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  • Ghana–Korea health collaboration deepens as Acting GHS Director-General receives diplomatic service medal

    Ghana’s profile in global health diplomacy has received a significant boost as Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), was honoured with the prestigious Diplomatic Service Medal at the 2025 Development Cooperation Day celebration in Seoul, South Korea. The event, held under the theme “Together for Global Prosperity,” brought together international development leaders and policymakers. South Korea’s Prime Minister, Lee Jae-Myung, presented the award to Dr. Akoriyea in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and the Republic of Korea, particularly in health sector cooperation. Dr. Akoriyea, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost health administrators, has carved a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. His leadership experience includes serving as Director of Institutional Care at the GHS, Clinical Auditor and Deputy Director at the National Ambulance Service, and currently Acting Director-General of the Service. His work has driven critical reforms in emergency and critical care, hospital management, biomedical engineering, patient safety, and health infrastructure development—efforts that have significantly expanded Ghana’s capacity for equitable, people-centred healthcare. Internationally, he is recognised for championing global health security, digital health governance, and cross-border cooperation, and for his leadership in neurosurgery development in the West Africa sub-region. One of the defining milestones of Dr. Akoriyea’s career was his role in establishing the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) partnership in Ghana during his time as Director of the Institutional Care Division. His strategic engagement led to the establishment of the KOFIH Ghana Country Office, now a key platform for Ghana–Korea cooperation in health. Since its establishment, KOFIH has implemented major interventions across Ghana, including maternal and newborn health improvement programmes, capacity-building for biomedical engineers and clinical staff, support for emergency medical services, disability-friendly facility initiatives, and system-strengthening projects in surveillance, laboratory services, and hospital management. These interventions, rooted in early collaborative efforts championed by Dr. Akoriyea, continue to improve service delivery and enhance resilience within the country’s health system. Dr. Akoriyea has also been an active partner of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), collaborating on initiatives focused on health systems strengthening, public health capacity-building, WASH improvements in health facilities, digital innovation, and community-level health programmes. His ability to align Ghana’s national priorities with development partnerships has helped both agencies deepen their contributions to Ghana’s health sector. His recognition in Seoul, therefore, symbolizes not only personal excellence but also Ghana’s growing influence in global health cooperation. It reflects the shared vision promoted by the 2025 Development Cooperation Day theme—advancing collective prosperity through strategic partnerships. The Ghana Health Service has congratulated Dr. Akoriyea on the honour, describing it as a testament to his dedication, vision, and outstanding service to national and global health development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • Wholesome Mind Xperience begins refurbishment of Accra Psychiatric Hospital’s special ward into Ghana’s first PICU

    The Wholesome Mind Xperience has begun the refurbishment of the Special Ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, marking the start of Ghana’s first-ever Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The project, led by VINT & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, aims to transform the aging ward into a modern, safe, and restorative facility to enhance specialised mental health care. At a brief ceremony to commence the reconstruction, partners, mental health advocates, donors, and stakeholders were taken through the scope of the redevelopment. Speakers included representatives from the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Keen Developers, ARK Properties, KPMG, and the Wholesome Mind Xperience. Lady-Ann Essuman, Managing Attorney at VINT & Aletheia, emphasised the urgency of the renovation, stating that the existing ward “no longer meets the standard required for dignified and effective mental healthcare.” She stressed that the upgraded PICU would reflect the belief that quality mental health care is a fundamental human right. Director of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Kwadwo Marfo Obeng, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward improving patient recovery and staff working conditions. He highlighted the significance of the PICU as the first purpose-built psychiatric intensive care facility in the country. KPMG Partner, Mrs. Joselyn Coleman, assured donors of strict financial oversight, transparency, and accountability throughout the project, while Keen Developers reaffirmed their commitment to building a safe and clinically sound environment for vulnerable patients. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handing-over of the site to signal the start of construction. The Wholesome Mind Xperience and its partners continue to call on individuals and organisations to support the ongoing fundraising efforts to complete this landmark mental health project. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • Ghana Immigration Service mourns fallen officer

