News
We want fair share of our gold – Chief demands
The Divisional Chief of Bosomtwi Traditional Area, Nana Kwabena Amponsah 1V,has lamented the state of roads in mining enclaves in the Western Region including his jurisdiction,saying” it’s a sad commentary on our development.”
He continued :”We want our share of the gold. We are in a gold enclave where gold has been mined for centuries but we don’t even see it.Huni Valley -Tarkwa road used to have manholes and it was terrible travelling on it .The state of roads in Western Region are just worrying.
“It’s sad.There is no interchange in Western Region. Not even at Takoradi.Gold mining in other countries like South Africa has become a reference point. But,when you come to this country, from Tarkwa,Aboso to Huni Valley, it’s a pathetic.Even to ask for our share, where do you go to ask questions?.”
Nana Amponsah made the lamentations when the Mining Sector Roads Rehabilitation Secretariat met him at the Bosomtwe Divisional Area palace to discuss their mandates and the rehabilitation of Huni Valley roads as part of the agenda to transform mining enclaves in Ghana.
He said, before the rehabilitation of the 33 km Tarkwa -Damang road- trekking to Tarkwa or Takorafi was a drudgery.
Today, he said, the journey to Tarkwa, which used to cover two hours, has been cut to about 30 minutes.
The Bosomtwe Chief told the delegation that due to poor road access in Huni Valley corridors, travelling to Accra through Praso, a short distance, was a difficulty, and so, commuters detoured through Tarkwa, Takoradi and Cape Coast.
Nana Amponsah pledged to support the secretariat in performing its mandate to transform roads in Bosomtewe (Huni Valley).
“We ” will help you to meet your mandate.If the communities become beautiful, we shall all share the glory.” he added.
He, however,suggested that the coverage of the Huni Valley project should be extended from 4km to 7.5 km,arguing that the mining community was growing each day.
The Gyaasehene of Bosomtwe, Nana Kwesi Assaah, also complained about shoddy works by some contractors over the years and appealed to the secretariat to ensure the execution of good quality road project in the area.
“We need roads with a longer lifes pan. Do your work with integrity, transparency,truth and the fear of God. Sacrifice and posterity will judge you. Let the truth prevail all the time.” he told the delegation.
The Coordinator at the Mining Roads Sector Rehabilitation Secretariat,Mr Frank Felix E. Awah, explained that the team would coordinate,supervise and implement the road projects in the mining communities.
He added that government would provide part of the funds for the project while the mining companies would also support, but stressed that “We are going to work together as stakeholders to ensure success of the projects.”
He again, said that the Technical Advisor,Dr. Francis Acheampong, also a board chairman of Ghana Highways Authority, would ensure good quality road projects.
Dr.Acheampong, on his part, said “Good quality work is important.We want to ensure that we do good roads with a longer lifespan. not those after six months, develop manholes and the road is destroyed.”
Legal Advisor, Alhaji Farouk Seidu,assured of a necessary legal framework to ensure that even if a new government assumed office, the projects in the mining enclaves would not stall.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Huni Valley
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
