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‘Galamsey’ wreaks havoc on farm, homes in Nkawkaw Amanfrom
Residents of Nkawkaw Amanfrom in Kwahu are reeling from the destruction caused by illegal mining activities, known locally as ‘galamsey’, which have ravaged a poultry farm and several nearby homes.
The mess has left families displaced and livelihoods shattered, raising urgent questions about the unchecked spread of the galamsey menace in Ghana’s farming communities.
The destruction occurred when miners blocked the community’s nearby water body for their operations, leading to extensive flooding during a downpour as the blocked stream overran its banks and spilled into homes and a newly constructed poultry farm owned by Mr. Samuel Osei.
Eyewitnesses have described the scene as heartbreaking — with homes cracked and flooded, and families forced to seek shelter elsewhere.
“We woke up to chaos,” one resident, who spoke to The Spectator on condition of anonymity, said. “The water was everywhere, and everything we’ve worked for was gone.”
The farming enclave of Nkawkaw Amanfrom is known for its agricultural contributions. To put an end to this menace, community members have added their voices to calls on government for an immediate intervention to save the community.
They are demanding stricter enforcement of mining regulations and support for affected families.
“This is not just about land,” one advocate said. “It’s about lives, homes, and futures being buried under greed.”
Madam Mary Danso, who has dealt in poultry for decades at Nkawkaw, lamented how galamsey has affected her source of income. She narrated to The Spectator how dust and smoke from mining sites spread to nearby farms, causing respiratory problems for poultry and reducing egg production.
She pleaded with the government to take action to reduce the menace of galamsey in society.
For Mr. Samuel Osei, a Ghanaian living in the UK who returned to Nkawkaw, it was a difficult sight — seeing his five years of planning, thousands of cedis invested, and a dream rooted in hope all destroyed by the activities of galamsey.
According to Mr. Osei, his poultry farm, with over 4,000 birds and completed with housing, pens, and a piggery, created jobs for a number of the youth in the community.
“This isn’t just one man’s loss. It’s a warning. Galamsey is not only destroying rivers and forests; it’s drowning futures, silencing dreams, and erasing years of honest work. We cannot stay silent. We cannot wait until every farm, every school, every home is lost. This is a call to the government, to local authorities, to environmental agencies — to act now,” he said.
The devastation in Nkawkaw Amanfrom is part of a larger crisis caused by the menace, with over 1.2 million hectares of farmland across Ghana destroyed and more than 500,000 farmers displaced.
By Beatrice Princess Kpeglah
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The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has disclosed that poor coordination and weak communication among security agencies contributed significantly to the violence recorded during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
In his address on the findings of the Election-Related Violence Report, the Minister said the task force that investigated the incidents discovered that the lack of proper coordination between security institutions often led to confusion on the ground, resulting in clashes and excessive use of force in some areas.
Mr. Muntaka explained that in several instances, security agencies operated without clear communication channels, which created gaps in response and accountability. This, he said, made it difficult to control situations that later turned violent.
He emphasised that the report had recommended stronger collaboration and improved coordination mechanisms among the various security agencies to ensure effective communication and joint planning during future elections.
The Minister further noted that the report has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Department for legal advice and for determining appropriate compensation for victims and families affected by the violence.
He assured that the government is committed to implementing the task force’s recommendations to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance professionalism, and maintain peace and order in future electoral processes.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that all mobile loan applications and digital credit service providers currently operating in the country without a license must regularize their operations by June 30, 2026.
In a public notice issued on October 31, 2025, the central bank said it will begin accepting applications from companies seeking to operate as Digital Credit Services Providers starting November 3, 2025.
The Bank explained that all entities offering digital loans or credit services must submit the required documents and meet the licensing requirements before the deadline.
It warned that any company that fails to comply with the directive will face regulatory action.
The Bank of Ghana urged operators and the public to contact its FinTech and Innovation Office in Accra for details on the licensing process or visit its official website, www.bog.gov.gh
By: Jacob Aggrey
