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CSOs in Agriculture demand resignation of Lands Minister over galamsey crisis
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The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, along with his deputies.
This demand comes in response to the worsening effects of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which continue to devastate the environment and livelihoods across the country.
The CSOs argue that the Ministry’s leadership has failed to effectively address the crisis and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
The coalition in a statement released on Thursday by the Chamber of Agribusiness noted that “we the coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently calls upon Ghana’s president, the executive and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.”
“The coalition demands immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey:
1) Cease all galamsey operations immediately.
2) Immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies.
3) Restore degraded lands and prosecute perpetrators.
4) Implement sustainable mining practices and support affected communities and industries.
5) Set up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders.”
“6) Deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas.
7) Urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.
8) Provision of alternative livelihoods, development of a National Mining Policy, and setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.
9) Promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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