News
Anti-galamsey task force destroys 10 Changfans other mining equipment on Pra River
The anti-galamsey task force, Operation Halt, has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, destroying key equipment used for illegal operations on Ghana’s river bodies.
In their latest move, the task force destroyed 10 Changfans, a pistol, and eight water-pumping machines on the Pra River in the Central Region.
This follows the burning of 30 pieces of mining equipment on the Birim River in the Eastern Region during the first day of the operation.
Speaking to Citi News, Colonel Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, emphasised that the team had also dismantled several other machines used by illegal miners.
He explained that the task force’s rapid deployment from the Eastern to the Central Region on the second day was part of a strategic effort to outmanoeuvre illegal miners and prevent them from relocating their operations.
The current phase of Operation Halt is expected to last for two weeks, during which the task force will patrol major river bodies across the country, including the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra Rivers, all of which have been heavily polluted by illegal mining activities.
Col. Tenadu reiterated that the operation aims not only to dismantle illegal mining infrastructure but also to deter those who continue to damage the environment through galamsey.
He said, “I am unable to tell where we are moving next but I can assure you that we are visiting all the major water bodies in the country and so they [the illegal miners] should prepare for us.”
“For this phase of the operation, our aim is to clear the waterbodies and so our concentration is on the waterbodies and not lands,”he noted.
The deployment of military personnel, including engineers, alongside police officers and environmental experts, underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the galamsey crisis.
The operation has so far been well-received by environmental groups, though many have called for long-term solutions to prevent illegal miners from returning once the task force leaves.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
President John Dramani Mahama to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season in Accra
The 2025/26 Premier League will officially kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, performing the ceremonial kick-off ahead of the season opener between Accra Hearts of Oak and league debutants Hohoe United.
President Mahama will be joined by Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, members of the Executive Council and football fans from across the capital as the curtain rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years.
Giants Hearts of Oak will open their quest for a league title when they take on newly promoted Hohoe United under the floodlights of the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT).
The Phobians, bolstered by new signings and a strong pre-season campaign, are eager to end a four-year run without an opening-day victory, while United will be aiming to make a statement in their first-ever top-flight match.
Before the main fixture, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Black Starlets (Ghana U-17) and Auroras FC, the youth side of Hearts of Oak, at 4:00 pm local time.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, top Afro-dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla) will deliver a live performance at the venue, ensuring fans enjoy not only football but also top-class entertainment on opening night.
This season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with traditional heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and revitalized clubs all targeting glory. From title races to survival battles, fans are set for months of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.
News
GES opens promotion applications for teaching staff
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited applications from qualified teachers and officers for promotion to higher ranks within the service.
In a notice signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said the ranks available are Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
According to the statement, applicants must meet the minimum years of service required for each position.
Teachers seeking promotion to Deputy Director must have been promoted to Assistant Director I in or before 2021.
Similarly, those applying for Assistant Director I should have held the rank of Assistant Director II since 2021 or earlier.
Applicants for Assistant Director II must have been Principal Superintendents from 2021 or earlier, while those applying for Principal Superintendent must have been Senior Superintendent I since 2021 or before.
The GES stated that teachers with approved Master’s or PhD degrees may use their certificates to apply for promotion out of turn if the qualifications meet set conditions.
These include completing an approved course of study and obtaining the certificate after their previous promotion but not later than 2023.
Applicants are to complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format, except for the passport-size photograph.
The application window runs from Thursday, September 11, to Thursday, October 2, 2025. The GES urged all applicants who had applied earlier to re-apply.
By: Jacob Aggrey
