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Chief of Staff eulogises late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills at 13th commemorative lecture
Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has paid glowing tribute to the late President, His Excellency John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, describing him as a gift to Ghana and a leader who represented both the past and the future of the nation.
He delivered the praise during the 13th John Evans Atta Mills Commemorative Lecture held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The event drew participants from academia, politics, and civil society organizations (CSO’s) to honour the legacy of the late president
The lecture was organised by the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage under the theme “Atta Mills: A Case Study for the Fourth Republic.”
Mr.Debrah said President Mills was not only a man of strong personal values, but also someone shaped by the realities of Ghana’s political and social environment.
He said Mills served under Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings as Vice President, and by doing so, he bridged the gap between the country’s past and its democratic present.
He added that the late president understood what it meant for a nation to struggle with development, public mistrust, and corruption. Yet, through it all, he stood firm as a man of integrity who believed in courageous and principled leadership.
The Chief of Staff praised Professor Mills as a teacher of law and a jurist who had deep respect for the wishes and concerns of ordinary people.
According to him, the people silently longed for a leader who valued patriotism over partisanship, and Mills answered that call with humility and strength.
He noted that the professor’s leadership was not only the result of his personal beliefs and character but also the influence of family, environment, and social expectations.
He intimated that the unique blend of experience and empathy made Mills a true example for others to follow.
He described the late president as a father figure and an exceptional leader whose values must be passed on and called for the nurturing of future leaders in the spirit of Atta Mills.
“let’s raise leaders who will serve with honesty, wisdom, and love for the country” he urged.
The programme was attended by prominent people like the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Charlotte Osei.
By Jacob Aggrey
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.