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has bid a solemn farewell to Assistant Immigration Control Officer I (AICO I) Cosmos Dakurah, who was laid to rest on Saturday at Badigriyiri-Konzokala in the Jirapa Municipality. AICO I Dakurah died in the line of duty on November 2, 2025, after he and a colleague were ambushed by unknown assailants at Pulimakom in the Upper East Region—an incident that highlights the persistent dangers faced by frontline officers safeguarding the nation’s borders. Representing the Comptroller-General, the Upper West Regional Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Justice Bosomtwi-Ayensu, joined other senior officers, including Upper East Regional Commander DCOI Lawrence Agyemang Bosompem and DCOI Francis Banning, to pay their final respects. During the funeral rites, which featured moving tributes, a 21-gun salute, and the laying of three wreaths on behalf of the Comptroller-General, the Regional Command, and the Service, Officer Dakurah was hailed as a true martyr whose bravery and dedication will continue to inspire generations of GIS personnel. The Comptroller-General and the GIS Management reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers and ensuring that their sacrifices are honored with dignity. In extending its deepest condolences, the Service prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, noting that AICO I Dakurah’s legacy “will forever remain a guiding light to the Service and the nation.” Meanwhile, AICO I Philip Lartey, who was attacked alongside the late officer during the ambush in the Tempane District, is continuing treatment for his injuries. After initial care at the Basonde Clinic, he was transferred to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • AAAGCONF25: Prez. Mahama urges Africa to draw lessons from Ghana’s debt crisis

    President John Dramani Mahama has urged African governments to take a hard look at Ghana’s recent economic crisis and use it as a guiding lesson in managing public finances on the continent. Speaking on day one of the 3rd African Association of Accountants-General Conference in Accra, Mr. Mahama said Ghana’s economic ordeal—marked by an unprecedented debt burden and a collapse in creditworthiness—offered valuable insights for countries seeking to build resilient fiscal systems. He noted that Ghana had become “the epicentre of Africa’s debt challenges” after international credit rating agencies downgraded the nation to the lowest level, effectively shutting it out of the global capital market. “To this day, we remain unable to access international markets,” he said. “Our experience should not be ignored. It must serve as a cautionary guide for the rest of Africa.” Mr. Mahama identified rapid debt accumulation, fiscal indiscipline, and weak public financial management as key factors that plunged Ghana into crisis. But he also highlighted the country’s efforts toward recovery, describing them as a “turnaround story that deserves attention.” “In the last ten months, we have restored credibility in our self-assessment mechanisms, strengthened public financial controls, brought inflation under greater discipline, and introduced strict limits on how fast debt can accumulate,” he told delegates. He urged Accountants-General across the continent to champion transparent, disciplined, and innovative financial management practices, stressing that Africa’s economic future depends on responsible stewardship of public resources. The conference brought together financial leaders, policymakers, and experts from across Africa to discuss reforms aimed at improving public sector financial governance. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson; Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, noted that Ghana’s public finances have witnessed a remarkable turnaround owing to robust fiscal reforms and strengthened economic governance under President John Dramani Mahama. The Deputy Minister highlighted key reforms—including the strengthening of fiscal institutions, the introduction of numerical thresholds on debt levels, and amendments that align procurement processes with budget provisions to curb the accumulation of arrears. “These interventions have produced clear, measurable gains,” he said. “Macroeconomic stability has been firmly retained, and the significant improvements in our credit ratings reflect the disciplined and integrity-driven fiscal agenda championed by His Excellency President John Mahama.” According to him, the President’s leadership has been defined by an unwavering commitment to accountability and ethical governance. He disclosed that President Mahama recently issued a stern caution to all appointees—one that has “sent shivers down the spine” of his entire team. “He told us plainly: ‘Woe betide anyone who brings scandal to my cabinet.’ This statement alone has kept every appointee alert,” Mr. Nyarko Ampem noted. “None of us wants to be the first to bring scandal to President Mahama’s administration.” He stressed that public office holders must be constantly reminded of their duties and the standards expected of them. “We are grateful to President John Mahama for providing this exemplary leadership,” he said. “It has been ten months without a single scandal. We are hopeful that we will complete the first year, second year, third year—and indeed, the entire administration—without any scandal.” The Deputy Minister also underscored the centrality of innovation in modern governance. “Innovation is no longer just a catalyst,” he said. “It has become the ultimate goal of governance.” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, his entourage likewise Accountants General and Financial Governance Experts from across the continent all gathered at the conference to focus on strengthening fiscal responsibility and advancing best practices in public financial management in Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • Ghana launches second cohort of JICA-supported training programme to boost public service delivery in West Africa

