Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in partnership with Logeist Group Limited, has launched an Eco-Reclaim Project in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to reclaim lands destroyed by illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey, and to promote environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with collaboration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the Amansie Central District Assembly.

The Ministry granted Logeist Group Limited approval to pilot the project in recognition of the company’s technical expertise and commitment to sustainable reclamation.

Speaking at the launch, Technical Director for Lands, who represented the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hope Boye Agbah, described the project as a vital intervention to address the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

He lamented the extensive damage to arable lands, rising costs of food production, and the pollution of water bodies, emphasising that reclaiming degraded lands is essential for long-term food security and environmental protection.

Mr. Agbah also called on traditional authorities and local leaders to lend their full support to ensure the project’s success, assuring the company of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to achieving its objectives.

The CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, indicated that the Eco-Reclaim Project will employ advanced eco-restoration techniques, including the planting of indigenous phytoremediation tree species that extract heavy metals from contaminated soils.

She added that the initiative integrates agroforestry systems and sustainable farming practices to restore ecological balance while creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

‘We must all become custodians of the environment to ensure that our lands remain fertile and productive for generations to come,’ she said.

For his part, Mr. Daniel Doe Tamakloe, CEO of Logeist Group Limited, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to the success of the Eco-Reclaim Project.

‘We are here to reclaim the land and make it better for use, not to engage in illegal mining. We call on the people of Amansie Central to collaborate with us and support this national vision for restoration and sustainable livelihoods,’ Mr. Tamakloe said.

The Kumasi High Court has dismissed an application seeking to halt the final funeral rites of legendary Ghanaian musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The ruling, delivered yesterday by Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, gives the family the go-ahead to proceed with the funeral arrangements slated for December 6, 2025.

The late musician’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, had filed an interlocutory injunction praying the court to restrain Daddy Lumba’s extended family from organising the funeral until certain family matters were resolved.

However, the court held that under Ghanaian customary law, the authority over the body of a deceased person lies with the family, not the spouse.

Justice Smith Arthur noted that restraining the family would not be in the interest of justice or public order.

‘The application for interlocutory injunction is hereby refused,’ the judge ruled.

With the court’s decision, preparations by the family for the much-anticipated funeral can now continue without legal hindrance.

Daddy Lumba, whose music career spanned over four decades, is expected to be laid to rest on December 6, 2025, in a ceremony expected to draw thousands of fans, friends, and dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has filed an application asking the Supreme Court to grant it leave to file out of time, a response to a writ filed by Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the processes regarding the petitions that resulted in the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice.

The MP had sued the government through the Attorney General in April 2025, arguing that upon a true and proper interpretation of articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), 23, 57(3) and 296 of the Constitution, the President is mandated to notify the Chief Justice as well as obtain a response from her before referring the petition to the Council of State or commencing the consultation process.

He contends that a failure by the President to furnish the Chief Justice with copies of the petition seeking her removal, and she responding to the allegations made against her before the initiation of the consultation process with the Council of State violates Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.

In spite of the writ being filed in April 2025, the Attorney General has not filed a statement of defence, six months after his office had been served with the writ.

While the Attorney General was waiting to file a defence, a five-member committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, a Justice of the Supreme Court, heard one of the petitions and recommended that Justice Torkornoo be removed from office.

The President, on September 1, 2025, enforced the recommendation and removed Justice Torkornoo from office as Chief Justice as well as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

The Attorney General has now filed an application asking for leave to file a defence out of time, indicating that the delay was due to ‘administrative procedures and arrangements attendant to the 2025 presidential transition and the subsequent compulsory retirement of the Solicitor-General.’

The application further indicates that the delay in preparing and filing the statement of defence was neither deliberate nor in bad faith.

The Christian Faith Child and Youth Development Centre based at Breman Essiam in the Central Region is equipping the youth in the area with the requisite knowledge to become responsible adults and impact their communities positively.

The centre is a Compassion-Assisted Project under Compassion International Ghana and established through a partnership with the Christian Faith Church International (CFCI).

Since its inception about 15 years ago, the number of children who have been taught, equipped and resourced by the centre is about 316.

The centre was officially inaugurated in March 2010 with the primary aim of supporting the holistic development of children within the Breman Essiam community and its environs.

The project was birthed through the vision and leadership of Rev. Eric De-Graft Tawiah, who is the District Overseer of CFCI in Central District ‘B’.

He desired to see children and families experience transformation through Christ-led life.

He sought endorsement from the head office of the church, which was graciously granted by the Presiding Bishop of Christian Faith Church International, Bishop Emmanuel Botwey.

The project commenced with an initial enrollment of 200 participants and later increased to 316 in 2013.

The centre has since grown remarkably, impacting many lives spiritually, cognitively, physically, and socio-emotionally.

