Ghana’s Moment of Reckoning — The Time to Rise

Ghana stands at a momentous crossroads. Once the pride of West Africa and the beating heart of Pan-African democratic optimism, the country now wades through economic ruin, civic disillusionment, and institutional breakdown. But even amid despair, a spark remains: the youth. The restless dreamers, the digital warriors, the emerging nation-builders who see beyond tribalism and partisanship — they are the living symbols of Ghana’s renaissance.

This generation of young Ghanaians refuses to inherit a broken future. They are calling for a total reset — not a revision, not a recycling of old ideas — but a complete, strategic, and moral overhaul. Resetting Ghana is no longer just a vision; it is a national mission — one which must begin with a bold and incorruptible leadership at the helm.

“A true reset in this 4th Republic must rise above the tired rituals of traditional political recycling and confront, with fearless precision, the toxic ‘father-for-all’ syndrome that has deeply wounded our institutions. We cannot liberate Ghana with the same complicit hands that chained her dreams.

This is a clarion call to rise — not with timidity or transactional loyalty — but with a Pan-African boldness that puts country above cronies, integrity above inheritance, and truth above tribe. Resetting Ghana demands that we choose courage over comfort, vision over vagueness, and sacrifice over self-preservation. This is not an era for petty skirmishes — it is the sacred season for generational leadership and sovereign rebirth.”

Why Reset? Why Now?

Ghana’s economic woes are not born of natural disaster but of a systematic human “LEADERSHIP” failure. Decades of corruption, impunity, and bad governance have left the state gasping for air. The once-celebrated institutions — the judiciary, the civil service, the electoral commission — now stagger under the weight of lost credibility.

The youth unemployment rate is nearing 20% (Ghana Statistical Service, 2023), while inflation, public debt, and institutional decay persist. This isn’t just a dip; this is a downward spiral — unless we intervene boldly.

Why reset now? Because delay is a silent betrayal. The youth do not have time to waste — they must inherit a nation worth leading. Resetting Ghana is about realigning the moral compass, restructuring state architecture, and reclaiming public trust, and the youth must be its engine.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama: A Glimmer of Hope in the Rubble

At the center of this national awakening stands John Dramani Mahama — not as a messiah, but as a strategic enabler of a brighter tomorrow. His Transformation Agenda is more than a policy blueprint — it is a battle cry for generational empowerment.

Mahama’s return offers hope precisely because he understands failure, resilience, and reform. He must not be a father to all, but a leader to the righteous. Ghana is not in need of political courtesy; it needs strategic disruption.

The “father for all syndrome” is no longer a virtue — it is a political crime against progress. If the Resetting Ghana Agenda is to succeed, then all CEOs, top-level functionaries, and political appointees of the failed NPP administration must be immediately removed. They represent a decayed system that Ghanaians have rejected. Allowing them to persist under a new government would smother hope, mock the electorate, and give the NPP ghost power in the very house they destroyed.

Let it be clear: resetting is not the popular traditional recycling of political events. This moment demands courage, not comfort.

Eradicating Inherited Corruption and Institutional Toxicity

Ghana’s public institutions have been weaponised against justice. From the judiciary’s silence on blatant executive abuse to the Electoral Commission’s loss of public trust, the state is riddled with institutional rot.

As the initiator of the Resetting Ghana Agenda, John Mahama must act swiftly and surgically. His government must utilize standing executive powers to remove the current Chief Justice and the Electoral Commissioner — not out of vengeance, but as a strategic cleansing to restore faith in Ghana’s democracy. These positions are too pivotal to be held by individuals whose tenure tarnishes the very soul of justice and democracy.

Additionally, all unresolved corruption cases under the previous administration must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. The Reset cannot be cosmetic. It must be deep, deliberate, and demonstrative.

Tackling Galamsey: The Test of Political Will

Among the toughest battles Mahama must face is the galamsey crisis — a menace that has mutilated Ghana’s environment, eroded rural economies, and exposed the fragility of political enforcement.

Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue; it is a test of leadership integrity. To defeat galamsey, the Mahama-led NDC must deploy a military-grade response, backed by community intelligence, digitized land tracking, and most importantly, political courage. If elites continue to benefit from environmental destruction, the Reset will be a lie.

This is where the youth must rise — as whistleblowers, as innovators offering green alternatives, and as custodians of Ghana’s forests, rivers, and dignity.

Building A First-World Ghana: The Agenda for the Future

Mahama’s Transformation Agenda must go beyond economic stabilization. It must be futuristic, youth-led, and globally competitive.

Digital Ghana: A 10-year blueprint for a smart economy, driven by AI, blockchain, green tech, and youth-run startups.

Made-In-Ghana Industrialization: Targeting agro-processing, automotive assembly, and export-oriented manufacturing zones with youth at the center.

Education Reset: A complete reform of curricula to promote skills, ethics, and enterprise — not just degrees.

Youth Employment Corps: A national civic service model combining technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, giving jobs and purpose to millions.

Diaspora Investment Summit: A targeted $5 billion diaspora capital in fusion through structured public-private vehicles.

Conclusion: Rise, Youth of Ghana — The Nation Awaits You

This is not just another administration. This is the rebirth of a nation.

If the Mahama-led NDC government truly intends to reset Ghana, then the decisions must be swift, strategic, and surgical. The failed elements of the old regime must be swept out, and a new order of integrity, merit, and youth inclusion must rise. The Resetting Ghana Agenda is not for the faint-hearted. It is for the bold, the visionary, and the disciplined.

To the youth: this is your revolution — peaceful, productive, and unstoppable.

“If the youth will rise, Ghana will rise. If the youth will dream, Ghana will awaken. And if the youth will lead, Ghana will be reborn.”

References

Davis, B. K. (2025). Resetting Ghana: The pathway to sustainable growth. International Journal of African Development, 12(3), 22–35.

