Category: Daily Guide Network

Ken Ashigbey, the man at the forefront of the galamsey crusade could not have painted a gloomier picture about the risks his compatriots are facing today in their motherland.

The heavy metals component of the water being consumed by the average Ghanaian is scary.

In an earlier commentary, we reechoed the concern raised by the Ghana Medical Association about the repercussions of galamsey on the health of Ghanaians.

We empathise with the President as he tries hard to convince stakeholders that he indeed is fighting galamsey.

Unfortunately for him, many doubt this and wonder what success has been chalked as some would want us to believe.

Ken Ashigbey’s demand for a definition of the success being alluded to makes sense because we are at a loss as to what factors accounted for this conclusion. We also demand what level of aggravation would be enough to trigger the declaration of a state of emergency.

Mr. President has given a fresh insight into this troubling matter of galamsey. According to him, he would only rely upon the advice of the National Security Council before such a declaration.

Since such an advice has not yet been given, and we wonder if it will, those calling for it thinking the time is now might be getting it all wrong. The National Security Council is seeing things from a different lens.

The next political campaign season would be unlike future ones. Politicians would have learnt the lessons about not making wild promises which are largely not only unfeasible but unsustainable.

Whoever thought that galamsey would one day take the form it has today?

As a full-fledged politically-inclined subject, it is destroying the integrity of otherwise fine gentlemen who have jumped into it without their thinking caps.

Even a scientist was overhead talking about so-called dechemicalising of water as a project, forgetting that H2O is on its own a chemical.

For want of something to harass their opponents with, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has adopted galamsey for convenience.

Had the Attorney General and Minister of Justice chosen something else to harangue his opponents with, he would have avoided the potential mines on his path.

A few days ago, he announced that charges against the Akonta Mining Company and its owner were ready. He added that the owner of the company, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, should report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for the charges preferred against him to be read to him, failing which he would order his arrest.

Learning later that the suspect’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi had told the CID Director-General that his client would make himself available on Tuesday, made many conclude that this case being a political one would follow the path of others in that category.

The posturing of the Attorney General was not comforting and we demand that when such matters crop, politicians on government side while relishing it should avoid the euphoria clearly on their countenance as they speak about them under media cameras.

The ‘by all means find him guilty’ has gained traction among Ghanaians who belong to the other side of the political aisle. We should steer off this tangent and stop the so-called resetting of the judiciary among other state institutions.

Mining firm, FGR/Blue Gold, has urged the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to reinstate its Bogoso-Prestea mining lease.

Acting Managing Director of FGR/Blue Gold, Yiadom Boakye Amponsah, said the government revoked the company’s mining lease in September 2024, a move he indicated breached laid-down procedures and gave no room for a fair hearing given that FGR was still the legal leaseholder at the time.

Mr. Amponsah recalled that FGR/Blue Gold had earlier received a conditional approval to restructure its operations, but described the 120-day deadline imposed as unfair.

‘We were raising a $150 million bond to clear debts, including employee arrears, and we also needed permits to operate. The ministry had committed to assisting us in obtaining those permits, but they failed to do so. At the end of the 120 days, they claimed we did not meet the conditions, even though they had not honoured their part of the bargain,’ he explained.

He further disputed financial claims made by the Minerals Commission, insisting that reconciliations showed the Commission owed the company instead.

‘Following that, we were denied access to our assets without any legal space to engage. Meanwhile, our plants remain on site . this, in our view, amounts to institutional galamsey,’ he charged.

Mr. Amponsah revealed that FGR/Blue Gold has since raised an additional US$80 million to revive the dormant mine and settle outstanding debts. He urged the government to restore the company’s lease, noting that doing so would enable it to repay creditors and restart operations.

Excitement is mounting across the country as Telecel Ghana’s 2Moorch Money Promo enters its final week, with one lucky customer set to win a historic GHS1.2 million grand prize.

Launched in June 2025, the 2Moorch Money campaign built on the success of last year’s ‘Telecel More Money’ promotion, which made Ellen Oparebea Akoi the first Telecel Millionaire.

This year’s edition has gone even bigger, offering a total of GHS4.2 million in rewards to thousands of participants through daily, weekly, and final draws.

The promo, which promised to change lives, has already impacted communities across the country. From Berekum to Tamale, Ghanaians from all walks of life – artisans, students, professionals, and retirees – have shared stories of unexpected fortune and renewed hope.

In Berekum, steel bender Lot Donkor broke down in tears upon receiving his prize. ‘Telecel has changed my life. This is a reward for my loyalty since the OneTouch days,’ he said.

In Takoradi, a national service person, Maureen Bus-Moses, surprised her family when GHS20,000 appeared in her Telecel Cash account. ‘I couldn’t believe it until I saw the alert,’ she recounted.

Others have had equally emotional experiences. Paul Owusu, a clearing agent in Tema, verified his win several times before accepting it, later investing most of his prize.

In Sunyani, nurse Daniel Asiedu, once skeptical of promotions, used his GHS20,000 win to buy land for his dream home.

And in Kpandai, 22-year-old student Felicia Konde now has her tuition and seed capital secured to expand her family bakery.

