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NDC has no excuse not to repeal L.I. 2462 – Engineer Michael Kosi Dedey
Engineer and analyst, Michael Kosi Dedey, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for failing to repeal L.I. 2462, a law regulating small-scale mining, stressing that the party has no excuse given its majority in Parliament.
Mr. Dedey explained that the governing party cannot blame the opposition for delays in addressing illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the inaction of the government shows a lack of commitment to the fight against the menace.
“The NDC has no excuse. With their majority in Parliament, nothing stops them from repealing L.I. 2462,” he noted.
He argued that both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have not conducted themselves well in government, especially when it comes to tackling the galamsey problem.
“So you see, when you say that you are fighting the others, and then when you come, you also do the same thing, it’s like fetching water with a basket — by the time you get home, it’s empty,” he explained.
Mr. Dedey urged the government to take proactive measures to stop people from engaging in illegal mining rather than waiting to punish offenders after the damage is done.
“The law must not just deal with people who have already committed illegal acts, but even those attempting to go into it. We should prevent them before they start,” he emphasized.
He also questioned why the government had failed to review or repeal the mining regulation despite setting up a new Gold Board months ago.
“You set up a whole Gold Board, but you can’t deal with the law? It shows that governments do not think before coming into power. They just make promises, come into office, and start making excuses,” he pointed out.
Mr. Dedey believes the government’s lack of planning and poor leadership have worsened the environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, including the destruction of water bodies and rising costs of water treatment.
He described the estimated four million people involved in illegal mining as a “national disaster,” warning that the situation must not be taken lightly.
He criticized President Mahama’s recent comments suggesting that he was waiting for advice or budgetary support to fight galamsey, describing it as weak leadership.
“For the president to say he’s waiting for the Security Council or the Finance Minister to make financial provisions is worrying. The president chairs the Security Council, and the Finance Minister presents the budget in his name,” Mr. Dedey stated.
He concluded that the government must show real commitment and take decisive action if it truly wants to end the galamsey menace.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of misinformation across the world if not managed responsibly.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President said AI tools such as deepfakes and synthetic media are increasingly being used to manipulate information and distort public perception.
He warned that the misuse of AI poses a serious threat to democracy, public health, and global stability, adding that protecting information integrity must be treated with the same urgency as national security and economic development.
“We are back to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. Disinformation is not an abstract issue, it shapes elections, distorts public health responses, fuels conflict, and undermines the fight against climate change,” he pointed out.
President Mahama said false information continues to erode public confidence in science and government policy, even a decade after the signing of the Paris Climate Accord.
He noted that while AI presents huge opportunities for innovation and growth, it must be used responsibly to ensure that technological progress builds, rather than destroys, public trust.
“Our collective task must be to harness AI responsibly, promote transparency, and ensure that technology strengthens, not weakens, our societies,” he said.
The conference brought together world leaders, media experts, and technology innovators to discuss ways to protect information integrity and strengthen democracy in the digital age.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.
The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.
The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.
The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.
However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.
By: Jacob Aggrey