Ghana Statistical Service. (2023). Labour Force Report – Q3 2023. Accra: Government of Ghana.

Mahama, J. D. (2015). Transforming Ghana’s economy: A vision for the future. Accra: Government Press.

World Bank. (2023). The state of Ghana’s mining industry: A critical review. World Bank Report.

UNDP Ghana. (2022). Youth Employment and Governance in West Africa. Accra: UNDP Ghana Office.

Bismarck Kwesi Davis

COO – Diamond Institute GH || LIT- DIAMOND VENTURES || Zealots Ghana International

Facebook: BismarckDavis|| Twitter: BismarckDavis|| Instagram: BismarckDavis

M/W: 0244677888 ||

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West Africa is in the throes of an opioid crisis, one that is shredding the social fabric of communities from Kano to Tamale. These synthetic substances, particularly Tafrodol, Timaking,

Super Tafrodol, Tafrodol X225 and Super Royal 225, have turned border towns into micro- epicentres of addiction, smuggling, and mental health collapse.

But to confront this plague, we must begin with the truth. Not just compelling narratives. Not cinematic drone shots or haunting voiceovers. But the hard, ugly, inconvenient truth.

That’s precisely where the recent BBC Africa Eye documentary, “India’s Opioid Kings- BBC Africa Eye Documentary- ‘ Who is flooding West Africa with Dangerous Opioids?”, loses the plot. The Accusation Without Forensics In its bid to locate a Ghanaian “kingpin,” the BBC Africa Eye named a legitimate pharmaceutical distributor as a central actor in the opioid flood into Ghana. However, the investigation did not follow the typical forensic rigour associated with award-winning journalism. It did not: • Audit the supply chain from Indian export manifests to Ghana’s port declarations • Investigate the clearing and declaring agents involved at the Ports • Track shipment trails from the port to licensed (or unlicensed) warehouses • Review financial transactions, email correspondence, or telecom metadata • Test for criminal impersonation, a prevalent modus operandi in Ghana’s logistics sector Instead, the BBC Africa Eye drew a direct line between “legitimate importer” and “opioid trafficking” without answering this basic question:

What kind of criminal smuggles drugs under their real business name, registers with the FDA, files tax, builds a digital platform, with websites and addresses leading right to their doorstep whiles at it?

Even street-level dealers know better than to buy weed with their ID cards. So why would a criminal enterprise run its operations in broad daylight? A Trail of Seizures… but No Link Let’s look at the facts. Since the documentary aired on February 21, 2025, Ghanaian authorities have intercepted multiple opioid shipments, a few of the most recent below:

1. February 11 – Tamale: 450 boxes of illicit cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol, worth over GH₵20.6 million 2. March – Tema Port: Opioids and other controlled substances valued at GH₵20 million intercepted by Customs These busts are concrete. They are traceable. But here’s the real question: If the Ghanaian company named by the BBC Africa Eye was indeed the kingpin, why haven’t any of these busts been linked to them? No arrests. No sanctions. No warehouses raided. No follow-up headlines. Just noise. The Dangerous Oversight of Criminal Impersonation The named company pointed to possible criminal impersonation, a deeply plausible explanation in Ghana’s loose regulatory space, where documents are cloned and used by third-party actors to run shell operations. That thread was simply ignored. In a February 26th,2025 Press Release of the Food and Drug Authority, Ghana, in response to the BBC Africa Eye “dis-Expose”, FDA/CSD/CPE/PRS/25/003 dubbed: “FDA RESPONDS TO BBC AFRICA EYE INVESTIGATION: WHO IS FLOODING WEST AFRICA WITH OPIOIDS?”, the FDA states, they were contacted and unequivocally confirmed that these drugs were unapproved and illegal for importation. They further listed concrete results of their longstanding enforcement efforts against the illegal importation of unregistered drugs and substances of abuse, including Tramadol, Trafanol, Tarapamol, and Tramaking and the fact that through their rigorous surveillance, the FDA has imposed fines, seized illicit drugs, and ensured their safe disposal. In that same release, under actions they had taken, they listed several swoops and busts in collaboration with the National Security, Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Bureau of National Investigations, and other agencies, resulting in below: 1. On December 18, 2023, a container (MRKU 9648934) declared for transit to Nemin, Niger, found to contain 181 cartons of Royal 225mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol),51 cartons of Timaking 120mg (Tapentadol and Carisoprodol), and 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg which were seized and disposed of following a court order dated January 16, 2025, with destruction completed on February 21, 2025. 2. In May 2024, 376 cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg (Tramaking 225mg) were intercepted concealed among 50 cartons of laboratory coverall suits, which were safely disposed of in October 2024. 3. Through sustained surveillance, the FDA had confiscated approximately 287,011 units of Tramadol in varying strengths from 50mg to 225mg, 8,576 units of Trafadol, and 2,053 units of Tramaking at different border posts, over-the-counter medicine sellers (OTCMS), and from hawkers. It’s worth underscoring that none of these records tie the so-called ‘kingpin’ company to any proven role in Ghana’s opioid trade, nor has it faced regulatory sanctions, fines, or prosecution before/after the documentary.

Someone would have mentioned them; a trail, however remote, would have led to them if indeed they were as they’ve been made by the “dis-expose”

When the question of whether the FDA knew the mentioned Ghanaian company in the “dis-Exposé”,

the FDA acknowledged the company as a licensed importer of injections and eye drops from FDA- vetted Indian manufacturers, none of which is Aveo Pharmaceuticals, the supplier named in the

exposé. However, still, citing ICUMS data from 2022–2023, they linked Aveo and Westfin as exporters to the named company for approved medications, but ordered ties with them to be cut off. The FDA claim doesn’t point to opioids, albeit misleading, but predictable, as the ICUMS data on which the FDA depends is notoriously opaque. The BBC Africa Eye failed to investigate whether clearing agents or shadow companies were using the firm’s FDA license or documentation without authorisation. A real exposé would have pulled that thread back to the docks. A Contradiction of Ethics Even more damning is the editorial contradiction at the end of the documentary. The narrator claims the Ghanaian company “wouldn’t have been friendly even if they approached them.” Then, in the credits, the same company is said to have “responded and denied the allegations.” So, which is it?

