government has intensified efforts to restore lands destroyed by illegal mining by recovering degraded forest reserves, abandoned mine pits and polluted landscapes through large-scale tree planting initiatives.

The latest intervention is taking place at Nkroful in the Western Region where 800 acres of mined-out land along the River Subri have been handed over to RM Ecorestore Ghana Limited for reclamation and reforestation works.

The project is sponsored by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited/Zijin Ghana, a large-scale mining company operating at Akyem, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts through an initiative spearheaded by the Sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

The Minister’s intervention is said to have saved the country millions of cedis that would otherwise have been spent on the project from the Consolidated Fund.

Under the project, thousands of Cassia and Teak seedlings are expected to be planted across the reclaimed land in an effort to restore the ecological health of the area and gradually return the land to productive use.

The government said the exercise is not only intended to reclaim degraded lands, but also create economic opportunities for residents in mining-affected communities through employment and long-term plantation development.

Nyankumase Project

The Nkroful project follows a similar exercise already underway at Nyankumase in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, where extensive tree planting activities have commenced on abandoned mining lands.

At Nyankumase, large portions of degraded land have already been replanted with Cassia and Teak seedlings as part of a long-term rehabilitation programme designed to improve soil quality and restore the area’s environmental balance.

Speaking to journalists after a brief ceremony to officially commence the reclamation works at Nkroful, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the government remains committed to protecting the country’s lands, forests and water bodies from further destruction.

According to the Minister, the increasing destruction caused by illegal mining has made environmental restoration a major national priority that requires urgent and sustained intervention.

He noted that the Mahama administration is determined to reverse the damage caused by years of irresponsible mining activities, especially in forest reserves and farming communities.

Armah-Kofi Buah explained that initiatives such as the Tree for Life and Blue Water programmes are central to the government’s environmental sustainability agenda.

He said the interventions are intended to promote reforestation, restore polluted water bodies and encourage responsible land use practices in mining-prone areas.

The Minister further stressed that reclaiming abandoned mining pits has become necessary due to the dangerous environmental and health risks such sites pose to nearby communities.

Mr. Buah added that many of the degraded lands, once restored, could be converted into productive agricultural lands, forest plantations and other development-oriented projects capable of benefiting local residents.

He said the President remains deeply concerned about the rapid destruction of forest reserves and the contamination of major rivers caused by illegal mining activities in recent years.

He maintained that the ongoing reclamation projects are part of broader measures being rolled out to tackle galamsey while ensuring affected lands are not left permanently destroyed.

Mr. Buah assured that more degraded lands across the country would soon be reclaimed under similar programmes as the government intensifies efforts to restore the environment.

Sarkodie In London For Kweku Smoke’s Concert

Ghanaian rap icon, Sarkodie, arrived in London ahead of Kweku Smoke’s headline show at Electric Brixton on May 29, calling it the month’s must-see event and sharing posts with the rising star.

The duo, who have collaborated on tracks like ‘Odopa’, fueled fan excitement with Kweku Smoke dubbing the night ‘INSANE SH!T ONLY!’ Fans speculate Sarkodie might join Kweku Smoke onstage at the 1,500-capacity venue, where tickets start at £32.50 and doors open at 7 p.m.

On X, Sarkodie shared a photo with Kwaku Smoke with the caption, ‘London nights with Big Shmoke @kwekusmoke_ … the only necessary thing happening this month in UK is this Friday inside Electric Brixton electricbrixton.uk.com/events/kweku-s…’ This is Kweku Smoke’s first major headline concert in the UK, after winning awards at Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) in 2025 and dropping his ‘Walk With Me’ album.

Vitality Health International (Africa) becomes Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions

Discovery Health announced that Vitality Health International (Africa), its established employer health insurance business, has rebranded to ??Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions, effective 1 January 2026.

This transition reflects Vitality Health International (Africa)’s established health insurance business – integrated with the Vitality wellness programme – and introduces expanded healthcare offerings, delivering continuity for existing clients and enhanced capabilities that meet the evolving healthcare needs of employers and their people across Ghana and the wider continent.

In Ghana, Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions continues the long-standing partnership – dating back to 2023 – with in-market insurer Acacia Health Insurance, ensuring precise market relevance and a seamless healthcare solution for local employers and their employees.