At a durbar to mark the 15th anniversary of the school, Rev. De-Graft Tawiah noted that over the years, the centre has worked closely with parents, caregivers and other stakeholders.

The event was on the theme: ‘Celebrating the Goodness of God’s Glory through Divine Grace’.

He explained that the centre was among other things to ensure that every child in the area received care, guidance, and opportunities to achieve their God-given potentials.

He praised the first Project Director, Mr. Seth Acquah Hackman, whose leadership laid a strong foundation for the project.

‘I also want to thank his successors and other dedicated staff and traditional leaders who have also contributed immensely to the growth of the project,’ he added.

The General Secretary of CFCI, Apostle John Ashun, indicated that in the last 15 years, the ingenuity and hard work of Rev. De-Graft Tawiah, resulted in the establishment and efficient management of the centre.

The Energy Commission has appealed to the media to intensify energy efficiency and conservation awareness creation.

‘We are appealing to the media to educate and motivate individuals and organisations to adopt energy efficient technologies and practices’, the commission indicated.

This came to light during a training workshop for media practitioners on the country’s new Energy Efficiency Regulations in Takoradi, the Western Region.

It was in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP,) the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP,) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under the AGORA project.

It was also part of a nationwide campaign aimed at engaging journalists on energy-saving practices and effective communication.

Assistant Manager, Energy Efficiency Regulations, at the Energy Commission, Hubert Zan, urged the public to adopt energy-efficient appliances to help reduce electricity bills.

He described the rising consumption of electrical appliances as urgent reasons for regulatory enforcement and increased public awareness.

He added, ‘The Commission found it necessary to educate the public and so we identified the media as one of the stakeholders when it comes to awareness creation’.

He pointed out that over the past years the Commission, as part of its regulations, started with the standards and labelling of three appliances including air-conditioners, refrigerators and lighting devices.

He said due to the successes chalked, the Commission has been able to expand the scope and with the approval of Parliament, come up with 19 more appliance regulations.

Manager of Energy Efficiency Regulation at the Energy Commission, Richard Donkor, explained that energy efficiency as using less amount of energy to get a job done without compromising on quality.

GoldBod Jewellery, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, has announced the appointment of media personality, Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray and actress, Joselyn Dumas as its brand ambassadors.

This strategic move aims to promote the country’s rich gold heritage and highlight it’s expertise in crafting authentic and exquisite gold jewellery through world-class artistry and ethical sourcing.

With Bola Ray’s charisma and Joselyn Dumas’ elegance, GoldBod Jewellery is poised to reach new heights, showcasing the beauty of Ghana’s gold ornaments to the world.

Speaking at the unveiling event held at the GoldBod Head Office in Accra, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, expressed his excitement about the partnership, describing it as a strategic move to project Ghanaian craftsmanship in jewellery fabrication for both the domestic and international markets.

‘Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas represent excellence and authenticity- the very values that define the Goldbod Jewellery brand. Their appointment as brand ambassadors of GoldBod Jewellery marks a major milestone in GoldBod’s mission to promote local value addition to the country’s gold resources.’

Mr. Gyamfi further noted, that the collaboration marks the first step towards the actualisation of President Mahama’s vision of making Ghana a leading hub of authentic gold jewellery and ornaments in Africa.

As part of their ambassadorial roles, the two will spearhead brand campaigns, media engagements, and public outreach initiatives that showcase GoldBod’s latest collections of fine gold and diamond jewellery, bespoke ornaments and refined luxury accessories.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, Wael Fathy, has assured his outfit’s support to the Eco Technical Institute, specialised manufacturers of high-tech furniture, to enhance its production.

Speaking after touring the institution’s facility at Spintex in Accra, Ambassador Fathy applauded the leadership of the institute for its enhanced technical craftsmanship, emphasising that technical vocational training skills is the way to go.

‘It gives me great pleasure to visit Eco Tech today and all the projects. We are here to help the Ghanaian people and government to achieve success. Having toured the facility, I’m very impressed,’ he said.

He added that both nations have historical relations between them. ‘We are working towards facilitating visas between both countries, and we will train a lot of technicians to present their experience to the Ghanaian people,’ he stated.

His country, he went on, will help in capacity building of Ghanaians.

‘We have a lot of institutes and authorities in Egypt that are working in capacity building and training, so we are very keen to transfer our experience to our brothers in Ghana,’ he added.

He further mentioned that the new government in Ghana is doing a great job to enhance the economy as well as creating job opportunities for all Ghanaians.

Egypt, according to him, has expertise in the production of handicraft and the management of small enterprises, knowledge which he said his country would like to impart to Ghanaians.

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eco Group of Companies, George Oti Bonsu, expressed optimism of the ambassador’s assurance to support the institution.

