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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, “This 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.”
In strong warning, he said, “My 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.”
He revealed that “in 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.”
“My 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,” he added.
The minister concluded that all those who would be found culpable will face the law.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
MTN Ghana is marking 30 years of operations with a renewed pledge to serve as a strategic partner in Ghana’s national development, announcing major investments in fibre infrastructure, network modernisation and sustainable digital platforms to carry the country into its next chapter of digital transformation.
The milestone was officially launched on May 14, at MTN House in Accra, under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” at an event attended by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, and a cross-section of the media.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, described the anniversary as more than a corporate celebration, calling it a uniquely Ghanaian story shaped by connection, inclusion and shared progress over three decades.
Mr Blewett said MTN Ghana was positioning itself for the next phase of Ghana’s digital economy, with targeted investments in fibre expansion, core network modernisation and advanced technologies that will support productivity, innovation and economic growth across sectors.
“The next phase of Ghana’s development will be built on mobile platforms on farms, in markets, in clinics, classrooms and creative studios. Technology will remove geography as a disadvantage and open Ghanaian talent to the world,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, congratulated MTN Ghana on its 30-year milestone, describing it as part of a broader national success story in which Ghana’s telecommunications sector has evolved into a modern, mobile first, data driven ecosystem serving tens of millions of subscribers.
Within that journey, the Minister said, MTN Ghana has played a distinctive and influential role, citing its early introduction of GSM technology, leadership in Mobile Money, continued network investments, listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange and contribution as one of Ghana’s largest corporate taxpayers.
The government, he said, remains committed to working with industry players, including MTN, to address shared challenges such as rural connectivity, infrastructure protection, cyber security, digital skills development and environmental sustainability.
As part of activities planned nationwide, customers will have the opportunity to participate in anniversary promotions featuring a wide range of exciting prizes to be won, as MTN celebrates the people who have powered its journey over the past three decades.
By Spectator Reporter
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.
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.