Were they uncooperative, or did the BBC Africa Eye not like the answers they provided in an earlier email correspondence?

This is the kind of ambiguity that erodes public trust and turns real journalism into scripted theatre.

If investigative journalism were held to the rigour of the scientific method, the BBC Africa Eye exposé would collapse under the weight of peer review. But in the court of public sentiment, where emotion often eclipses evidence, especially amidst the heartbreak of youth lost to addiction, the narrative finds traction. It exploits collective grief to cast a legitimate and ethical business as the villain.

The Regulatory Abyss Ghana’s regulatory landscape also shoulders blame. The Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana (FDA) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority have presided over a “broken chain”: • Weak centralised real-time system for tracking controlled imports

• Weak biometric verification of importers or declaring agents • Opaque licensing processes, with weak surveillance post-clearance • Lack of whistleblower protection, leading to a culture of silence After the exposé, the FDA responded by suspending imports and directing importers to avoid flagged exporters. Necessary, yes. But far too late. What must change? 1. Digitise and interlink port, customs, and FDA clearance systems 2. Audit all controlled substance imports retroactively for 36 months 3. Implement real-time traceability tools (even blockchain-based if needed) 4. Impose criminal liability on clearing agents found facilitating misdeclarations 5. Create a cross-border task force for pharmaceutical trafficking intelligence

The FDA stands still as storms gather. Perhaps it is time it listened to the winds from Ridge, where the Bank of Ghana, for all its cracks, still guards the gate with firmer hands

The Real Opportunity the BBC Africa Eye Missed The opioid crisis is deadly, and it deserves journalism as relentless in pursuit of truth as the traffickers are in the quest for profit The BBC had the brand, the reach, surely the budget and the responsibility to dig deeper, but lacked either the will or the skilled human resource capacity to dig into the alleys of procurement fraud, the ports that look the other way, and the dark networks laundering these drugs through public systems. Instead, it opted for the comfort of proximity journalism, zeroing in on the most visible actor, conveniently framed as the villain, while the true networks of complicity slipped quietly into the shadows.

When there’s no effort to hide the evidence, it’s not transparency—it’s a setup. Question the motive

This isn’t just a missed opportunity. It’s a disservice to the very people the documentary claims to speak for.

The named company will not carry the burden of blame that has been so irresponsibly assigned. Setting the Record Straight: A Stand for Truth Amid Manufactured Noise Ghana does not need an unsolicited, sensationalised documentary to confront a crisis we have long acknowledged and actively battled. The Ghanaian company now at the centre of recent media scrutiny, along with its subsidiaries, has, for over four years, worked transparently with key national stakeholders, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and the Ministry of Health, in direct and ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis with both integrity and resolve. Through its award-winning health television program, this company has consistently championed public education on substance abuse, reaching thousands of viewers, raising critical awareness, and spotlighting the grim realities of addiction. Notably, dedicated episodes in Season 1 Episode 11 and Season 4 Episode 7, on substance abuse, aired as far back as March 2021 and August 2024, respectively, long before any headlines surfaced. Which begs the question:

Are they being targeted because they are arguably the only pharmaceutical marketing company running such a high-impact community programme, now in its fifth season, that educates users, reduces demand, and potentially undermines the market of the real traffickers?

To suggest that such a company is involved in drug trafficking is not only factually groundless, but it is a grave disservice to years of tireless advocacy, civic engagement, and grassroots health promotion. Let us be clear: the educational mission will not stop. The real question is not whether the problem exists, but how much longer we will allow our youth to be enslaved by addiction, while those working to protect them are vilified, without a shred of evidence. This is not merely a battle against opioids. It is a fight for truth, dignity, and the future of public health in Ghana. A fight is coming, and it won’t be pretty. But it is necessary. It is necessary to protect the future, ethical businesses that may one day find themselves scapegoated by powerful brands with opaque motives and questionable integrity. Ghana deserves better. Africa deserves better. Our youth deserve better. The truth deserves better #NoSignal An editorial channel for truth-seekers,system-rebuilders and signal breakers.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has asked the Minerals Commission to revoke the mining license of Akonta Mining Ltd over illegal operations.

According to him, a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the discovery of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.

Akonta Mining Ltd is owned by NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

During a press briefing on April 21, 2025, the minister said: “Some interviews conducted with a few residents indicate that the modus operandi of Akonta Mining is to use force to enter and destroy even the farmlands and produce of poor farmers in the area.

“Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025), an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.”

According to the minister, the operation in Compartment 49, which began at 5 AM and lasted a whopping 12 hours, resulted in:

• 51 arrests (8 Chinese, 39 Ghanaian men, 4 Ghanaian women)

• Seizure of about 30 excavators, 5 recovered and impounded at the operation base

• 2 Pump-action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges each, 1 single-barrel gun retrieved

• Confiscation of 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and a cache of mining equipment.

He added that all suspects have been transported to Accra and are in the custody of the Ghana Police Service, pending prosecution.

“In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorised the Minerals Commission to immediately take steps to revoke the lease with immediate effect. I’ve directed the Forestry Commission and of Director of Forestry Commission officials connected to these illegalities to immediately investigate pending further investigations and prosecution.

“Security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers who have had dealings with a contamination in this particular forest reserve. The Attorney General has also been briefed and has taken over the investigation for further action,” he added.

