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NDC has no excuse not to repeal L.I. 2462 – Engineer Michael Kosi Dedey

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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First Lady boosts Black Maidens, Black Princesses’ morale with generous support

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Dr Lartey presenting items to players
Dr Lartey presenting items to players

Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.

The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.

The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.

The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.

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The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.

The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.

The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.

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State closes case in missing US$2M ‘Sky Train’ matter

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The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.

The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.

The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).

The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.

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State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.

The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.

The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:

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With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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