News
Compromised police officers have been replaced to strengthen fight against illegal mining – IGP Yohuno reveals*
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced that some police officers who were believed to have compromised their positions in the fight against illegal mining have been removed and replaced with energetic and disciplined ones.
In an interview on UTV’s Mpu Ne Mpu, he explained that the Ghana Police Service was taking strong steps to win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”.
He said some officers who had stayed too long in galamsey-prone areas had become less effective, and it was necessary to bring in new, energetic and committed officers.
“I made some changes. Some of them who have stayed there for long and have compromised their position because of this galamsey, the first thing I did was to bring in people who are really committed to work,” he mentioned.
He said the police began operations without waiting for support from any external body.
“We started work in the Western and Central Regions, particularly at the popular Akonta Mines, where they were able to retrieve over 100 excavators and other items used for illegal mining. Our forest reserves have been totally devastated. I kept my men there for more than two months to sanitize the place,” the IGP bemoaned.
He disclosed that so far, the police had retrieved at least 178 excavators across the country.
The IGP revealed that special police teams had been sent from Accra to areas in Ashanti Region to work on the ground for weeks, even though they faced resistance from some local residents who rely on mining for their livelihood.
Despite the challenges, the IGP said the police are determined to follow the President’s vision of protecting Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
He added that the police would continue to support the newly formed National Illegal Mining Oversight Structure (NIMOS), while also maintaining their own independent efforts against illegal mining.
“We will not stop. We are moving from region to region and making sure we fight crime and galamsey at the same time,” the IGP reiterated.
By Jacob Aggrey
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