Read the minister’s full statement below:

PRESS BRIEFING BY HON. EMMANUEL ARMAH-KOFI BUAH, MINISTER FOR LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SUSTAINED FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING (GALAMSEY)

Accra, April 21, 2025 – Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the press. As you may recall from our previous engagements, this government, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, remains unwavering in our commitment to eradicate the scourge of illegal mining—an environmental sin against humanity and, against God. We promised to carry the good people of Ghana along with periodic updates, and today, I am here to provide key developments in this fight.

Last month, we assured the nation that we would intensify efforts to trace the financiers and owners of the heavy-duty equipment used for illegal mining. Today, we are pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in this critical fight.

One of the most egregious cases we have uncovered involves Akonta Mining Company Ltd., a company legally registered and granted a government lease to mine responsibly off-reserve outside the forest.

The company, however, does not possess an entry permit into the forest reserve of the Samreboi enclave of the Western North Region. Yet, investigations reveal that Akonta Mining has flagrantly abused this lease.

In August 2022, the Forestry Commission, with the assistance of the Ghana Police, made some arrests of persons associated with Akonta Mining, encroaching on the forest reserves, specifically compartment 161. The docket was supposedly transferred to Accra for further action, and yet nothing was heard of the case.

This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GHC 300,000 per concession. Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity.

They have encroached on compartments 49 and 121 of the Tano Nimri forest reserve. We gathered a team of investigators to go undercover to make enquiries about the details of this operation.

Our undercover team uncovered a well-oiled machinery of destruction: One Mr. Ayisi (a representative of Akonta Mining) is the liaison on these dealings – he serves as the gatekeeper, negotiating fees and granting illegal access.The concessions are then subleased to individuals like one “Mr. Henry” and another individual identified as “Shark” who are to oversee the devastation of the Aboi Forest Reserve and the Tano River.

As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators. Another heartbreaking revelation is that this criminal enterprise thrives because of the active collusion and connivance of some forestry officers and some security personnel.

Here is how it works – Part of the GHC 300,000 fee goes to Akonta Mining, a portion goes to Mr. Henry, Shark, and their cohorts, and another portion goes to the forestry and security officials, according to investigators.

These officers take a cut as a service charge in exchange for protection and tip-offs in the event of an impending raid. There is no control over the activities of these illegal miners whatsoever.

They continue to destroy with impunity, knowing that they are operating under the cover of the lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd Some interviews conducted with a few residents indicate that the modus operandi of Akonta Mining is to use force to enter and destroy even the farmlands and produce of poor farmers in the area.

Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025) an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.

The operation in Compartment 49, which began at 5 a.m. and lasted a whopping 12 hours, resulted in:

• 51 arrests (8 Chinese, 39 Ghanaian men, 4 Ghanaian women)

• Seizure of about 30 excavators, 5 recovered and impounded at the operation base

• 2 Pump-action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges each, 1 single-barrel gun retrieved

• Confiscation of 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and a cache of mining equipment All suspects have been transported to Accra, in custody pending prosecution.

In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorized the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect. I have directed that forestry officials connected to these illegalities be immediately interdicted pending further investigations and prosecution. The security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers who have had dealings with Akonta Mining in this particular Forest Reserve.

The Attorney-General has also since been briefed and has taken over the investigations for further action. Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve, and their mining activities in the forest are illegal and criminal. And that, the Mahama government will stop at nothing to bring the company to book.

This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you! To the youth engaged in illegal mining: There is a better way. We stand ready to support you with better alternatives.

But to those who persist in defiance, the state will act without mercy! To the media and the Ghanaian people: Your vigilance is crucial.

Report illegal mining activities, and trust that this government will act. Let me be clear: We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted.We will not stop until our waters run blue, we will not stop until our forests are turned greenWe will not stop until the soul of our country is healed!We will not stop until every financier, every enabler — the real architects of this destruction — will face the full rigors of the law.We will name, shame, and prosecute them publicly. Thank you.

I will now take your questions.

Signed, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

SSD/AE

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the immediate revocation of all mining licences held by Akonta Mining Company Limited following what he described as “overwhelming evidence” of illegal mining and criminal syndication.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister disclosed that Akonta Mining, though legally registered and granted a lease to mine off-reserve, has been involved in egregious breaches of mining regulations, including operating illegally in protected forest reserves.

“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” Mr Buah revealed. “Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity.”

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According to the Minister, an undercover investigation uncovered a systematic illegal operation led by Akonta Mining, with company representatives allegedly negotiating illegal sub-leases. In exchange, weekly royalties of up to 250 grams of gold were reportedly paid back to Akonta by the illegal miners.

The findings also implicated forestry officers and security personnel in a widespread scheme that enabled the mining activities to continue unhindered. “Part of the GH₵300,000 fee goes to Akonta Mining, a portion goes to individuals identified as Mr Henry and ‘Shark,’ and another portion to some forestry and security officials who provide protection and tip-offs,” Mr Buah added.

He sad the investigation further revealed that Akonta Mining had encroached compartments 49 and 121 of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, despite having no legal lease or entry permit to operate there.

An intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission on the eve of Good Friday (April 17) led to the raid of six illegal sites linked to the company. The 12-hour operation in Compartment 49 resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals — including eight Chinese nationals — and the seizure of heavy equipment and vehicles.

Recovered items included 30 excavators (five impounded), two pump-action guns, one single-barrel gun, two Toyota Hilux pickups, a Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes, and assorted mining equipment. All suspects have been transported to Accra and are currently in custody pending prosecution.

The Minister announced that he has authorised the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease immediately and directed that all implicated forestry officials be interdicted while further investigations proceed.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has since been briefed and has taken over the investigations.

“This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes — we are coming after you,” Mr Buah cautioned.

He added that the government remains committed to eradicating galamsey, describing it as an “environmental sin against humanity and against God.”

“To the youth engaged in illegal mining: there is a better way. We stand ready to support you with alternatives. But to those who persist in defiance, the state will act without mercy,” he warned.

