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Coconut theft on the rise in WR – Reg. Minister laments
The Western Regional Minister and Chairman of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), MrKwabenaOkyereDarko-Mensah,has directed the Nzema East, Jomoro and EllembelleAssemblies to take immediate steps to check the theft of coconut on farms in the Nzema corridors.
He noted that, the stealing of coconut by some unscrupulous persons, was an affront to programmes to restore and promote an industry that has huge potentials to address the economic and social needs of the people especially farmers and investors in the region.
Mr Darko-Mensah, gave the directive following complaints by the Jomoro Coconut Hub about thefts of coconuts on their farms.
The complaint was lodged at the launch of the 2nd International Coconut Festival Ghana themed ‘Repositioning Ghana’s coconut sector for accelerated industrilisation agenda” at Alabokazo in the Ellembelle District last Friday.
Mr Darko-Mensah added “REGSEC directs all the three municipal and district assemblies in Nzema East, Jomoro and Ellembelle to mount road barriers to check thetransportation of coconut from these areas.The stealing of coconut must stop on our farms, we will not allow that. Anyone transporting coconut from these areas, must show receipts of where is coming from.”
He indicated that the region had distributed about five millioncoconut seedlings to yield about $100 per tree, saying that “farmers need the hybrid seedlings which were disease – resilient.”
Plans to add value to coconut, Mr Darko-Mensah said, were ongoing andhoped that, with the support of Ghana Tree Crop Authority, the industry would be revived with the establishment of factories, stressing “we will do it with coconut and create jobs and market for the farmers.”
The Regional Minister told the participants that happily, the Senior High Schools had also adopted the cultivation of coconut.
‘With Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) the African Coconut Group and Youth in coconut value chain, we believed we will tell a success storywith coconut.”
In an interview with the Chairman of the Jomoro Coconut Hub,Francis Aliefe, he recalled that, the theft of coconut which took place mostly in the nights,reached itheight about two years ago, and mentioned Anochie,Takenta, Nawule, Ndusuazo, Ellenda,Eguazo and Half Assini as area noted for such crime.
He told The Spectator that initially, the thieves stole the copra on farms but, now climbed thetrees to harvestbunches of fresh coconut.
According to him reports had been made to the District Police Command, but, the situation remained the same.
Commending the Regional Minister for the directive, he, however, suggested a multi- stakeholder approachcomprising the chiefs, police, the Jomoro Municipal Assembly and the judiciary, for permanent solution to the matter.
He stated for example that, anytime culprits were taken to court, they were made to sign a bond of good behaviour and let -off the hook, but regretted that “the situation continues and is alarming.”
Mr Aliefe continued “We are suffering; our incomes and future investment are going to criminals who have not shed any sweat. We have suffered for nothing. Coconut creates jobs for every household, indeed, it’s themainstay of the economy inthe Nzema enclave.
“We need more investments but how do we move forward with these criminal activities.The good newsis that investors are prepared to come but we need to protectthe coconut plantations, maintain supply of the raw material base, to make the industry attractive and for our incomes and economy to grow and flourish.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Alabokazo
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