‘While our name is changing, our commitment to our clients and to our core purpose – namely, to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives – remains the same,’ explains Emma Knox, CEO of Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions (formerly CEO of Vitality Health International).

‘Discovery Health Global enables the future-focused growth of the Vitality Health International (Africa) business in two ways.

First, by continuing the proven operating model of partnering with in-market insurers in the rest of Africa to deliver employer-focused solutions, to meet employees’ individual healthcare needs. Second, by enabling expansion into a broader range of solutions that meet our clients’ healthcare needs more completely, such as through our Administration Services Only (ASO) offering – a fully managed healthcare administration solution.’

Driving innovation and excellence through trusted partnership with Acacia Health Insurance

Acacia Health Insurance, a member of the Enterprise Group and Global Health Solutions’ in-market insurance partner in Ghana, is known for innovative products, strong technology capabilities and high-quality service.

‘Our partnership with Acacia Health Insurance has, which began in 2023, played a key role in establishing Global Health Solutions in Ghana,’ says Knox. ‘Going forward we will continue to build on a shared commitment to innovation, service excellence and improving the health of employers and their people.’

Mrs Araba Asumanu, Managing Director of Acacia Health Insurance adds, ‘The expansion from Vitality Health International to Global Health Solutions marks an important milestone in the maturity of the business. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration as we continue to meet the evolving healthcare needs of employers and employees across Ghana.’

Built on the strength of Africa’s leading healthcare administrator and managed care provider

Through Global Health Solutions, employers across Africa will also continue to benefit from access to Discovery Health’s 34 years of experience in healthcare administration and managed care – a support structure that has been integral to Vitality Health International (Africa)’s operations to date.

As South Africa’s largest medical aid administrator and managed care service provider, Discovery Health brings to the fore world-class clinical governance, advanced risk management and one of the most sophisticated healthcare data platforms globally. ‘Discovery Health remains the backbone of our operations, delivering measurable value, improved health outcomes and sustainable cost management for organisationsoperating in Africa,’ adds Knox.

A platform built for Africa’s future

Knox concludes: ‘Through Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions, we are moving beyond traditional health insurance to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem for employers across Africa. By bringing together tailored health insurance, the Vitality wellness programme and advanced administration and clinical capabilities on a single platform, we can meet a far broader range of healthcare needs for employers and their people, while staying true to Discovery’s core purpose: making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives.’

Tema Aircraft Crash: Pilot Took Off Despite Engine Overheating – Report

THE AIRCRAFT Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has revealed that the microlight aircraft most likely suffered an engine failure caused by overheating resulting in the crash that occurred in Tema on March 16, 2026.

The investigation, led by Capt. Paul Forjoe, found that the aircraft, registered 9G-ADV, did not make a distress call or declare an emergency before the crash.

The report also noted that the engine failed at an altitude too low for the pilot to find a suitable safe landing area. AIB Ghana further stated that Air Traffic Control failed to notify the Bureau of the accident, contrary to Section 22(1)(c) of the AIB Ghana Act 1028 of 2020.

Other findings that was revealed were the fact that the aircraft performed a short flight (13 minutes) at Ho (DGAH) with a friend in the Pilot’s seat. Upon landing, a witness account of white smoke emanating from the aircraft engine was not addressed. The subsequent flight which resulted in the aircraft’s return to DGAH (Accra International Airport) due to engine overheating was also not properly attended to.

Following the limited inspection performed on the engine, the Pilot splashed water onto the engine. He then proceeded with the third flight with his brother in the pilot.

The investigation determined that since the test flight permit number ADV 235 and ferry flight permit number ADV 236 issued by GCAA authorized 9G-ADV to only perform a test flight from DGAA to DGAA and a ferry flight to DGAH, the short flight at DGAH and the intended flights from DGAH to DGAA were not authorized flights.

The investigation noted that during pre-flight operations, transit checks, and pre-departure checks and during the flight from DGAH to DGAA, the Pilot engaged in the non-operational use of his personal cell phone at different periods.