    The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC), has opened the second cohort of the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) on “Kaizen for Enhanced Public Service Delivery” for English-speaking West African countries. The opening ceremony, held on 17 November 2025 at the CSTC in Accra, brought together 30 participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ghana. Senior officials from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of JICA and CSTC attended the event. JICA’s Chief Representative, Madam Momoko Suzuki, underscored the importance of strengthening regional collaboration to address persistent challenges in public administration. She observed that issues such as bureaucratic delays, inefficiencies, and resource constraints cut across national boundaries, making joint solutions crucial. Suzuki encouraged foreign missions and civil service institutions in the participating countries to deepen partnerships with CSTC and help expand future cohorts. Diplomatic representatives, including the Ambassador of Liberia to Ghana, H.E. Musa Jatu-Rhule, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Adeoye Dayo, and the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Ghana, H.E. Mohammed Hassan Kaisamba, also delivered goodwill messages. They reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to improving public sector performance and enhancing cooperation across the sub-region. The Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission of Japan, Mr. Mitori Naoki, represented the Government of Japan and echoed similar sentiments. For more than 15 years, JICA has worked closely with CSTC to enhance institutional capacity, modernize training programmes, and upgrade facilities. Through this partnership, CSTC has evolved into a regional Centre of Excellence equipped with a modern Learning Management System and strengthened technical resources to support West Africa’s civil service reforms. The two-week programme blends lectures, practical sessions, and study tours, building on an online preparatory course completed by participants before arriving in Accra. Rooted in the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, the training emphasizes practical problem-solving, teamwork, and incremental steps toward improved service delivery. CSTC expressed gratitude to JICA and the diplomatic missions for their continuous support, noting that the programme is expected to broaden regional collaboration and contribute to more effective public institutions across West Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • NDPC Director-General calls for coordinated national effort to strengthen Ghana’s human capital development

