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We can fight Galamsey without declaring a state of emergency – President Mahama insists
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President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out the need to declare a state of emergency in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in the interim.
Addressing journalists at a media encounter at the Flagstaff House, the President said the government has put in place practical measures to combat the menace without suspending normal constitutional processes.
He explained that over 600 “Blue River Guards” have already been trained and deployed to patrol water bodies and destroy equipment used for galamsey.
He added that more personnel will be recruited to protect forest reserves and rivers that serve as water sources for communities.
President Mahama stressed that illegal mining remains a major threat to the environment and water supply, but insisted that strong enforcement and community participation can address the problem without resorting to emergency powers.
“I have been reluctant to declare a state of emergency on galamsey because it should be our last resort in the fight against it,” President Mahama said.
He stressed that state of emergency should be the last resort, and if it becomes necessary, he will go to Parliament
He assured Ghanaians of government’s commitment to protect natural resources while ensuring livelihoods are preserved.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified that former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana and is still wanted under a valid arrest warrant issued by the High Court in Accra.
In a public notice, the OSP said it had taken note of a transcript of a hearing from a United States immigration court that has been circulated by some media organisations.
According to the office, the document has been interpreted by some to suggest that Mr. Ofori-Atta has not been credibly charged or linked to any wrongdoing in Ghana.
The OSP rejected that interpretation, explaining that it is not involved in Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immigration proceedings in the United States.
It said its involvement relates only to extradition proceedings, which are being handled through Ghana’s Attorney-General as the country’s central authority.
According to the OSP, the extradition documents are not before the US immigration court and the court has no authority to determine whether the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta are credible.
“The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana,” the OSP stated.
The office explained that there are three separate legal proceedings involving the former minister.
These include the immigration proceedings in the United States concerning his immigration status, extradition proceedings to determine whether he should be returned to Ghana, and the criminal case before the High Court in Accra involving corruption and corruption-related offences.
The OSP reiterated that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains before the High Court in Accra as an accused person and that a valid warrant has been issued for his arrest.
It maintained that he remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana and is required to appear before the High Court to answer the charges against him.
The Special Prosecutor also stressed that the criminal proceedings in Ghana would continue in accordance with the law and the directives of the High Court, whether or not Mr. Ofori-Atta is physically present in the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Telecel Ghana has announced that it has resolved the intermittent challenges that affected its voice and data services.
In a message to customers, the telecommunications company announced that its network services had been fully restored after experiencing temporary disruptions.
“We are pleased to inform you that intermittent challenges with our voice and data services have been resolved,” the company said.
Telecel apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the service interruptions and thanked them for their patience during the period.
“We appreciate your patience and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused,” the company added.
The company assured customers of its commitment to providing reliable communication services under its slogan, “Connecting Energies.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
