News
We can now track excavators before they arrive in Ghana – Armah Kofi Buah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emanuel Armah Kofi Buah says the ministry now has the capacity to track earth-moving equipment such as excavators even before they enter Ghana’s ports.
During his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, indicated that a new digital tracking system has been introduced to monitor all imported excavators from the point of entry into the country.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, aims to clamp down on the use of unregistered and illegal machinery in mining operations across the country.
The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with key civil society groups to ensure that leaders remain answerable to the people they serve.
Mr. Kofi Buah explained that so far, over 1,200 excavators have been impounded at the ports, pending proper validation and clearance.
He said this is part of efforts to sanitize the mining sector and prevent illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey”.
He further noted that the Minerals Commission is now using real-time geo-fencing and tracking technology to monitor equipment movement across mining areas.
He revealed that a pilot programme involving 191 excavators is currently underway at a dedicated control room within the commission.
“This is a very innovative move. We are now able to know when an excavator is shipped, when it lands, and where it is headed. We will no longer allow the free movement of mining machinery without proper monitoring,” the minister said.
He pointed out that the new system forms part of a broader national plan to enforce mandatory registration and tracking of all mining and heavy-duty equipment used in the country.
Mr. Buah assured the public that government remains committed to cleaning up the mining sector and protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies from destruction caused by illegal mining.
By Jacob Aggrey
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate release of Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, accusing the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) of abusing its powers in the conduct of investigations against him.
In a press statement dated February 11, 2026, and signed by Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Caucus described the actions of the NIB as “unacceptable” and politically motivated.
According to the statement, the issue began on February 3, 2026, when the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, wrote to the Director-General of the NIB.
In the letter, he requested an investigation into an allegation reportedly made by Mr. Ofosu Nkansah on Sompa Radio 106.5.
The allegation suggested that an individual had paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad. The letter further directed the NIB to submit its findings.
The Minority said Mr. Ofosu Nkansah was first invited to the NIB office on February 5, 2026, to assist with investigations.
He reportedly honoured the invitation and appeared with his lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.
After the meeting, he was allowed to go home without being charged.
However, the Caucus said the NIB invited him again on February 9, while he was in Kumasi visiting his seriously ill father.
According to the statement, he informed the Bureau that he could not report immediately due to his father’s condition and requested to appear on February 11 instead.
The Minority claimed the NIB insisted he report earlier.
The statement further alleged that when Mr. Ofosu Nkansah reported to the NIB, heavily armed officers took him to his residence to conduct a search and later returned him to the NIB office at Nima in Accra.
The Minority Caucus questioned the need for what it described as “forcible actions,” especially when, in its view, Mr. Ofosu Nkansah had been cooperative.
It also claimed that his rights were infringed upon and alleged that he had been taken to an unknown location without access to his legal counsel.
“As far as we know, Mr. Ofosu is at an unknown location,” the statement said, adding that the situation was worrying.
The Caucus argued that such actions could undermine Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law. It maintained that investigations should be conducted in a civil and lawful manner.
The Minority also linked the incident to what it described as broader national concerns, including delays in payments to cocoa farmers, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
It urged the government to focus its attention on addressing these economic challenges instead.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced that it will soon begin issuing licences for the cultivation of cannabis strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes in Ghana.
In a press statement dated February 11, 2026, the Commission said the move follows Parliament’s approval of the regulatory and cost framework to operationalise the licensing regime.
The framework allows for the controlled cultivation, processing and use of cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent.
NACOC explained that the licences will be granted only to qualified entities that meet strict requirements.
According to the Commission, applicants must have strong security protocols, product traceability systems, quality assurance standards, and must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
It cautioned prospective applicants to deal directly and exclusively with the Commission through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD).
It also warned the public to avoid individuals, groups or associations claiming they can facilitate the licensing process. The Commission stressed that applicants must follow only the officially approved procedures and guidelines.
NACOC reiterated that the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Ghana.
It noted that the new licensing regime applies only to cannabis with THC content not exceeding 0.3 per cent and strictly for medicinal and industrial use.
The Commission said it will work closely with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority to ensure effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the framework.
NACOC said it remains committed to protecting public health and safety while supporting lawful innovation and industrial development in the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News5 days agoCSP Catherine Gagakuma: The Firm, Fair, Fearless Officer in Charge at Awutu Camp Prison
- News7 days ago
Ghana Zambian Relations: President Mahama calls for economic reset and deeper cooperation
- News7 days ago
God has revealed Ghana’s next president, names Wontumi as NPP chairman- Nigel Gaisie
