News
Minority calls out government over illegal mining woes
The Minority in Parliament has accused government of failing to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, despite making big promises before coming into power.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the Minority said the galamsey crisis has worsened just six months into the new government’s term.
They described the situation as a “national emergency” and blamed the government for allowing the destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands to continue unchecked.
The statement indicated that although the government was given GHC 50 million this year to fight illegal mining, five times more than what the previous government received, little has been done to stop the practice.
The Minority also pointed to ongoing illegal mining in President John Mahama’s hometown, Bole Bamboi, where the Yonkamba stream, a key water source, has been polluted.
They said this shows a lack of seriousness and commitment from the highest levels of government.
They further accused top government officials and local authorities of secretly supporting illegal miners.
In places like Suaman, they claimed that even equipment meant for road works is being used for illegal mining, with no one holding the perpetrators accountable.
The group criticised the Goldbod initiative which the government said would help clean up the gold trade.
According to the Minority, Goldbod is instead buying gold from illegal miners and enriching a few powerful people, including those close to the government.
The Minority expressed disappointment at journalist, civil society groups, and whistleblowers for failing to hold government to account.
“Ghanaians deserve better than press releases and photo opportunities. They deserve clean water, safe environments, and honest leadership,” the minority bemoaned.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that it will begin a special revenue mobilisation exercise on Monday, November 10, 2025, to recover all monies owed to the Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the AMA, the exercise aims to boost revenue generation and improve service delivery across the city.
it sais a Revenue Mobilisation Task Force will visit businesses, properties, and outdoor advertising locations to reconcile bills and collect outstanding payments.
The Assembly advised all ratepayers to make available valid receipts of payment for Business Operating Permits (BOPs), Property Rates, Outdoor Advertising Fees, and Rents.
The Assembly added that those who may not be present during the exercise are encouraged to leave their receipts with caretakers to avoid penalties, as no excuses will be accepted from defaulters or their agents.
The assembly noted that the task force will also remove all unauthorised billboards, and companies found to have erected such structures without permits will be surcharged with the cost of removal.
The AMA urged all businesses and property owners to cooperate with the exercise, noting that the funds collected will help the Assembly continue to provide essential services such as sanitation, infrastructure development, and public safety.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to review his approach to governance, describing it as “not the best.”
He said the recent bail conditions imposed on some former government officials are unfair and appear to be punitive rather than just.
Mr. Glover made these comments during an interview on Metro TV.
He explained that bail is supposed to allow an accused person to appear before the court while the case is being tried, and not to serve as a form of punishment.
“If you want me to appear regularly before the police and the court, you can put a condition for me, but it should not be punitive. You can take my passport, ask me to report, or inspect my property. But where you make the bail so high that the person cannot even meet it, that becomes punishment,” he said.
He noted that some of the accused persons, including former government officials such as “my brother Assibey and my sister Gifty,” are still in custody because they have not been able to meet their bail requirements.
“What is the use of it? You keep them in incarceration, and they cannot have their day in court. Then you slap them with high bail conditions, making it difficult for them to secure their release. So what kind of justice are we talking about?,” he questioned.
Mr. Glover further criticized what he described as prejudicial comments made against accused persons before their cases are even heard in court, adding that it undermines justice.
He said the government, through agencies like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the police, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, should ensure fairness and transparency in handling such cases.
He urged President Mahama to pay attention to these developments, warning that such practices affect the country’s image and governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