Capt. Paul Forjoe further added that the Pilot’s personal texting activities were a possible source of distraction and interruptions, adding, these distractions coupled with his lack of full access to the instruments and switches due to his seating position would have been a challenge to his ability to perform jetly.

‘It is therefore possible that the Pilot’s non-operational use of his Portable Electronic Device (PED) and seating position contributed to the lack of awareness of the developing seriousness of the engine problem,’ he said.

Capt. Paul Forjoe in the recommendation indicated that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) should review its oversight of General Aviation aircraft operations and ensure that approved maintenance providers’ details are properly documented by the Authority as part of its records register to enhance safety in General Aviation operations.

He further indicated that GCAA should consider establishing a procedure to advise Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) on flight permits issued to Ghanaian-registered General Aviation aircraft, including privately owned aircraft.

He said this will provide information on the conditions attached to flight permits and enable ATC and airport managers to monitor and ensure compliance with aviation safety requirements.

‘Air Traffic Control (ATC) should ensure that all staff are fully aware of the requirements under the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Act, 2020 (Act 1028), particularly Section 22(1)(c), which mandates Air Traffic Controllers to immediately notify AIB Ghana of any aircraft accident using the fastest available means of communication.

This is intended to enable the Bureau to respond promptly for the preservation of evidence and the prevention of future occurrences.

Aircraft operators, including General Aviation operators, must continuously adhere to and comply with all conditions attached to permits or authorisations granted by the regulator in order to promote aviation safety,’ he said.

FHU Alumnus Launches Medical Textbook

An alumnus of Family Health University (FHU), Dr. Joseph Adam Dadzie, has launched a medical textbook, marking another significant milestone in the university’s growing legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

The launch was attended by the university leadership, lecturers, students, some medical practitioners and parents.

The medical textbook, titled ‘Student-Oriented Clinical Examination Skills (Medicine),’ is expected to help medical students prepare effectively for clinical examinations through simplified explanations, practical guidance, and real-world clinical approaches.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Dadzie described the launch as more than just the unveiling of a textbook but a celebration of sacrifice, mentorship, purpose, and the impact of people who believed in him throughout his journey.

‘Family Health University did not just train me academically; it revealed possibilities to me. It gave me mentors, opportunities, inspiration, and an environment that made me believe greatness could come from us too,’ he stated.

Dr. Dadzie disclosed that he was inspired to write the book having read a book written by Prof. Enyonam Yao Kwawukume.

According to him, books written by Prof. Kwawukume inspired him to believe that African scholars could also contribute significantly to global medical education.

Vice Chancellor of Family Health University, Prof. Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, described the moment as evidence of how far the university has come in establishing a medical school capable of nurturing excellence, leadership, and innovation.

‘We have gone a long way in establishing this medical school, and we are proud that one of our own has achieved this,’ he stated.

‘This achievement represents another defining chapter in the history of Family Health University, a symbol of the institution’s growing influence in shaping future medical professionals, educators, and leaders,’ he added.

For his part, Dr. Emmanuel Labram, Director of Academics and Students Affairs, described the publication as a timely and valuable resource for medical students preparing for clinical examinations.

He further stated that the student-centred nature of the book and the author’s passion for teaching makes it an indispensable guide for learners.

Student-Oriented Clinical Examination Skills (Medicine) covers physical exams of all systems, cranial nerves, and common OSCE cases. It guides students through tackling time-limited OSCE follow-up questions with confidence.

The book, which focuses on student-oriented approaches, clinical pearls, and real-world examples, makes it an indispensable resource for medical students preparing for clinical exams.

Govt Back- Tracks On New ‘E-Levy’

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has directed Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) to suspend the implementation of its proposed 0.75 percent charge on direct wallet-to-bank transfers following growing public backlash and concerns over the impact on businesses and consumers.

The fee, which was scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2026, had triggered widespread criticism, with many Ghanaians describing it as a reintroduction of the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) through another channel.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the central bank said the suspension was necessary to allow for further stakeholder consultations before any decision could be taken on the proposed charge.

According to the BoG, the decision reflects its commitment to ensuring fairness within the mobile financial ecosystem while protecting consumers and safeguarding their financial wellbeing.

‘The implementation of the proposed fee has been suspended pending further consultations,’ the statement said.

