Review Ghana’s mining laws to enhance local benefits – Sophia Akuffo

Former Chief Justice and Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Justice Sophia Akuffo, is advocating for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s mining agreements to ensure the country derives greater economic benefits from its natural resources.

She argues that the existing agreements mirror colonial-era arrangements, allowing foreign companies to reap substantial profits while Ghana earns relatively minimal returns.

Speaking at a press conference on Maximizing the Benefits of Ghana’s Natural Resources, Justice Sophia Akuffo emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to enhance local value creation and drive economic transformation.

“There is a need to set up a small committee of about five experienced Ghanaian experts in the natural resources sector to review and recommend necessary amendments to all natural resource laws in Ghana to optimize the benefits of natural resources to the country,” the former CJ urged.

She added that the “Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) should contain a provision that moves the management of some mineral resources to local governments such that District Assemblies are directly involved in the management of these resources.”

Source: citinewsroom.com

CEO of GIIF hiding in Senegal – Attorney General

The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that Solomon Asamoah, the former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and a key suspect in the Sky Train Scandal, is currently hiding in Senegal to evade prosecution.

Speaking on the status of the investigation during a press conference on Monday, March 24, Dr. Ayine disclosed that $2 million was paid for the controversial Sky Train Project at the request of Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, then Chairman of the GIIF Board of Directors, and Solomon Asamoah.

According to the Attorney General, authorities first tracked Asamoah to South Africa after he left Ghana on February 2.

However, he later relocated to Senegal, where he has refused to return to Ghana for questioning.

“In respect of SkyTrain, we can confirm that the $2 million was paid at the request of the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Infrastructure Fund (GIIF), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, and then CEO, Solomon Asamoah who is currently hiding in Senegal. We tracked him first and noticed that he was in South Africa. So, he left Ghana on February 2, to South Africa.

“We were monitoring him there, and then he left, and he is now in Senegal. When we contacted him, he told us that he would not come to Ghana until three months from now.

“So we are patiently waiting for him. If he wants to be tried in absentia, that is his choice to make. But we have the prosecutorial authority to prosecute him in absentia. The person who acted with him to transfer that money, Prof Akumfi is in the country. So, if there is going to be a delay, we will start the prosecution with him being a suspect who is being tried in absentia,” he stated.

The Sky Train Project, initiated under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was meant to revolutionize Ghana’s transport system but has now become embroiled in a major financial scandal.

AG denies allegations of theft during Addison’s home search

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has strongly dismissed claims that National Security operatives stole GHC10,000 and pieces of jewellery during a search at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.

His response follows accusations by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who alleged that security operatives, led by Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations, unlawfully took cash and valuables from Dr. Addison’s bedroom during the operation on March 19, 2025.

“Some GHC10,000 on his bed could not be found. So some of these hungry party foot soldiers they use, who parade themselves as National Security operatives, are perhaps not being paid and use this opportunity to steal,” Afenyo-Markin alleged.

Dr. Ayine, however, rejected the claims as baseless, insisting that the operation was carried out lawfully and professionally.

He further cautioned against the misuse of parliamentary privileges to make defamatory statements, stressing that constitutional immunity should not be exploited for political gain.

“There was no raid on his house, and there was nothing illegal or unconstitutional about what we did. But they have decided to bastardise me and also the operatives of National Security by even claiming that during the raid, they stole GHC10,000. What an insult!”

Dr. Ayine emphasized that MPs must exercise responsibility when making public statements, stating:

“That is what the Deputy Attorney General was referring to when he said that the constitutional immunity granted to MPs does not mean they should abuse it and defame individuals or persons conducting public business.”

Source: citinewsroom.com

Adu-Boahene was arrested for allegedly diverting over $7m- AG

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), has to do with his alleged involvement in financial misconduct relating to a $7 million cyber defence system contract.

According to the Attorney-General, Adu-Boahene was apprehended for allegedly misappropriating public funds earmarked for the procurement of cybersecurity infrastructure.

The contract, valued at $7 million, was intended to bolster Ghana’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, data breaches, and digital espionage. However, investigations suggest that funds allocated for the project were diverted for personal use.

Mr Ayine explained that in his role as Director of the NSB, Adu-Boahene signed the contract on 30th January 2020 on behalf of both the government of Ghana and the National Security Ministry.

The agreement was made with an Israeli firm, RLC Holdings Limited, to supply the cyber defence system software. The procurement was seen as a crucial measure to enhance the nation’s digital security infrastructure.

Despite the significance of the project, the Attorney-General revealed that Adu-Boahene engaged in unauthorised financial transactions.

On 6th February 2020, just days after signing the contract, he allegedly transferred an initial sum of GH¢27.1 million from the National Signals Bureau’s Fidelity Bank account to a UMB private account of BNC, the private firm he set up with his wife. This transaction was reportedly documented as payment for the cyber defence system software.