    Director-General of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has called for a stronger, more coordinated national approach to tackling Ghana’s human capital challenges. Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee meeting on Ghana’s National Human Capital Development Strategy (HCDS) in Accra on Thursday, Dr. Amoah emphasised that the country’s long-term socio-economic transformation hinges on its ability to develop, empower, and retain a productive workforce. “Ghana’s quest for socio-economic transformation cannot be divorced from its commitment to human capital development,” she said. “With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change, Ghana has no option but to strategically invest in its people to build the skills, competencies, and capabilities needed to drive innovation and sustainable national development.” Dr. Amoah highlighted several pressing challenges, including demographic pressures, persistent labour-market mismatches, the continuous outflow of skilled professionals, and fragmentation across sectors. She noted that addressing these issues requires strong, coordinated leadership across ministries and agencies. “The urgency of this strategy cannot be overstated. We are confronted with demographic pressures, labour-market mismatch, an ongoing outflow of skilled Ghanaians, and increasing fragmentation across sectors. These challenges make coordinated ministerial support not just desirable but absolutely necessary,” she stressed. She reiterated NDPC’s call for robust multi-sectoral collaboration involving government institutions, industry, academia, and research organisations to drive the HCDS forward. Co-Principal Investigator and Country Research Manager at Thrive, Dr. Kwabena Tandoh, described the HCDS as a transformative blueprint for national progress from 2026 to 2057. He underscored priority areas such as early childhood development, quality education reforms, strengthened parental engagement, improved teacher motivation, and integrated health and social programmes. He noted that while Ghana is gaining recognition as a regional leader in early childhood development, significant bottlenecks remain. Dr. Tandoh emphasised that the strategy aims not only to advance economic growth but also to promote equity, empowerment, and locally driven solutions. Principal Planning Analyst at NDPC, Mr. Peter Porekuu, outlined the core components of Ghana’s Human Capital Development Strategy. He stressed the importance of building a modern workforce equipped with critical thinking, STEM competencies, and the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. According to him, the strategy involves reviewing existing policies, addressing misalignments, and ensuring that training and education systems respond effectively to industry needs. He also identified key national challenges such as weakening family systems, rural–urban inequalities, skills mismatches, infrastructure deficits in emerging regions, gender and pay disparities, cultural barriers, and the persistent brain drain. The HCDS places strong emphasis on improving learning outcomes, health, skills development, and productivity. It aligns with the President’s Resetting Ghana Agenda, which prioritises rebuilding the foundations of the economy, strengthening institutions, restoring productivity, and ensuring that people remain at the centre of national development. Thursday’s meeting marks an important step in strengthening coordination across key sectors, including education, health, jobs, and social protection, and advancing a unified strategy to accelerate Ghana’s human capital development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • Ga Mantse calls for collective action to restore Ghana’s fisheries sector

    The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for an urgent national collaboration to restore Ghana’s declining fisheries sector. He warned that pollution, illegal fishing practices, and climate pressures are pushing marine ecosystems to the brink. Speaking at the 2025 National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Ga King said the country can no longer ignore the mounting threats facing coastal communities and the fishing industry. He noted that plastic pollution has become one of the most severe challenges, revealing that many fishermen now “return from sea with plastic bottles and bags instead of the fish their families depend on.” According to him, the interaction between plastics and seawater produces corrosive chemicals that accelerate ocean acidification, damage coral reefs, destroy fish habitats, and disrupt natural spawning grounds. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also raised concerns over deep-sea trawling—particularly by foreign vessels—stating that such practices have “swept clean” the ocean floor, leading to low yields for local fishermen and threatening the sustainability of fish stocks. The Ga Mantse emphasized that safeguarding Ghana’s fisheries requires a blend of indigenous knowledge and modern science. Citing the long-held Ga fishing traditions, he referenced documented practices in which fishermen relied on more than 80 star systems to determine tides, navigate waters, and perform important cultural rites. “In the past, our fishing communities protected their waters through norms and traditions that encouraged responsible harvesting,” he said. “It is time to revive that spirit of collective responsibility.” The Ga King urged stakeholders to help reset the fisheries sector by strengthening compliance, eliminating illegal and unregulated practices, preserving traditional norms, reducing land- and sea-based pollution, and building resilience against climate change. “This conference gives us the opportunity to right the wrongs and chart a sustainable path forward,” he said. “We must combine international agreements, national policies, and individual actions to protect our marine resources for generations to come.” The National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers brought together traditional leaders, policymakers, development partners, and civil society groups to discuss strategies for safeguarding Ghana’s coastal and marine environment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • "Intellectual property is a vital component of youth empowerment,” - Youth Development and Empowerment Minister

    The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Daren Tang, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, to explore deeper collaboration aimed at advancing youth development in Ghana and across Africa. Welcoming the WIPO delegation, Hon. Opare Addo underscored the rationale behind establishing the new ministry, explaining that it was created to focus squarely on the needs, challenges, and aspirations of young people. He stressed that intellectual property (IP) must play a central role in Ghana’s youth development agenda. “Intellectual property is a vital component of youth empowerment,” he said, noting that the visit reinforced ongoing efforts to integrate IP education into national training programmes such as the National Apprenticeship and Adwumawura initiatives currently underway across the country. Mr. Tang reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among young people. He highlighted intellectual property as a powerful tool for transforming ideas into impactful solutions and sustainable ventures capable of driving economic growth. The Ministry expressed confidence that a strengthened partnership with WIPO would provide young Ghanaians with the skills, opportunities, and global exposure needed to thrive in a competitive digital economy. Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation through training, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for young innovators to showcase their work internationally. They further committed to rolling out joint programmes aimed at raising awareness of intellectual property rights among young entrepreneurs, supporting youth-led startups with IP protection strategies, and advancing knowledge-sharing and capacity building across the country. The visit marked a significant step toward fortifying ties between Ghana and WIPO as both institutions work to empower the next generation to harness creativity and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • NPP Presidential Election Committee releases provisional register to flagbearer aspirants

    The Presidential Election Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially handed over the provisional register to all contestants seeking the party’s flagbearer position ahead of the January 2026 elections. The register provides an official list of eligible delegates and forms a key part of the party’s preparations for a transparent and credible internal election. During the handover ceremony, committee chairman Joe Osei Wusu urged all aspirants to carefully review the provisional register and provide any feedback or discrepancies they might identify. He stressed that the committee is fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. “We have taken all necessary steps to make sure the process is transparent and inclusive,” Mr. Osei Wusu assured the aspirants and party members of the committee’s impartiality. He further explained that the decision to release the register followed extensive consultations with all contestants to ensure fairness and consensus. “Before making the register public, we met with each aspirant to discuss the process and address any concerns,” he noted. The handover event was attended by key flagbearer aspirants, including Kennedy Agyepong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adu-Twum, and Engineer Kwabena Agyepong. Representatives were present on behalf of other contestants: Lawyer Appiah Kubi for Bryn Achempong and Fred Oware for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The provisional register release marks a significant step in the NPP’s preparations for the internal elections, providing contestants with the opportunity to verify the information before the final register is confirmed. The committee has emphasized that this process is designed to strengthen confidence in the party’s democratic procedures and ensure a smooth, credible voting exercise in the lead-up to the party’s selection of its 2026 presidential flagbearer. Joe Osei Wusu concluded by urging all stakeholders, including party members and delegates, to cooperate with the committee. He emphasized that the transparency and integrity of the process are vital for maintaining party unity and trust in the election outcome. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • “These numbers are not just statistics, but signals showing how different markets are performing” — Gov't Statistician

    The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu (PhD), has underscored the significance of Ghana’s latest economic activity figures, stressing that the revised data provides critical guidance on how the country’s major sectors are evolving. He made the remarks when he addressed the media on Thursday at the Ghana Statistical Service conference hall, following the release of updated economic indicators for August 2025. Dr. Iddrisu explained that the revised growth figures — including the downward adjustment of the overall growth rate from 4.5 percent to 3.7 percent — should not be viewed merely as numbers on paper but as essential signals that reveal trends shaping Ghana’s economy. “These numbers are not just statistics, but signals showing how different markets are performing,” He highlighted that timely interpretation of such data enables policymakers, businesses, and households to respond swiftly and appropriately to changing economic conditions. Providing a sector-by-sector breakdown, Dr. Iddrisu noted that the professional services sector continued to show robust performance, recording 5.1 percent growth in August, surpassing the earlier estimate of 4.9 percent. This, he said, confirms stronger-than-expected activity in the sector based on updated assessments. However, the industrial sector remained a source of concern, contracting by 1.8 percent in August. This followed a revised contraction of 3.1 percent in July — a stark reversal from the 9.1 percent expansion captured in earlier project data. The persistent decline, he warned, underscores the need for closer monitoring of petroleum and manufacturing subsectors, which continue to weigh on broader industrial performance. On a more positive note, he pointed to the services sector, which expanded by 9.6 percent, compared with 2.6 percent recorded in August last year. Agriculture, he mentioned, also maintained steady growth, reinforcing its role as a key stabilizer within the economy. Dr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the Ghana Statistical Service’s commitment to delivering timely, high-quality, and relevant data to support evidence-based planning and decision-making. He emphasized that the Service continues to strengthen its internal systems, enhance collaboration with stakeholders, and expand public access to critical information needed for economic governance. To facilitate a deeper understanding of the latest economic developments, the Service has published several supporting documents on its website, including the newest edition of the Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (MIEA), a newsletter, and the full presentation corresponding to the August release. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • "My husband accused me of infidelity, forced pepper into my intimate parts" — Wife recounts harrowing ordeal