Perhaps the most touching story came from 76-year-old Abdallah Salifu in Tamale, who joked, ‘The moment I heard the news, my leg pain disappeared.’

By the end of September, over 13,700 winners had been rewarded nationwide, sharing nearly GHS3 million in daily and weekly prizes. Since June 10, 120 daily winners have each taken home GHS100, while eight weekly winners have received GHS20,000 each.

Aneth Muga, Director of Consumer Business at Telecel Ghana, described the campaign as a celebration of customer loyalty.

‘It’s heartwarming to see many winners invest in their future. The 2Moorch Money Promo is about rewarding loyalty, spreading wealth, and changing lives,’ she said.

With the final draw just days away, anticipation is peaking nationwide. One question remains on everyone’s mind: Who will become Ghana’s newest millionaire?

The Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) has commended the government for increasing the producer price of cocoa from GHS3,228.75 to GHS3,628.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 cocoa season.

In a statement signed by its National Chief Farmer, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, the association described the GHS400 increment as a notable improvement that reflects the government’s responsiveness to the legitimate concerns of cocoa farmers across the country.

COCOSHE also lauded the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government for maintaining key interventions aimed at making cocoa farming more profitable, sustainable, and attractive to younger generations.

‘We highlight, in particular, the introduction of free fertilizers (liquid and granular), the forthcoming Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, and the planned Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for the children of cocoa farmers for the 2026/2027 academic year,’ the statement said.

The association further urged the government and COCOBOD to ensure the timely distribution of subsidized inputs to all eligible farmers across the regions.

It also called for increased investment in extension services and community-level education on the new traceability system to ensure farmers fully understand and benefit from it.

According to COCOSHE, the additional price adjustment, combined with broader sector reforms, presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation between cocoa farmers, COCOBOD, and the government.

‘We therefore urge all cocoa farmers across Ghana to appreciate and cooperate with the government and stay the course toward a more equitable and sustainable cocoa future,’ the statement concluded.

Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus produced another standout performance for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-1 victory over Leeds United that ended the home side’s 23-game unbeaten league run at Elland Road.

Kudus was instrumental throughout the match, setting up the opener before sealing the win with a superb solo strike in the second half.

Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead in the 23rd minute when his deflected effort found the net, but Noah Okafor equalised for Leeds shortly before halftime.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute as Kudus weaved past Gabriel Gudmundsson on the right wing and fired a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Karl Darlow with no chance.

The result lifts Tottenham to second place in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Liverpool, while Leeds drop to 12th after suffering their third defeat of the season.

Since joining Spurs, Kudus made an immediate impact, registering one goal and four assists in seven league appearances.

Kudus now turns his attention to international duty, joining the Black Stars for Ghana’s final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros during the upcoming international break.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has clarified the impression that the Kumasi Inner Ring Road Improvement Project is an initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

According to the Minority, the initiative was conceived and negotiated under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration.

In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, the opposition said it welcomed the government’s decision to proceed with the project, describing it as ‘a hallmark of responsible governance.’

However, the statement stressed that the groundwork for the project – recently announced under a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – was laid before the change of government.

According to the Minority, a JICA mission met with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance in February 2024 for technical discussions, followed by a Minutes of Discussions signed in September 2024, which ‘effectively sealed the deal.’

The formal signing, it said, had been scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in September 2025.

‘The grant arrangements and protocols were all completed by the NPP administration,’ the statement noted, adding that the project aims to expand capacity, reduce congestion, and improve safety on sections of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road.

The Minority urged the government to continue other key infrastructure projects started by the former administration, including the Suame Interchange, Sunyani Road Phase 2, and the Konongo Bypass.

‘For the people of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region, what matters most is not which government started a project, but continuity and delivery,’ the statement added.

After a five-day search, the body of a seven-year-old boy, identified as Kwame, who went missing at Abrepo Bronikrom in the Ashanti Region, has been found at Akropong, several kilometres away from where he was last seen.

The tragic discovery last Monday stunned search teams, who said they had not anticipated the boy’s body would travel such a long distance.

Kwame went missing five days earlier while playing in the rain with two other children. According to eyewitnesses, one of the children’s slippers was washed away by floodwaters, and Kwame was swept into a gutter while attempting to retrieve it.

Wayomi, a member of the search team, expressed shock over the development. ‘They are really surprised because they didn’t know that the body will go that far,’ he told reporters.

The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for autopsy. The family and the search team are awaiting the release of the body for burial.

The incident has left the community in deep grief, though the recovery of the boy’s body brings some closure to his family and neighbours after days of uncertainty.

Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland (MD, MPH, DrPH), a distinguished faculty member at Ensign Global University and Site Director for West Africa at the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, has been recognized among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts at the prestigious China-West Africa Health Summit 2025, which was held from August 20th to 22nd, 2025, in Accra.

This honor celebrates Dr. Sutherland’s exceptional contributions to medical practice, research, and healthcare leadership, as well as his unwavering dedication to transforming healthcare outcomes in Ghana and across West Africa.