The Minister concluded with a call for public vigilance and support: “Let me be clear: We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted. We will not stop until our waters run blue. We will not stop until our forests are turned green. We will not stop until every financier, every enabler — the real architects of this destruction — faces the full rigours of the law.”

By Francis Ofori

Accra, April 21, GNA-MTN Ghana, together with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have announced some exciting packages to boost patronage ahead of the 2024/25 FA Cup semi-finals.  

The semis, scheduled for May 10 and May 11,2025 at the Tarkwa TNA Stadium would feature Golden Kicks, Attram De Visser, Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea. 

Golden Kicks would take on Attram De Visser on the opening date after which Asante Kotoko would also face Berekum Chelsea in a tough encounter in their journey to the finals. 

As part of efforts to boost patronage, there would be a curtain raiser between Tarkwa Secondary School and Fiaseman Secondary School to spice up the atmosphere for the Golden Kicks, Attram De Visser clash.  

Adding to the excitement of the Mother’s Day celebration, a special treat would be organized for mothers who would be at the stadium to watch the second semi-final clash between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea. 

With two lower tier sides making it this far, the 2024/2025 MTN FA Cup is anticipated to produce some unexpected moments among the heavyweights. 

Golden Kicks have enjoyed an impressive run coming into the semis, eliminating twelve-time winners Hearts of Oak, Karela United and some other tough sides whereas Attram De Visser also gave premier league leaders Bibiani GoldStars a showdown in the early stages of the competition.   

For Asante Kotoko, they would be hoping to pocket the title for the tenth time as their premier league hopes to remain in shambles after a 2-0 defeat to Nations FC in their last encounter. 

On the other side, Berekum Chelsea would be eyeing a first MTN FA Cup title after a long wait. 

GNA  

KOA 

File photo of Cedi and US Dollar notes

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has experienced marginal losses against major trading currencies, including the British Pound and the Euro, at some forex bureaus.

As of April 17, 2025, the Central Bank noted that the cedi was trading at a buying price of GH¢15.51 and a selling price of GH¢15.52 to a dollar.

The British pound was going for GH¢20.23 and sold at GH¢20.26, while the euro traded at a buying price of GH¢17.57 and a selling price of GH¢17.58.

GhanaWeb Business checks on April 21, 2025, at 08:00 AM, on CediRates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.00 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.30 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the Euro is trading at GH¢18.20 on the retail market.

SSD/AE

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The Member of Parliament for Binduri, Issifu Mahmoud, has assured residents that concrete measures are being taken to restore peace and stability following a wave of violent attacks in the area, including the recent tragic killing of a mother and her four children in Benguri.

In a press statement issued on Monday, April 21, the MP emphasised that he is working closely with security agencies and relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence.

“I assure you that we are working closely with the relevant authorities to restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.

The Binduri MP also commended the military for their swift action in arresting suspects and seizing arms believed to be linked to the incident. He encouraged the security agencies to continue with their efforts until peace is fully restored, not only in Binduri but across the broader Kusaug area.

However, he expressed concern over the reported burning of seized motorbikes by the military, urging that all such seizures be handled through proper legal channels.

“I commend the military for their professional conduct and diligence in making arrests and seizure of arms and ammunitions believed to have a connection with the slain mother and her four children,” he stated.

“I condemn the act of seizing and burning of motorbikes by the military and rather urge that seized motorbikes should be kept in the custody of the security agencies and due processes regarding the ban on riding of motorbikes be followed,” he added.

The MP called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement as the situation continues to unfold.

Bawumia, NPP leadership begin nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’ April 23

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the press.

As you may recall from our previous engagements, this government, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, remains unwavering in our commitment to eradicate the scourge of illegal mining—an environmental sin against humanity and, against God. We promised to carry the good people of Ghana along with periodic updates, and today, I am here to provide key developments in this fight.

Last month, we assured the nation that we would intensify efforts to trace the financiers and owners of the heavy-duty equipment used for illegal mining. Today, we are pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in this critical fight.

One of the most egregious cases we have uncovered involves Akonta Mining Company Ltd., a company legally registered and granted a government lease to mine responsibly off-reserve outside the forest.

The company, however, does not possess an entry permit into the forest reserve of the Samreboi enclave of the Western North Region. Yet, investigations reveal that Akonta Mining has flagrantly abused this lease.

In August 2022, the Forestry Commission, with the assistance of the Ghana Police, made some arrests of persons associated with Akonta Mining, encroaching on the forest reserves, specifically compartment 161. The docket was supposedly transferred to Accra for further action, and yet nothing was heard of the case.

This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession. Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity. They have encroached compartments 49 and 121 of the Tano Nimri forest reserve.

We gathered a team of investigators to go undercover to make enquiries about the details of this operation. Our undercover team uncovered a well-oiled machinery of destruction:

One Mr. Ayisi (a representative of Akonta Mining) is the liaison on these dealings – he serves as the gatekeeper, negotiating fees and granting illegal access. The concessions are then subleased to individuals like one “Mr. Henry” and another individual identified as “Shark” who are to oversee the devastation of the Aboi Forest Reserve and the Tano River.

As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators.

Another heartbreaking revelation is that this criminal enterprise thrives because of the active collusion and connivance of some forestry officers and some security personnel. Here is how it works – Part of the GH₵300,000 fee goes to Akonta Mining, a portion goes to Mr. Henry, Shark, and their cohorts, and another portion goes to the forestry and security officials, according to investigators. These officers take a cut as a service charge in exchange for protection and tip-offs in the event of an impending raid.

There is no control over the activities of these illegal miners whatsoever. They continue to destroy with impunity, knowing that they are operating under the cover of the lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd

Some interviews conducted with a few residents indicate that the modus operandi of Akonta Mining is to use force to enter and destroy even the farmlands and produce of poor farmers in the area.

Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025) an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.

