Connect with us

News

Compromised police officers have been replaced to strengthen fight against illegal mining – IGP Yohuno reveals*

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

News

I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

Published

on

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.

He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.

Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.

“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.

Advertisement

He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.

According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.

“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.

Advertisement

He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.

“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.

He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.

Advertisement

By: Jacob Aggrey

Continue Reading

News

GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin

Published

on

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.

He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.

He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra

the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.

Advertisement

He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.

He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.

He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.

Advertisement

“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.

Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.

He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.

“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.

Advertisement

By: Jacob Aggrey

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending