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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
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says it generated US$1.011 billion in foreign exchange from its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade operations in October 2026.
According to the GoldBod, the entire amount was sold to authorised commercial banks through its GoldBod GoFX platform to support stability in the foreign exchange market.
In an announcement issued on Monday, November 2, the Board projected to generate US$1.2 billion in foreign exchange from its ASM gold trade operations in November.
It added that US$800 million of the projected amount would be made available to commercial banks to support foreign exchange market stability.
GoldBod said the sales would be conducted through its GoFX platform in line with the approved FX Sales and Intermediation Framework to ensure transparency, fairness and regulatory compliance.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to generating foreign exchange for the country and supporting the Bank of Ghana’s foreign reserve accumulation under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP).
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