The operation in Compartment 49, which began at 5 a.m. and lasted a whopping 12 hours, resulted in:

• 51 arrests (8 Chinese, 39 Ghanaian men, 4 Ghanaian women)
• Seizure of about 30 excavators, 5 recovered and impounded at the operation base
• 2 Pump-action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges each, 1 single-barrel gun retrieved
• Confiscation of 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and a cache of mining equipment

All suspects have been transported to Accra, in custody pending prosecution.

In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorized the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect.

I have directed that forestry officials connected to these illegalities be immediately interdicted pending further investigations and prosecution. The security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers who have had dealings with Akonta Mining in this particular Forest Reserve.

The Attorney-General has also since been briefed and has taken over the investigations for further action.

Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve, and their mining activities in the forest are illegal and criminal. And that, the Mahama government will stop at nothing to bring the company to book.

This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you!

To the youth engaged in illegal mining: There is a better way. We stand ready to support you with better alternatives. But to those who persist in defiance, the state will act without mercy!

To the media and the Ghanaian people: Your vigilance is crucial. Report illegal mining activities, and trust that this government will act.

Let me be clear: We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted.
We will not stop until our waters run blue, we will not stop until our forests are turned green
We will not stop until the soul of our country is healed!
We will not stop until every financier, every enabler — the real architects of this destruction — will face the full rigors of the law.
We will name, shame, and prosecute them publicly.

Thank you. I will now take your questions.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Image of the new NASAAG’s board

The National Academy of Students’ Achievement Awards Ghana (NASAAG) has marked its 5th anniversary with a renewed commitment to advancing student entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Held at the British Council in Accra, the celebration featured the official inauguration of a new Board of Trustees and executive team, signalling NASAAG’s sharpened focus on equipping students with practical, entrepreneurial, and career-ready skills.

The event, themed “Bridging Industry and Academia: A Pathway to Equipping Students as Future Professionals, Community, and Business Leaders,” brought together educationists, corporate leaders, civil society actors, and youth advocates to reflect on NASAAG’s impact over the past five years and to chart its future direction.

In his keynote address, NASAAG President Mr. Riffath Yakub Abubakar announced plans to establish a specialised training center, where students can undertake intensive short-term vocational and entrepreneurial programs during school vacations. He described the initiative as a game-changer in preparing young people for the competitive job market.

“For five years, we’ve empowered over 5,000 students through mentorship, leadership training, and job placement support,” Mr. Abubakar said. “But we’re not stopping there. We’re now moving deeper into entrepreneurship, giving students the tools to create their own opportunities.”

Newly appointed Board Chairman Mr. Franklin Adjetey reaffirmed NASAAG’s mission to drive sustainable youth development through strategic partnerships. He urged development agencies, private sector players, and academic institutions to collaborate with NASAAG in expanding its reach and impact.

The chairperson for the event, Baroness Mrs. Mavis Leonards—CEO of Global Sky Limited-Genescis—commended NASAAG for its commitment to shaping the future of Ghanaian students.

“For five years, NASAAG has dedicated itself to shaping the future of students in Ghana by bridging the gap between academia and industry. But this is only the beginning. The investment we make in students today determines the strength of our industries and the prosperity of our nation tomorrow,” she stated.

The event also featured testimonials from former beneficiaries of NASAAG’s programs, who shared inspiring success stories of career placements with global companies in the U.S., U.K., and Germany—opportunities made possible through the Academy’s mentorship and referral support.

The celebration concluded with the formal investiture of the new board and executive members, alongside recognition of past leaders whose efforts have significantly shaped the organisation’s journey.

As NASAAG enters its next phase, its message is clear: the future of student development lies in a bold blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial empowerment, and industry engagement.

The Ghana Tourism Authority is considering another paragliding site in the country

The Ghana Tourism Authority is considering establishing another paragliding site in the Volta Region, the Head of Corporate Affairs, Jones Aruna Nelson, HAS disclosed in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb.

According to him, more local pilots are being trained for this upcoming project.

He noted that Ghana currently has three solo pilots and one tandem pilot for paragliding.

In a yet-to-air episode of the People and Places on GhanaWeb TV, Nelson said; “We’re looking to establish a second paragliding site in Ghana so that we can offer variety. We are focusing on the Volta Region, and they are also advocating for the training of more local pilots to ensure we have Ghanaian pilots.

“We currently have one tandem pilot, and another tandem pilot is in training and will soon be ready. We also have three solo pilots, all of whom are Ghanaians,” he told GhanaWeb’s Ernestina Serwaa Asante.

Among the pilots who participated in this year’s Kwahu Paragliding Festival is a female pilot from Romania named Eliana.

In total, seven pilots were operating at the Odweanoma Paragliding Field during the event.

SA/AE

Watch Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

By Simon Asare

Accra, April 21, GNA – The draw for the third edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Schools Football Championship has been held in Accra.

In the boys’ category, host Ghana, have been paired in Group A with Uganda, South Africa and Algeria while reigning title holders Tanzania would play Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo in Group B.

Also in the girls’ category, Ghana will play Benin, Morocco, and Malawi in Group A while the likes of DR Congo, South Africa, Uganda and Gambia will be in Group B.

The draw held at the MultiChoice Ghana Limited head office saw Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan and Ivorian football star Clementine Toure assist in the draw process.

Other African football legends who were present at the draw include Adjoa Bayor (Ghana) and Amanda Dlamini (South Africa).

The highly anticipated matches at this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship would begin on Wednesday, 23 April, with the final played on 26 April at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship is the continent’s premier football competition for girls and boys in the Under-15 age-group and the most successful youth sport mobilization movement in Africa.

GNA

KOA

Paragliding is a common feature of the Kwahu Easter

Going on adventures is a priority for some people whenever they travel. These risk-takers do not mind spending their money in exchange for unforgettable experiences.

This scenario is no different from the many who flocked Kwahu to enjoy the Easter festivities.