The announcement comes amid mounting concerns from businesses and players within the trade and transport sectors who warned that the additional charge would increase operational costs and place further strain on already burdened consumers.

One of the strongest reactions came from the Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana, which welcomed the BoG’s intervention and described the suspension as a major relief for businesses operating within the country’s ports and logistics sector.

In a statement signed by its President, Francis Nyarepe-Attipoe, the association said the proposed 0.75 percent fee would have imposed an additional financial burden on freight forwarders, transport operators, importers, exporters and small businesses that rely heavily on mobile money transactions for their daily operations.

The association noted that digital financial transactions have become an indispensable part of port and cargo clearance activities, including customs payments, transport coordination, supplier settlements and payment of port charges.

According to the group, any additional cost on digital transfers would ultimately be passed on to importers and consumers, with possible negative implications for trade facilitation and national economic activity.

‘The proposed 0.75 percent charge would have imposed a significant additional financial burden on freight forwarders, transport operators, importers, exporters and small businesses operating within the port ecosystem,’ portions of the statement said.

It added that higher transaction costs on mobile money platforms could undermine ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion and encourage digital payments across the country.

The association further urged Mobile Money Fintech Limited and other players within the financial sector to engage more extensively with industry stakeholders before introducing policies with major economic and operational consequences.

Adamus Denies Link To Mali Claims

Adamus Resources Limited and businesswoman Angela List have rejected ‘false and malicious attempts’ to link them to alleged regulatory breaches in Mali.

In a press release issued through their solicitors, Apatu-Plange and Co PRUC, the company and Angela List accused some media houses of deliberately publishing misleading reports aimed at damaging their reputation through sensational headlines and distorted narratives.

The statement followed a series of newspaper publications claiming that a ‘sister company’ of Adamus Resources had been implicated in alleged regulatory breaches referenced in a correspondence from Mali’s Ministry of Mines.

According to the lawyers, a careful reading of the circulated correspondence clearly shows that the allegations were directed specifically at MIKO-SA and not Adamus Resources Limited.

The statement stressed that Adamus Resources was nowhere mentioned in the correspondence and accused certain newspapers of deliberately framing their reports around the phrase ‘Adamus sister company’ in order to create the impression that the Ghana-based mining firm and Madam Angela List were involved in the alleged breaches.

‘Our clients’ attention has been drawn to a series of coordinated newspaper publications and sensational front-page stories deliberately framed around the claim that a ‘sister company’ of Adamus Resources Limited was implicated in alleged regulatory breaches,’ the statement said.

The solicitors argued that although some companies may exist within a broader corporate structure, affiliated companies remain separate legal entities under the law and allegations against one company cannot automatically be transferred to another.

They further maintained that the allegations contained in the Malian correspondence had not been proven and pointed out that MIKO-SA itself strongly denied the claims.

The statement also questioned why the issue had received intense media attention in Ghana rather than Mali, where the correspondence originated.

According to the lawyers, the coordinated publication of the stories across several newspapers and their prominent placement on front pages suggested a deliberate agenda by unnamed individuals seeking to damage the reputation of Adamus Resources and Madam List for ulterior motives.

‘The synchronized manner in which these stories appeared across several major newspapers and the strategic placement of the publications on front pages expose a coordinated agenda by unseen actors seeking to injure the reputation of our clients,’ the statement added.

The solicitors further accused some sections of the media of exploiting ongoing public discussions relating to Adamus Resources in Ghana in an attempt to create what they described as a false narrative suggesting that Angela List and companies associated with her operate outside lawful and regulatory standards.

They insisted that their clients had over the years built reputable businesses through lawful enterprise and would not allow ‘faceless interests’ to manipulate the media into spreading falsehoods and defamatory material.

The lawyers therefore called on all media houses and individuals responsible for the publications to immediately cease further circulation of stories linking Adamus Resources and Madam List to allegations for which they had neither been cited nor accused.

‘The public is advised to treat these publications with utmost disdain and to recognise them as a deliberate and coordinated attempt to damage reputations through falsehood and sensationalism,’ the statement concluded.