    The wife of John Odartey Lamptey has, for the first time, spoken publicly about what she describes as a “deeply disappointing and traumatic” experience with the Tesano Police Station during a critical moment in her ongoing domestic dispute. Her testimony follows a viral Facebook video in which her husband is seen physically assaulting a woman believed to be his wife at their Ofankor residence in the Ga East Municipality. According to the victim, her husband accused her of infidelity and subjected her to severe abuse, including forcing pepper into her intimate parts, tearing her clothes, and sexually assaulting her. She recounted that after her husband eventually fell asleep, she gathered her torn clothes, pieces of the pepper used on her, and went to the Tesano Police Station to present them—alongside her bruises—as evidence. However, the woman says the response she received from the police left her devastated. She claimed officers questioned her about her family, and after she explained that she was alone in Accra, they proceeded to invite her husband—who denied the allegations—and relied on his family members who appeared at the station. “After several visits, they told me these were just marital issues and that I should be patient,” she lamented. The victim believes she was denied protection and justice because she had no relatives present and no money to influence the process. She questioned why the police documented the evidence she brought forward yet failed to act on her complaint. Her account has sparked public outrage, with many calling for a full investigation into both the assault and the alleged negligence by the Tesano Police Station. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

  • Forestry Commission rebuts reports on alleged interdiction of staff over GHc623,000 revenue

    The Forestry Commission has dismissed media reports claiming two of its staff were interdicted for allegedly generating GHC623,000 in revenue for the institution. Describing the publications as “false, misleading and distorted,” the Commission said the reports sought to damage its reputation and misinform the public. The story, which appeared in the Supreme Newspaper and on several online platforms including opr.news, newsghana.com.gh, dailyviewgh.com, peacefmonline.com, and mydailynewsonline.com, alleged that officers from the Mim Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) were sanctioned over revenue-related issues. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission clarified that the interdictions were unrelated to revenue generation but rather linked to suspected professional misconduct uncovered during timber monitoring operations. The Commission explained that on April 17, 2025, its Chief Executive instituted a temporary freeze on the auction of confiscated lumber, wood products, and trucks used in transporting such products. The directive—issued to curb collusion between some officers and illegal timber operators—required that all confiscated materials be kept at designated Forestry Commission offices pending further instructions. The freeze, communicated under reference number FC/A.21/sf.4/vol.18/04, emphasised transparency in timber regulation and warned that any breach would attract severe sanctions. Key officials, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Director of the Timber Validation Department, were copied. On October 29, 2025, a checkpoint team at Techimantia intercepted a truck carrying 3,026 pieces of sawn lumber, reportedly auctioned by the Mim TIDD office. The truck, bound for Garu in the Upper East Region, had documents claiming the lumber was valued at GHC25,000. However, a detailed assessment revealed that the load was significantly under-invoiced. Based on the Commission’s standard rates, the true value of the lumber was GHC76,650. Additionally, more than 800 pieces on the truck did not match the dimensions indicated on the documents. The Forestry Commission said management determined that the inconsistencies pointed to possible professional misconduct. As a result, the implicated officers were interdicted to make way for full investigations, in line with the Commission’s disciplinary procedures. A six-member Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, has been established to probe the incident. Investigations are ongoing. The Commission stressed that the interdicted officers — Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah — were not sanctioned for generating GHC623,000, as reported. It added that it continues to acknowledge and reward exceptional staff performance through its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards. The statement urged the public to disregard the circulating reports and rely on verified information from the Commission. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

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