On the Odweanoma Mountain, where the paragliding field is located, both Ghanaians and foreigners visit the site for various reasons.

For those who love to try something new or are adventurous, paragliding is a popular choice, and this year’s cost is GH¢1,350.

This amount is paid by both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians alike.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, Jones Aruna Nelson, stated that the price is the cheapest in the world.

He explained that the amount charged is equivalent to $85.

Jones Aruna Nelson said, “So, this year we are taking GH¢1,350. It can be equated to $85. Elsewhere in any country, you cannot get it for less than $200. So, this one is very affordable, and that is not the only thing you have to pay.

“When you land at the Nkawkaw Stadium, we give you a souvenir – a cap reading, ‘I Survived 2025 Paragliding,’ along with some water, a drink, and other items. It is all part of the package.”

Before one is cleared to experience paragliding, a health screening is conducted to ensure the person is fit for takeoff.

Additionally, the individual must weigh no more than 100 kilograms.

All gliders undergo mental preparation and are provided with helmets and radio phones so that pilots can communicate with them.

After all these procedures, they take off to enjoy breathtaking views and have unforgettable experiences.

SA/AE

By Edward Acquah

Accra, April 21, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr George Smith-Graham as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

Dr Smith-Graham, who was the first CEO of the Commission from 2009 to 2017, is expected to officially assume office on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

He takes over from Mr Benjamin Arthur, a renowned labour relations expert, who had served as CEO of the Commission from January 2022.

Madam Emelia Ennin Abbey, Head of Public Affairs, FWSC, confirmed the appointment to the Ghana News Agency on Monday.

She said the FSWC would provide further details on the changes at the Commission in the coming days when Dr Smith-Graham officially assumed office.

As the first CEO of the FWSC, he was instrumental in the implementation of the Government’s pay and compensation policy – the Single Spine Salary Structure – in fulfilment of the FWSC Act, 2007 (Act 737).

Dr Smith-Graham has over three decades of experience in compensation management, public service reforms, and strategic leadership.

He resigned as CEO of the Commission in February 2017.

He is expected to play a leading role in future pay and compensation management policies as the Government intends to transform the FWSC into an Independent Emoluments Commission.

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission Act, 2007 (Act 737) established the FWSC.

The Commission, operating under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, is mandated to ensure a fair, transparent, and systematic implementation of Ghana’s public service pay policy.

It also advises the government on matters related to salaries, wages, grading, and classification.

GNA

ABD

Asante Kotoko has announced the sacking of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum.

A club statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, said the “decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.”

Ogum’s sacking follows Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Nations F.C. in the Ghana Premier League.

That defeat was the second in a row for Ogum’s Kotoko, who are also winless in four league matches.

Confidence in Ogum hit an all time low after Sunday’s loss left Kotoko in fourth place with 47 points, six behind league leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars.

Nations F.C’s win on Sunday was their second of the season against the Porcupine Warriors as they completed the double over Kotoko

The current run is the second of its kind for Kotoko this season. From October 27, 2024 to November 11, 2024, Kotoko lost four of five league matches, with the only respite being a 0-0 draw at newly promoted side, Basake Holy Stars.

The run included a defeat to Legon Cities, who were bottom of the league at the time.

Ogum returned to Kotoko in July 2023 for a second stint, guiding Kotoko to a lowly sixth place with 49 points, twelve fewer than eventually champions F.C. Samarttex 1996.

In the second season, Ogum who won the league with Asante Kotoko in 2022, leaves the club after thirteen wins, eight defeats and seven losses.

“We urge our supporters to remain calm and continue to support the club during this transition. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” the club statement concluded.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has been sacked as Kotoko manager

Asante Kotoko have officially parted ways with head coach, Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, according to a statement released by the club.

According to the club, the decision was made by mutual agreement following discussions between both parties.

“Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has, this afternoon, parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum.

“This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time,” the statement read.

The manager’s dismissal comes in the wake of the team’s 2-0 loss to Nations FC on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

The former WAFA gaffer exits two seasons after returning for a second stint with the Porcupine Warriors. His departure marks the end of a turbulent campaign that has seen the club fall from title contention.

Kotoko, who led the table at some point, have now slipped to fourth place on the table, having managed only two wins in their last nine games.

During this stretch, they have drawn five and lost two, with both defeats coming back-to-back, with the first being a 3-0 loss to struggling Accra Lions, followed by the recent 2-0 defeat to Nations FC.

The team’s sharp dip in form appears to have been a key factor in the decision to part ways with Ogum, as their ambition to secure the league title has grown increasingly uncertain.

Currently, Asante Kotoko sit on 47 points, trailing league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by six points with six matches remaining in the season.

Despite their inconsistency in the league, the club remains in the hunt for silverware, with a place in the semi-finals of the MTN FA Cup keeping hopes of a domestic double alive.

EE/AE

Meanwhile, watch football fans’ reactions after Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from the 24/25 UEFA Champions League

The 2025 IMF Spring Meetings begin on April 21

As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) are set to convene for their highly anticipated Spring Meetings in 2025.

The meetings will take place from April 21-26, in Washington, D.C., on the theme: “Jobs – The Path to Prosperity,” aimed at exploring international cooperation on the future of job creation.

This comes as the two Bretton Woods institutions estimate that about 1.2 billion young people in emerging economies, reaching working age over the next decade, would only have access to some 420 million jobs.

The gathering of global leaders, finance ministers and central bank governors, policymakers, and experts would focus on exploring solutions to the recent trade tariff tensions and shape the future of international cooperation.

It would also serve as a platform for a call to action for global leaders to work together to address pressing economic challenges to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Ahead of the meetings, Mr Ajay Banga, President, WBG, has said the workforce and expected jobs disparity was a global risk, noting that without opportunity, the forces of fragility, illegal migration, and instability could grow stronger.