However, further investigations uncovered that the transferred funds were redirected to a private company owned by Adu-Boahene, rather than being used for the intended government project.

“In his capacity as Director of the National Signals Bureau, Mr Adu-Boahene on January 30, 2020, signed a contract on behalf of the government of Ghana and the National Security on one hand and the other hand, an Israeli company named RLC Holdings Limited. The contract was for the purchase of a cyber defence system software at a price of $7 million.”

“On February 6, 2020, he then transferred an initial amount of GH¢27,100,000 from the National Signals Bureau account at Fidelity Bank to a private BNC account at UMB. Official documentation on the transfer reveals that the amount was for the payment of cyber defence system software. He transferred the money to his private company.”

According to Dr Ayine, Adu-Boahene and his wife acquired several landed properties in Ghana and abroad over the period that these monies hit their private accounts.

He says Mr Adu-Boahene and his wife are still in detention and that other suspects are also being pursued for prosecution to commence.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating financial irregularities and strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent future occurrences of such misconduct.

Source: myjoyonline.com

We’ll build bridges between Anglophone, Francophone communities — Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Ghana will leverage its full membership in the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to strengthen ties between Anglophone and Francophone African communities.

Speaking at the 55th anniversary flag raising ceremony of La Francophonie in Accra, he emphasised Ghana’s commitment to shared values of democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.

“Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, intends to use her new status with the OIF to promote the values and principles that bind us together. We reaffirm our commitment to building bridges between Ghana and Anglophone and Francophone communities,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

The Minister underscored Ghana’s dedication to fostering regional peace, stability, and shared principles, including democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.

He stressed the importance of promoting these values, especially in light of the current regional and global political climate.

“Indeed, in the context of our current regional and global landscape, the promotion of these ideals has become even more imperative,” he said.

Acknowledging contributions to Ghana’s full membership status, Mr. Ablakwa praised Ambassador Thai Hong Mai, the West African Representative of the OIF, her team, and member states.

Source: modernghana

107 foreigners repatriated over galamsey, fraud- says Interior Minister

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has revealed that over 107 foreign nationals have been repatriated since he assumed office, following their involvement in illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, and fraudulent practices.

The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to addressing these issues and safeguarding Ghana’s resources.

Speaking at the Regional Command Conference at the Police Headquarters on Friday, March 21, 2025, Muntaka stated “Since I became the Minister of the Interior, we have returned over 107 citizens of other countries that we have found in fraud and in galamsey activities.”

The Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, urging regional police commanders to act swiftly when foreigners are found engaging in illegal activities.

He outlined the government’s firm stance on repatriation as the primary response to such cases.

“I want to reiterate to the regional police commanders that any foreigner that we find in our forest, immediately call your colleagues from Immigration for them to be picked up.

“Because we have decided that any foreigner that we will find in our forest or involved in any fraud, our first option is to repatriate them to their countries, and we will not compromise on this,” he added.

Source: citinewsroom.com

IGP announces major command changes in Ghana Police Service

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has implemented significant command changes within the Police Service to enhance operational efficiency and management.

Among the notable appointments are COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Director-General of Research and Planning (R&P), and COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini, who will oversee the Service Workshop in Accra.

A statement signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Affairs on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, indicated that these officers were part of the 31-member reconstituted Police Management Board.

The restructuring is aimed at ensuring more effective management and operational control of the Ghana Police Service.

Below is the full list of new commands:

1. COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Director-General/R&P.
2. COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini, Service Workshop, Accra.
3. COP/Mr. Daniel Kwame Afriyie, Director-General/PSO
4. COP/Dr. Ernest Kwabena Owusu, Director-General/SVCS
5. COP/Mr. Mohammed Fuseini Suraji, Director-General/NPD
6. COP/Dr. Sayibu Pabi Gariba, Director-General/Technical.
7. COP/Mr. Michael Nketia Frempong, Director-General/Finance
8. COP/Mr. Asumadu Okyere Darko, Director-General/PPSB
9. COP/Mr. Iddi Lansah Seidu, Director-General/Welfare
10. COP/Mrs. Faustina A.K. Andoh-Kwofie, Commandant/GPCSC, Winneba
11. COP/Mr. Joseph Oklu Gyamera, Director-General/L&P
12. COP/Mr. Peter Baba Atiniak, Director-General/PID
13. DCOP/Dr. David Agyeman Adjem, Director-General/Admin.
14. DCOP/Mr. Vance Gariba, Director-General/OPS.
15. DCOP/Mr. Sebastien Atsu Wemegah, Director-General/ICT.
16. DCOP/Ms. Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General/CID.
17. DCOP/Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Regional Commander/AR.
18. DCOP/Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Director-General/NAPD.
19. DCOP/Mr. Gabriel Prince Waabu, Director-General/MTTD.
20. DCOP/Mr. Arhin Kwasi Annor, Director-General/SD.
21. DCOP/Mr. Frederick Kofi Blagodzi, Director-General/HRD.
22. DCOP/Mr. Frank Abrokwah, Deputy Director-General/CID.
23. DCOP/Dr. Francis Kwame Tsidi, Regional Commander/WNR.
24. DCOP/Mr. Abraham Acquaye, Regional Commander/CNR.
25. DCOP/Mr. Yao Dogbey Tettegah, Regional Commander/BR
26. ACP/Mr. Wisdom Akorli, Regional Commander/VR.
27. ACP/Mr. Joshua Coppson, Regional Commander/VNR.
28. ACP/Mr. Wisdom Lavoe, Regional Commander/NR.
29. ACP/Mrs. Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director/PAD.
30. C/Supt/Mr. Solomon A. Korli, Executive Secretary to the IGP.
31. C/Supt/Mr. Kudjo Aboagye, Chief Staff Officer to the IGP.

Mahama Ayariga shut down proposals for hospital and new Parliamentary chamber

A proposal by Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for the establishment of a dedicated hospital for Members of Parliament (MPs) and the construction of a new parliamentary chamber has faced strong opposition from the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.

The debate emerged during the swearing-in of the Parliamentary Service Board on Monday, March 17, when Afenyo-Markin suggested that a specialized healthcare facility was needed for lawmakers to address their medical needs.

“Mr. Speaker, there are two things I look forward to seeing in the ninth government. One is a hospital for Parliament. If it happens according to your vision, it will be a great addition. We are in the political class, and our health issues must remain confidential. Many MPs travel abroad for medical care at great costs. A hospital here would address this,” Afenyo-Markin said.

In addition, Afenyo-Markin revisited the discussion on the need for a new parliamentary chamber, arguing that both the hospital and new chamber would improve the working conditions for MPs.

However, Mahama Ayariga rejected the proposals, citing the country’s economic challenges as a reason why such projects would be unjustifiable at this time. He argued that the establishment of a new chamber and a hospital for MPs were not priorities for the nation, especially given the current financial constraints.

“I do not believe that building a hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” Ayariga said. “We are very close to Ridge Hospital, which I personally believe provides adequate healthcare for Parliament’s needs. Given the financial situation in the country, we should not be focusing on creating a hospital for MPs while ordinary Ghanaians use public healthcare facilities. I completely reject the idea of constructing a hospital for Parliament.”

Ayariga also pointed out that the existing clinic within Parliament should be sufficient for basic medical services. He proposed that instead of building a new hospital, the clinic’s facilities could be improved, with MPs accessing more advanced medical care at nearby hospitals like Ridge or Korle Bu when necessary.

Afenyo-Markin’s call for a new parliamentary chamber also revived a longstanding debate that was widely criticized by the public when it was first proposed in 2019. At that time, citizens and civil society organizations vehemently opposed the idea, arguing that Parliament should focus on addressing pressing national issues rather than investing in self-serving infrastructure projects.

Mahama appoints new Acting Service Chiefs for Ghana Armed Forces

President John Mahama has announced the appointment of new Acting Service Chiefs for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

A statement signed by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Spokesperson to the President outlined the  newly appointed Acting Service Chiefs.
They are Acting Chief of the Defence Staff – Brigadier General William Agyapong, Acting Chief of Army Staff – Brigadier General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Acting Chief of Naval Staff – Commodore Godwin Livinus Bessing, Acting Chief of Air Staff – Air Commodore Eric Agyen-Frempong, and Acting Chief of Staff – Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan.

according to the statement, these appointments are pending consultation with the Council of State, as required by law.

At least 3 dead in clash over land dispute in Nanumba South

A land dispute in the Nanumba South Municipality of the Northern Region has turned violent.

The disputed land, located in the Namani area, has been a source of contention for years, with Kumani residents crossing a stream to farm the land, leading to tensions and eventual litigation.

The Wulensi District Court’s ruling, which favored the Namani people, sparked a violent reaction. When Namani residents attempted to access the land, they were met with resistance, leading to fatal clashes.

Residents fear a reprisal attack from the Namani people, which could result in further casualties.

The conflict has escalated into a clan-based dispute between the Kanyotiib clan from Namani and the Sanbultib clan from Kumani.

To restore calm, police have been deployed to the scene, with military reinforcements called in for support.

Meanwhile, members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) are enroute to the area to help contain the situation and prevent further violence.

Source: myjoyonline.com