Beverly Afaglo One-Week Vigil Slated For Saturday

Late actress, Beverly Afaglo, will be honoured with a one-week remembrance vigil on Saturday, May 30, 2026, following her passing on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The vigil is scheduled to take place at the Green Flavour Events Centre Park in Community 9, Tema.

The outdoor open-air service will begin at 3:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. The dress code is black and red.

Born Beverly Ama Agbeleseshi Afaglo-Baah on May 28, 1983, the late actress hailed from the royal stool of Klikor in the Volta Region and the distinguished lineage of Asante Mampong. She was the daughter of the late Togbui Satsimadza Afari I, Duke of Klikor, and Madam Sussana Yaa Nyamekye.

Beverly Afaglo became one of Ghana’s most recognised actresses through her roles in movies including The Game, A Northern Affair, Aloe Vera, Sidechic Gang, Return of Beyonce, Crime to Christ and Girls Connection. Her performances earned her admiration within Ghana’s film industry and among audiences across the country.

Aside from acting, she was a trained journalist and alumna of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. She was also an entrepreneur who founded B.A.B Handyman Ghana Ltd and the Traffic Shawarma food brand.

The late actress was a devoted member of Action Chapel International, Tema Community 9 Branch, where she remained active in the Christian faith throughout her life.

Family sources described Beverly Afaglo as a dedicated mother whose love for her daughters, Violin Nana Ama Baah and Kora Baah, remained central to her life.

She died in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, just four days before her 43rd birthday. She was 42 years old.

’Mmaa Nkomo’ Champions Women’s Wellness

MTN Ghana Y’ello Ladies Network has engaged hundreds of women with its ‘Mmaa Nkomo’ dialogue session, with a focus on mental health, financial independence, emotional wellness, and personal growth.

The programme forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader commitment to staff welfare, inclusion, and empowerment through initiatives that promote both personal and professional development across the organisation.

Speaking during the dialogue, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the Y’ello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, said the ‘Mmaa Nkomo’ series was introduced to provide women with a safe and open space to discuss real-life challenges affecting their well-being beyond the workplace.

Mrs. Kwofie noted that many women often prioritise the needs of others while neglecting their own emotional, financial, and personal well-being. She explained that the dialogue series encourages women to become more intentional about their personal growth, financial security, emotional balance, and overall health while managing both professional and family responsibilities.

Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at University of Ghana, Dr. Joana Afful Larry-Afutu, during the panel discussion, urged women to prioritise their mental health, warning that emotional stress can significantly affect physical health, productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.

She explained that many women experience emotional strain without recognising the warning signs, noting that symptoms such as persistent fatigue, headaches, forgetfulness, mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances should not be ignored.

Lady Pastor and Relationship Expert, Theresa Wiafe Asante, known as Mama T, highlighted that many women continue to experience emotional pressure due to societal expectations and cultural demands, often suppressing their feelings and sacrificing their peace of mind in the process.

Legal practitioner, Lily Afua Lartey, on her part, advised women to proactively protect their property rights within marriage through proper documentation and financial awareness. She explained that although many women contribute significantly to family assets through financial support, labour, business assistance, and other forms of contribution, they often fail to properly document their involvement.

Carlos Queiroz Names 28-Man Squad For World Cup Camp

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a 28-man squad for the World Cup preparation camp and the international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

The team comprises five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards.

The team opened camp on Monday, May 25, 2026, and trained at the Dragon Park in Cardiff ahead of the friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Greece-based defender Baba Abdul Rahman returns to the team for the first time since September 2023, following consistent performances for PAOK. The former Chelsea left back has made 35 appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists across all competitions.

Also returning is Olympique Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah, who has been absent for close to a year. He is back to full fitness after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for more than 12 months.

Other notable returnees include Rayo Vallecano’s Abdul Mumin, who is back from a long layoff due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury; Saint-Étienne midfielder Augustine Boakye; and Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu.

Ajax Amsterdam youngster Paul Reverson has also been included. The 20-year-old has been called up for further assessment with a long-term view, having impressed for Ajax’s youth side in the Netherlands.

The squad will assemble in Cardiff on Monday, May 25, 2026, in preparation for the international friendly against Wales and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ghana will face Panama in the opening Group L match in Toronto before taking on England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively.