IGP declares war on illegal mining

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

March 22, 2025
0 Comments

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has declared an all-out war on illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” citing its serious threat to national security and the environment.

Speaking at the Regional Police Commanders’ Conference, COP Yohuno highlighted the escalating crisis of illegal mining, particularly in the Western North region, where the problem has reached alarming levels.

He revealed that armed criminals connected to illegal mining operations have carried out violent attacks on innocent civilians, including forest guards, with no justification. “

This lawlessness must not be allowed to continue,” COP Yohuno said, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

With illegal mining contributing to widespread violence and severe environmental degradation, the IGP stressed the importance of a coordinated, forceful response. He called on Regional Commanders to intensify their efforts and ensure a comprehensive approach to combat the issue.

“We are declaring war on illegal mining, and I expect every regional commander to take decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice,” COP Yohuno concluded.

Source: myjoyonline.com

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

Law & Order

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
April 21, 2025
0 Comments
2 minutes Read

Police intercept 30k pieces of ammunition at Tadzewu-Metsrikasa Barrier

Police personnel on duty at the Tadzewu-Metsrikasa Barrier in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region have intercepted a massive consignment of ammunition on a passenger bus traveling from Accra to Benin.

The arrest occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 18, 202, at approximately 0330 hours, during a routine inspection of a Hyundai passenger bus, with registration number GR 8246-Q.

A search of the vehicle revealed 60 cartons of AAA cartridges, amounting to 15,000 pieces of the AAA cartridge, and 72 cartons of BB cartridges, totaling 18,000 pieces of the BB cartridge ammunition. The boxes had been concealed under luggage and wrapped in sacks to avoid detection.

This was contained in an official statement issued by the Volta Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, signed by DSP Felix Danku, and dated April 19, 2025.

According to the release, the driver of the vehicle, Abasou Fousseni, aged 45, and his co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, aged 38, were immediately arrested for questioning.

Both men, however, denied knowledge of the concealed ammunition.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, was responsible for loading the illicit items into the vehicle,” the statement said.

In light of this development, the driver was granted bail to allow him to continue the journey and ensure the safe arrival of the passengers at their destination.

The co-driver remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations. He is expected to be arraigned before court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The statement reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s firm commitment to combating transnational crimes, especially those that threaten peace and security within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Investigations are ongoing to identify the source and intended recipients of the ammunition.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Law & Order

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
March 22, 2025
0 Comments
2 minutes Read

Former National Service boss interrogated over ghost names scandal

The former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has become the latest official to be questioned by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the ghost names scandal within the National Service Scheme (NSS).

His questioning follows that of Gifty Oware-Mensah, a former Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration at the NSA, who was interrogated upon her return to the country. Prior to Oware-Mensah, Kwaku Ohene Djan, another former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, was also detained and questioned by the NIB over the same issue.

According to sources, Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi appeared before the NIB on Thursday, March 20, accompanied by his lawyer, after being invited for questioning. He was reportedly interrogated for several hours regarding the alleged fraudulent enlistment of fictitious personnel on the NSA payroll.

It remains unclear whether he was released immediately following the questioning.

The NIB initiated its investigation after an exposé by The Fourth Estate, which uncovered significant irregularities within the NSA. The allegations suggest that thousands of ghost names were added to the payroll, resulting in millions of cedis being defrauded from the state in allowances.

The government has revealed a massive discrepancy in the National Service payroll, uncovering 81,885 suspected ghost names. This figure represents the difference between the actual number of active personnel and the payroll data submitted by the previous NSA management. The latest figures indicate that there are currently 98,145 active service personnel, compared to the 180,030 names presented for allowance payment in 2024.

“This discrepancy, amounting to 81,885 names, raises serious concerns about fraudulent activities,” a government statement noted.

The alleged payroll fraud could have cost the state an estimated GH₵50 million each month. However, the exact duration of the alleged fraudulent scheme is still under investigation.

Source: myjoyonline.com