News
Ghana moves to finalise first-ever blue economy strategy
The Minister of Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has stated Ghana’s ocean and its resources are central to the country’s prosperity.
She made this known at the opening ceremony of a three-day national consultation on Ghana’s draft Blue Economy Strategy in Accra.
The consultation, held at the Ghana Shippers Council Conference Room, brought together over 260 participants from government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners.
The meeting is expected to finalize the draft strategy, which will guide the sustainable use of Ghana’s marine and coastal resources.
According to the minister, the ocean and coastal resources play a vital role in the country’s socio-economic wellbeing and the protection of its Underwater Cultural Heritage.
She stressed the need for a balanced approach that safeguards heritage, supports livelihoods, and protects the environment.
The strategy, once finalised, will serve as a roadmap for the sustainable development of Ghana’s ocean and water-based resources while promoting inclusive economic growth and climate resilience.
Plans include the establishment of a Blue Economy Commission (BEC) and a legislative framework to support its work.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emilia Arthur, described the Blue Economy as a “national vision” for job creation, food security, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
She commended the teamwork that brought the strategy this far.
The draft strategy was shaped by a 16-member expert committee chaired by Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Valerie E. Sawyerr.
It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
By: Jacob Aggrey
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
