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‘The Galamsey Entrepreneurs’ launched to commemorate Maj. Mahama’s 4th anniversary
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A book titled, “The Galamsey Entrepreneurs—The Bane of African Nations” has been launched in Accra to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the demise of Major Maxwell Mahama, who was killed at Dankyira Obuasi in the Central Region in his fight against illegal mining.
The book authored by Joy S.A. Alamu and published by KingSmaker Publishing is focused on the negative impact of illegal mining and how best to salvage the situation to provide gainful employment for the youth.
Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor,Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in a speech read on his behalf commended the author for documenting the ills of galamsey.
He said the over exploitation of gold in communal mining had been associated with negative impact which called for a remedy to the situation before it became worst.
“We would also want to pay glowing tribute to the memory of other security personnel, and all others,who have gallantly fought against illegal and unnecessary destruction of our environment, the creation of hazards for both men and animals as well as other unacceptable behaviour by galamsey”, he said.
Mr Jinapor said it was his hope that the book would broaden the scope of entrepreneurs, especially, the youth in taking up the challenge of safe mining.
He said the government was equally engaging with stakeholders on a new small scale mining to change the negative narrative of the sector, saying,” we are saying, no more polluting of our water bodies,no more unnecessary degradation of our landscape, and no more unnecessary accidents, injuries and fatalities”.
Mr Jinapor said the new small scale mining would, while generating employment and other economic activities for as many community members as possible, would prevent unnecessary accidents and protect the environment.
The book was launched by Dr Wale Okediran, General Secretary of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and the first copy was bought by Mr. Emmanuel Adumoa Bossman, Deputy Chief of Staff at GH¢10,000.
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
