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Former deputy finance minister criticises budget allocation for fight against illegal mining

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Former deputy dinance minister Abena Osei Asare has criticised the 2026 national budget for what she describes as a weak commitment to the fight against illegal mining.

During the debate in Parliament today, she argued that government cannot claim illegal mining threatens national survival while allocating what she believes is an insignificant amount to address the problem.

She noted that only 0.003 percent of the total budget has been set aside for efforts to curb illegal mining.

According to her, this shows that the fight is not being taken seriously.

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Osei Asare compared the situation to going to a battlefield with plastic chairs instead of ammunition, stressing that the resources provided are far too small to deal with a problem that continues to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and food sources.

She warned that illegal mining is harming communities, poisoning food, and endangering lives.

She urged Parliament to push for an increase in funding before passing the budget.

Osei Asare called for better support for alternative livelihoods for people who depend on illegal mining, noting that such measures would show genuine commitment to protecting the country’s future.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Kwaisey Pee honours promise, donates GHC50,000 to Korle-Bu Paediatric Oncology Unit

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Ghanaian music icon, Akwasi Poku Addae, known in Showbiz circles as Kwaisey Pee has honoured his promise to children suffering from cancer.

Ahead of his 25th anniversary event held at the D’ Icon Event Centre at East Legon last year, he made a promise to donate some funds to children suffering from cancer.

True to his word, the musician has recently made a donation of GHC50,000 to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

He told the Ghanaian Times that children are so dear to him, and was optimistic the support would go a long way too impact lives.

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The music dynamo also promised that the gesture will not be the last,” it will be a continuous feature from me.”

He also called on Ghanaians home and abroad to lend a helping hand to children suffering from cancer.

According to him, children with cancer have many needs, and a helping hands will go a long way ease the suffering.

“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and leaving that to parents of the children alone, will be a huge burden, with support from you and myself, we can make some changes in other people’s lives,” he concluded.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Dickson Kyere Duah, Kwadwo Poku clash over government funding for World Cup participation

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A disagreement has emerged between Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, and energy consultant Kwadwo Poku over government funding for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The debate centred on government’s decision to budget about 13 million dollars to support the national team, even though FIFA is expected to provide an appearance fee of about 10.5 million dollars if Ghana qualifies for the tournament.

During the discussion on Joys news , Mr Poku questioned why the government should allocate such an amount when FIFA already provides funds to participating countries.

According to him, the appearance fee alone should help cover some of the country’s expenses.

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He argued that if FIFA is giving Ghana 10.5 million dollars simply for qualifying for the tournament, it raises questions about the need for the government to appropriate additional funds.

Mr Kyere Duah, however, explained that the government’s allocation was part of advance planning captured in the national budget even before the final qualification results were known.

He noted that the budget for the tournament period was prepared in November 2025, when it was not certain that Ghana would qualify.

He stressed that budgeting does not automatically mean the entire amount will be spent.

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According to him, the funds are meant to prepare the team from the start of the competition period until the end of the tournament.

Mr Kyere Duah explained that if the team exits the tournament early, the full amount allocated in the budget will not be used.

Mr Poku maintained that FIFA already provides financial support to teams for participating in the World Cup and insisted that the government must clearly justify additional spending.

The discussion extended to the role of the Ghana Football Association in managing the national teams.

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Mr Poku described the association as a private institution and argued that FIFA also operates as a private body that does not allow government interference.

He explained that FIFA provides funds to teams to support their preparation and participation in the tournament.

Mr Kyere Duah, however, maintained that national teams represent the country and require government support to operate effectively.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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