He emphasised that when support from agencies and government institutions are provided, more youth will be equipped with the training skills and this, according to him, will address youth unemployment.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central Municipality is yet to convincingly explain his unilateral imposition of fines on so-called illegal miners who are operating without permits.

Solomon Kusi Brako is being asked to refund GHS15,000 he directed to be collected from licensed miners within his jurisdiction who, according to him, do not possess permits to do their business.

The distraught miners, finding the imposition anomalous, have opened up the matter for public scrutiny. The MCE is said to have quickly organised receipts to back his anomalous financial adventure.

He has described the story as a propaganda to tarnish his name, in a reaction to the matter which has hit the public space.

‘The allegation that I took GHS15,000 from illegal miners is untrue. It was an official fine imposed on licensed miners without permits backed by receipts. This is pure propaganda to tarnish my name,’ the Birim MCE said.

His reaction prompts further questions about the imposition of the fine. It would be instructive to know how the fine was arrived at and whether or not the MCE has the authority to slap fines on persons who are licensed to undertake mining given that mining is such a controversial national issue. It would also be worthwhile to know whether indeed the said licensed miners are what they are being presented to be.

We are tempted to recall the allegation of so-called government agents who, in the name of fighting illegal mining activities, have resorted to demanding monies from both legal and illegal miners in the gold-bearing areas.

Under such a shadowy arrangement in which it is difficult or even impossible to differentiate between those authorised to mine and those not, the coast is clear for bad agents and they outnumber the good ones to do their own thing.

The National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, opened the lid on the illegal activities of state agents when he demanded the dissolution of an enforcement team made up of police officers; they were imposing unauthorised fees on both licensed and illegal miners and pocketing same.

If an MCE can organise receipts following the demand for refunds by persons fleeced of their monies because they did not display permits, it shows just how corruption has become endemic in our national life, especially in the hands of appointees.

There is no doubt that periodic auditing of the manuals of state agencies is undertaken, but following the seeming shadowy fines for mining without permits and given the controversial issue of mining in the country, a more critical look at the subject is strongly suggested.

Some appointees have become so arrogant and powerful that they act outside their remits; the responses of some of them smacking of insults.

One such appointee, when confronted with the issue of bad roads in Adenta in Accra, asked that the rich in the suburb should address the challenge, adding that ‘Ghanaians complain too much.’

Another appointee, an MCE, when questioned about what he does with the Common Fund allocated to him said, ‘I eat tuo zaafi with it.’

Although Africa has contributed only 7% of global carbon emissions since the 19th Century, it remains the most vulnerable region to the adverse effects of climate change.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) estimates that seven of the ten countries at the highest risk are in Africa. Somalia, Chad, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria are among those countries. The impacts of climate change pose a significant threat to the region’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations.

Rising temperatures, droughts, and flash floods generate food insecurity, and growing economic inequality have increased poverty levels.

The situation is especially tough for micro and small businesses, as well as farmers across the continent. Given the increasingly present risk to African populations, Advans, a leading microfinance Group in Africa, has developed a climate strategy to support its MSME and farmer clients to build their capacity for adaptation and resilience.

This strategy encompasses both financial and non-financial solutions to help them recover from shocks and prepare for the future. Advans is piloting this strategy in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Tunisia, with plans to expand it to additional subsidiaries in the future.

Ghana has faced over 27 major floods in the past 30 years, with 15 of those affecting Accra, the country’s capital. It is reported that seven out of ten Ghanaians lack access to insurance, and 42% of the population remains excluded from basic financial services, leaving them without any means to recover from a climate shock.

Advans’ studies and client interviews have shown that in Tunisia, water scarcity is the most serious climate-related physical risk for farmers in the cereal, market gardening, and livestock sectors.

Meanwhile, in Côte d’Ivoire, climate change is heavily impacting the cocoa sector, with reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting of seasons having negative consequences on producers’ yield. Advans estimates that 22% of clients in its portfolio in the three pilot markets for the climate strategy are vulnerable or highly vulnerable.

Advans therefore aims to integrate climate risks directly into its operations and overall strategy. This approach first requires a thorough understanding of how climate risks affect the various geographies and sectors that Advans serves. It then involves developing financial products that help clients adapt and recover, while raising their awareness of climate challenges.

More specifically, Advans’ climate strategy is built around four key pillars:

Raising awareness among teams

Advans places great emphasis on building climate awareness among its management and staff, especially those who serve clients directly. Employees at all levels are trained on the causes and effects of climate change and how this will impact customers, enabling them to act as ambassadors in the field. Over 700 staff members across the group participated in the Climate Fresk workshop, and Advans is currently deploying online and classroom modules on climate risks and client awareness for field staff.

