News
‘Check individual who annexe family properties’
Nii Ashitey Tetteh, Head of Nii Okpe families of Amamoley and Okortoshishi of Ngleshie James Town, has advised family heads in the Greater Accra Region to check individuals who, out of greed, alienate family properties for personal gains.
He said these negative practices were, more often than not, the causes of numerous disputes that had plagued some families for centuries in the region and other parts of the country.
He said it was not uncommon to see these trouble makers in families that lacked strong and unifying leaders.
Nii Ashitey Tetteh gave the advice last week when he installed Mr. Victor Adotei Acquaye (Akutse) as the new head of the Naa Odarley We Tsoro, Asene, Usher Town, Accra.
Mr. Victor Nii Adotei Acquaye succeeded the late Mr. William Emmanuel Nii Moi Acquaye (Uncle Willie) who passed on in November 2020.
Family members and elders who witnessed the installation included Hon. Ernest Acquaye Armah, Nii Dantu and representatives of Kormaa We, Tsoro, Asene, Godbless Naa Larley families from Medie, Winneba and Mepomme.
Nii Ashitey told the new family head to maintain the highest standards of discipline, control, patience and above all, a team player to foster lasting unity in the family.
The new family head, Nii Adotei Acquaye promised to do all in his power to maintatn discipline and foster family cohesion all the time.
He asked for co-operation and the spirit of forgiveness whenever family members wronged one another.
Photo Caption: Nii Adotei Acquaye (middle) with some family members
By Francis Xah
News
2,000 Blue Water Guards to be trained by the end of the year – Lands Minister
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced that government is on course to train 2,000 Blue Water Guards by the close of 2025 to help protect the country’s rivers and water bodies from the impact of illegal mining.
During his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, explained that the Blue Water Initiative remains a key strategy in government’s fight against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with civil society organisations, aimed at keeping public officials accountable to the people they serve.
Mr. Kofi Buah noted that over 450 Blue Water Guards had already completed training and were actively working in various parts of the country.
He revealed that a second group of 530 personnel is expected to graduate on Friday, July 25.
“These officers are not armed but are trained to act as environmental intelligence agents. Their job is to monitor activities, engage communities, and promote awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and the need to protect our natural resources” he stated.
He highlighted that the presence of the guards is already having a positive impact in some mining areas, with residents becoming more aware of the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.
The minister revealed that the second phase of the Blue Water Initiative will focus on restoring polluted rivers by removing harmful chemicals and returning water bodies to their natural state.
“Feasibility studies for this phase are currently underway,” he remarked.
Mr. Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
All 9 red “Galamsey” forest zones repossessed – Lands Minister
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has revealed that all nine forest reserves previously taken over by illegal miners have now been repossessed by the state.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister explained that the red zone forests were once controlled by heavily armed groups, making it dangerous for forest guards and officials to enter.
Mr. Kofi Buah said that through strong collaboration with the security services, the Forestry Commission has been able to take back full control of the affected reserves.
“I’m happy to report that today, the Forestry Commission has successfully taken back all nine red zone forest reserves. Our guards can now move freely in and out of these forests and receive support when needed,” he stated.
He added that although the threat of illegal mining still exists, the repossession marks a major victory in the country’s fight to protect its forests and natural resources.
The minister also highlighted the challenge of deforestation, which he said continues to be driven by illegal mining, logging, wildfires, and unsafe farming practices.
He disclosed that over 5,500 hectares of forest lands, an area larger than 7,500 football fields had been destroyed in just one year.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Buah assured the public that government remains committed to restoring degraded forest areas and strengthening enforcement to prevent future destruction.
The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information, in partnership with civil society organisations, to keep public officials accountable to the people they serve.