He challenged developing countries to provide the right systems for the private sector to bring its financing to play, enabling infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for jobs generation.

Mr Banga said the Bank would expand its Private Sector Investment Lab to include the most critical sectors to job creation – energy and infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.

He reaffirmed their commitment towards creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, adding that: “The idea is to build a Bank that delivers what is demanded – jobs – because jobs are the best way to drive a nail in the coffin of poverty.”

On the global trade tariff tensions, he noted that they were engaging in constructive dialogue with the US administration, despite uncertainty, saying: “They’re asking the right questions, and we’re trying to give them the right answers.”

The World Bank Chief called for more efficient border processes, reduced trade costs, clearer rules of origin, and decreased friction to boost trade volumes to provide a more stable and diversified growth in developing economies.

Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF, observed that the resilience observed about six months ago was being tested again by the reboot of the global trading system.

She gave three consequences of the trade tensions: costly uncertainty, negative impact on economic growth in the short term, and erosion of productivity over the long run, especially in smaller economies through protectionism.

That required a restart of global trends towards low tariff rates while reducing non-tariff barriers and distortions, in “ensuring that there can be cooperation in a multipolar world,” Ms Georgieva said.

She expressed confidence in the spring meetings, serving as “a vital forum for dialogue at a vital time.”

“All countries, large and small alike, can – and should -play their part to strengthen the global economy in an era of more frequent and severe shocks.”

The IMF Chief noted that when pushed “hard enough, things that were not possible become possible, mountains that couldn’t be climbed are climbed, vested interests that would not retreat are overcome.”

She called for cool heads, clear vision, and strong will, adding that: “We need a more resilient world economy, not a drift to division. And, to facilitate the transition, policies must allow private economic agents time to adjust and deliver.”

Watch Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for an integration of all divisions of the Service to enhance its operations and progress.

According to him, the lack of integration of the divisions of the GHS to enable them to work in close collaboration over the past years had slowed its progress.

He said that the integration of the various divisions of the GHS to enhance its operations and progress could be achieved through collective collabora­tion and the inclusion of staff participation.

Prof. Akoriyea made the call at the annual performance review of the GHS held at the Health Promotion Division in Accra on April 16.

The purpose of the perfor­mance review was to assess the performance of the GHS last year to identify the progress that was made, the challenges faced, and also propose solutions to the challenges.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Akoriyea said the situation where some of the divisions were under-resourced as compared to others was not encouraging.

He, therefore, urged the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation divi­sion to ensure that resources were allocated for the benefit of all the workers of the various divisions and ensure their integration.

Furthermore, Prof. Akoriyea charged the directors of the vari­ous divisions to promote inclusive participation of workers and also ensure that they deliver services effectively.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that some of you, the directors, deputy directors and programme managers of the various divisions often ignore the GHS staff who have been employed to work with you and rather give the job to volunteers,” he stated.

“I am also well informed that there are drivers who have never gone on a trek, while there are other drivers who are always on a trek. That is not a good thing, and we need to change. We need to do things where every GHS worker participates actively to enhance its operations and progress,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Ag Director General also promised to ensure the equal allo­cation of resources to the various divisions, especially the research and development division, in order to enhance their research work.

Moreover, he said that the re­search centres across the country, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Navrongo University would now be affili­ated to the GHS to enable staff who conduct research to become associate professors and not consultants.

Prof. Akoriyea promised to oversee the rebounding of the GHS and prioritise the welfare of staff of the Service.

There were presentations by the directors of the various divisions of the GHS during the review to assess their perfor­mance last year.

Some of the divisions that were present at the performance review were the Health Promo­tion Division, the Human Re­source Division, the Institutional Care Division, Family Health Division, Research and Devel­opment Division, Public Health Division, Policy, Planning, Mon­itoring, and Evaluation Division and the Office of the Director General of the GHS.

Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for an integration of all divisions of the Service to enhance its operations and progress.

According to him, the lack of integration of the divisions of the GHS to enable them to work in close collaboration over the past years had slowed its progress.

He said that the integration of the various divisions of the GHS to enhance its operations and progress could be achieved through collective collabora­tion and the inclusion of staff participation.

Prof. Akoriyea made the call at the annual performance review of the GHS held at the Health Promotion Division in Accra on April 16.

The purpose of the perfor­mance review was to assess the performance of the GHS last year to identify the progress that was made, the challenges faced, and also propose solutions to the challenges.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Akoriyea said the situation where some of the divisions were under-resourced as compared to others was not encouraging.

He, therefore, urged the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation divi­sion to ensure that resources were allocated for the benefit of all the workers of the various divisions and ensure their integration.

Furthermore, Prof. Akoriyea charged the directors of the vari­ous divisions to promote inclusive participation of workers and also ensure that they deliver services effectively.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that some of you, the directors, deputy directors and programme managers of the various divisions often ignore the GHS staff who have been employed to work with you and rather give the job to volunteers,” he stated.

“I am also well informed that there are drivers who have never gone on a trek, while there are other drivers who are always on a trek. That is not a good thing, and we need to change. We need to do things where every GHS worker participates actively to enhance its operations and progress,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Ag Director General also promised to ensure the equal allo­cation of resources to the various divisions, especially the research and development division, in order to enhance their research work.

Moreover, he said that the re­search centres across the country, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Navrongo University would now be affili­ated to the GHS to enable staff who conduct research to become associate professors and not consultants.

Prof. Akoriyea promised to oversee the rebounding of the GHS and prioritise the welfare of staff of the Service.

There were presentations by the directors of the various divisions of the GHS during the review to assess their perfor­mance last year.

Some of the divisions that were present at the performance review were the Health Promo­tion Division, the Human Re­source Division, the Institutional Care Division, Family Health Division, Research and Devel­opment Division, Public Health Division, Policy, Planning, Mon­itoring, and Evaluation Division and the Office of the Director General of the GHS.