Evaluating the impact of climate change on its portfolio

Advans’ risk analysis aims to evaluate the following

i) Which climate hazards are going to impact the areas where its clients operate?

ii) To what degree each client and each sector is vulnerable to these hazards, and these two elements are then combined to determine a physical risk score.

This information allows the Advans Group to map climate risks in its portfolio and identify the climate hazards that will impact clients the most. For example, Advans’ work with Horus Development Finance has shown that around 25% of borrowers in Ghana are currently at significant or very high risk of flash floods.

Building the resilience of vulnerable clients through awareness and education programsme.

Advans supports its clients, who face flooding, droughts, or fires, through awareness and educational programmes. For example, Advans Ghana has been focusing on raising awareness about flood mitigation methods, distributing flyers with key advice, and sending targeted alerts via mobile and social media at the start of the rainy season. Advans Ghana has already reached nearly 20,000 users with this campaign via social media. Advans also has plans to launch specific client training programmes on climate adaptation practices for farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia.

Adapting its products and services to help strengthen resilience in the long term

To help entrepreneurs manage emergencies and prepare for the future, Advans aims to better integrate climate considerations into its product design. Some of Advans’ services already support clients in building resilience; for example, 59% of farmers in Tunisia reported they were better prepared for a climate shock thanks to Advans loans (2024, 60 Decibels study with 280 farmers), but the Group wants to go further and ensure flexibility and quick response to climate events.

In Cote d’Ivoire, Advans has piloted an innovative index and yield insurance to protect cocoa farmers in case of extreme climate shocks, with over 2,300 farmers covered in 2024-25.

In Ghana, Advans is piloting a new insurance and loan package to help clients restart their businesses following an extreme event. The loan is available to clients with a good repayment history who need a new infusion of funds to recover after an event, and it includes coverage for losses, a grace period, a preferential interest rate, and flexible repayment terms.

In today’s rapidly evolving African economy, adaptability is crucial for success. This principle guides efforts to help small businesses and entrepreneurs recover from climate-related crises. Organisations like Advans have proven that financial inclusion in Africa can drive meaningful and sustainable change. This is a powerful call to action for others to join this vital journey. The roadmap is clear: let’s harness the power of microfinance to equip African businesses with the resilience they need to sustain their activities and keep growing in the face of climate challenges.

The embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, narrowly escaped spending a few days in custody after a High Court in Accra rescinded a bench warrant it issued for his arrest for missing his trial without permission.

Wontumi is on trial before the court for allegedly facilitating others to mine on his Akonta Mining Limited concession without legal authority.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was granted a bail of GHS15 million by the court.

He was scheduled to reappear in court yesterday but both he and his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi were absent when the case was called.

Although the judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, conceded that no exact time was fixed for yesterday’s hearing, she said ‘.the accused and his legal representation should be in court by 9am for the business of the day to start.’

‘Having not given any notice to the court as to their absence, a bench warrant is issued for the arrest of the accused person,’ the court ordered.

Appearance

Just about five minutes after the court issued the bench warrant, Wontumi and is legal representatives showed up in court.

The judge had risen at the time, so they had to wait for close to two hours before the court resumed sitting.

Andy Appiah-Kubi then explained to the court that they were under the impression that the case was scheduled for 10 a.m., which was why they came some few minutes to 10 a.m.

He took the blame for misinforming the accused and apologised to the court for the inconvenience.

Justice Kocuvie-Tay issued a stern warning to Wontumi, urging him to be punctual, stating that ‘If I give you 9, you should lay your bed here at 8:30.’

She added that ‘this is the last time. This matter is between the state and him [Wontumi] and at any given time he must be in court with or without you [lawyer],’ before she rescinded the bench warrant.

Overdrive

Meanwhile, the court has rebuked the Office of the Attorney General for failing to file its disclosures and witnesses’ statement as ordered by the court.

The court had given the prosecution up to yesterday to file all the documents they will be relying on for the trial and serve same on the accused person.

However, Stella Ohene Appiah, a Chief State Attorney told the court that they had not been able to file the documents because one of their witnesses was out of town and could not sign the witness statement.

She requested for the case to be adjourned to November 11, 2025, but the judge did not grant her request, stating that it was too far out.

When asked why she suggested such a long adjournment, Madam Ohene Appiah suggested it was due to the workload, but the court said ‘you said you want work and now you are in overdrive and you are complaining.’

She further pointed to media statements which suggests that the Office is prosecuting cases. ‘You are in the media saying ‘we are prosecuting, we are prosecuting’,’ she stressed.

She also reminded the prosecutor that judges tend to take the blame for adjournment of cases, and subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 2025.

Trial

Wontumi has been charged with one count of assignment of mineral rights without approval, and another count of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Section 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

His company, Akonta Mining and another person identified as Kwame Antwi, who is on the run, have been charged with the same offences.