Leadership at the Oncology Forum

In addition to receiving this recognition, Dr. Sutherland chaired the Oncology Forum at the Summit, where he led compelling presentations and discussions on:

Integration of AI in oncology

Cancer prevention and early detection

Treatment accessibility across Ghana and West Africa

Health equity and strategic partnerships

The forum featured renowned guest speakers from leading institutions in Ghana and China, generating insights with the potential to influence cancer policy and clinical practice across Ghana and Africa.

‘Being recognized among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts and chairing the Oncology Forum has been a profound honor. This milestone underscores not just my personal journey but also the collective commitment of my colleagues and partners dedicated to transforming healthcare outcomes in Ghana and West Africa. It also reflects the significant role of Ensign Global University and the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, in advancing medical education, public health, and strengthening healthcare systems in the region.’

Organized by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWA) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Summit brought together hundreds of delegates from across Africa and Asia under the theme:

‘Advancing Cancer Care through Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Strategic Partnership.’

The prestigious Awards Ceremony also celebrated exceptional doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, health associations, and healthcare institutions demonstrating outstanding impact in advancing health systems across West Africa.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas to safeguard the nation’s water bodies.

According to the group, galamsey may not be contagious as COVID-19 but its long-term effects on health, the environment, and livelihoods are equally destructive.

FIDA is the latest body to call on the President to declare a state of emergency on galamsey to avert the devasting effect of illegal mining in the country.

Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference as well as some civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on government to take decisive measures in the fight against illegal mining in recent months.

The President, during an encounter with the press on September 10, 2025, rebutted calls on him to declare a state of emergency, indicating that his government had not yet exhausted measures in tackling the menace.

Last week, he told CSOs that he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if the National Security Council advises him that the time had come to do so.

FIDA Ghana Disagrees

FIDA Ghana, in an open letter signed by its President, Gloria Ofori Boadu, added its voice to calls for the institution of state of emergency in mining areas to protect the environment and individuals, especially women, who it says bear the heaviest burden.

‘Women who fetch water for households, farm food crops, process and trade in food and fish, or work and sell along the agricultural and gold value chains are directly endangered by the toxic chemicals used in small-scale mining,’ the letter noted.

It said anecdotal evidence suggests similar adverse effect on fertility, women’s reproductive health and foetal and child cognitive development.

‘Mercury and cyanide contamination threaten not only our health but also the very food security of the nation. Needless to say, we are all at risk,’ it said.

FIDA Ghana is therefore, calling on President Mahama to uphold the constitutional and international right to water-recognised by the United Nations in 2010 and enshrined in Article 33(5) of the 1992 Constitution-by declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas to safeguard our water bodies.

It is also calling for the immediate repeal of L.I. 2462 to permanently prohibit mining activities in forest reserves.

Again, the group wants the Ministry of Health and its agencies to urgently provide clear, nationwide guidance on how citizens can protect themselves from exposure to heavy metals in food and water.

It further called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to take decisive action to identify, warn against, ban, recall, and destroy local produce as well as bottled and sachet water found to be contaminated with heavy metals.

Finally, FIDA Ghana urged the Ministry of Agriculture, through its extension officers to conduct a comprehensive mapping of farming areas across Ghana, highlighting regions with elevated levels of heavy metals.

‘This must include full disclosure of associated health risks and provide the public with reliable information on how to access safe food sources,’ it added.

The police has arrested eight (8) foreign nationals for engaging in illegal gold exploration and purchase in the Banda District of the Bono Region, an act which contravenes the new Gold Board Act, Act 1140 of 2025.

Police officers at the site of operation retrieved items, including a cash amount of GHS23,450, quantities of raw gold and gold dust, mercury, and a lighter used in gold processing as exhibits.

The suspects include Sayaba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, and Wadrago Abdulai.

The rest are Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro.

The suspects, made up of Nigerians, Ivorians, and Gambians, were arrested while actively engaged in illegal mining and gold trading operations in Wewe community, Banda District.

They are currently in police custody, assisting the regional police command with their investigations. The police said they were operating without a licence.

A press release signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Ghana Police Service’s spokesperson for the region, indicated that the suspects were arrested on October 2, 2025, at Wewe following sustained intelligence and surveillance.

The statement said the items retrieved from the suspects would be forwarded for forensic examination as part of the investigation, after which they would be prepared for court after further investigation.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), National Security and the police, in an earlier operation on May 14, apprehended several foreign nationals attempting to smuggle kilograms of gold out of the country.

Six suspects were apprehended in two separate operations. The first batch of three suspects were arrested in the Ashanti Region before the enforcement of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

These individuals were arranged to be deported after their arrest occurred before the April 30 deadline for foreigners to exit Ghana’s local gold trade.

The second batch of three suspects were arrested in Anyinam after the new law took effect.

These individuals faced prosecution under the new law, which reserves local gold trading exclusively to the Gold Board. Authorities confiscated gold counting machines and cash (dollars) from them.

The Ghana Gold Board has issued a stern warning to individuals trading gold without a licence.

As of May 1, 2025, the board noted that it will be a punishable offence to purchase or deal in gold in Ghana without a valid licence from the Ghana Gold Board.

This move aims to curb illegal gold trading, smuggling, and price distortions in the gold market.