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we are coming after you…Lands and Natural Resources Minister declares war on illegal mining
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Armah Kofi Buah has declared war on illegal mining.
According to him, they are not going to spare anybody who mines in forest reserves and water bodies.
In a renewed effort to combat illicit mining, the minister during a working visit to the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve within the Nkawie Forest District in the Ashanti Region, declared war on illegal miners.
He declared that no one, regardless of political party, will be spared if they choose to mine in these forbidden areas.
Speaking to the media, he said, โThis is why we breathe, this is where we get everything that keeps us alive as human beings, so when you see this devastation, at the heart of the Offin River which takes its source from here. what few of our own people are doing to us is, they have come to kill us at where it matters most.โ
In strong warning, he said, โMy message to our young people who want to do mining is that there is a pathway for doing the right mining, but we are not going to spare anybody who ventures to do illegal mining in our forest reserves.โ
He revealed that โin the coming weeks you will see steps being taken by the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology to parliament to repeal Act 2463 taking away even the power of the president to grant anybody licence to mine in forest reserves.โ
โMy message today having reclaimed this shelterbelt on the Offin is to all of the thugs that are in all the other 43 forest reserves, we are coming for you, we are coming after you, the chain of people who are involved, the investigations have commenced,โ he added.
The minister concluded that all those who would be found culpable will face the law.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the Private Security Organisation licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect.
The suspension follows reports of alleged use of unprescribed uniforms, and unauthorised possession and use of firearms and ammunition by the companyโs personnel.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, while they were providing private security services at Kwabenya, Accra.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations suggest possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992, L.I. 1571, which regulate private security operations in Ghana.
The Ministry said the use of unprescribed uniforms, unauthorised firearms, and security accoutrements by private guards constitutes a serious breach with direct implications for public safety.
As a result, Kantanka Security Services Limited has been directed to cease all operations immediately pending the outcome of investigations.
All individuals and institutions are advised to stop doing business with the company until further notice from the Ministry.
The Ministry has also instructed Kantanka Security Services to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and provide all information needed for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry assured the public that the suspension is an administrative measure to protect public safety while investigations continue, adding that appropriate action will be taken after investigations, in line with laws governing private security operations in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The National Democratic Congress has officially renamed its national headquarters the โJerry John Rawlings Houseโ to honour its founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, as part of activities marking what would have been Rawlingsโ 79th birthday.
Held under the theme โFrom Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,โ the event brought together party members and senior government officials to celebrate his life, leadership, and role in shaping Ghanaโs democracy.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a commemorative plaque and a bust of the late statesman at the newly named building.
He said the renaming is a tribute to Rawlingsโ immense contribution to the NDC and the nation.
โHistory matters because it teaches people where they came from and inspires the future,โ Mahama said.
He described the ceremony as a significant act of institutional memory that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made to build the party and protect Ghanaโs democracy.
Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late President, expressed the familyโs gratitude.
โThe naming of this headquarters after our dad, Jerry John Rawlings, is far more than a symbolic gesture,โ he said.
He called it a fitting tribute to Rawlingsโ legacy, values, and sacrifices that continue to influence Ghanaโs politics.
The event ended with a cake-cutting to mark Rawlingsโ birthday.
Rawlings, who died in November 2020, first led Ghana as a military ruler, then guided the transition to constitutional rule and served as the countryโs first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. He remains one of the most influential figures in Ghanaโs modern history.
The ceremony which was a moment of remembrance and celebration of his enduring legacy was attended by top party officials, government appointees and NDC faithfuls
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
