The Ghana Armed forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) on Thursday, November 10th, 2022 held a seminar for its Senior Command and Staff Course on illegal mining and its implications on security. 44 officers drawn from Ghana, Benin, Botswana, Cote di Voire, Gambia,  Liberia, Malawi,Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo participated in the academic and capacity building exercise. In a presentation, themed "Illegal Mining (Galamsey) and the Socio-economic Impact on Communities, Optimising Gains and Mitigating the Wider Security Implications ", the Deputy Minister responsible for Mines, Hon George Mireku Duker who spoke on behalf of the sector Minister focused on the Small-Scale mining in Ghana, its socio-economic Impact on Communities, interventions made so far by government,  optimising gains,  and mitigating security Implications. On the Economic Impact of small-scale mining,  he said the sector contributes significantly to poverty reduction and stimulates economic growth in the local communities whiles serving as a precursor to the Large Scale exploration Companies. Hon. Mireku Duker detailed that the small-scale mining sector has provided direct and indirect employment to thousands of Ghanaians. Notwithstanding these enormous benefits, the Hon. Deputy Minister lamented the challenges stifling the growth of the sector and threatening sustainability of the mining economy as well as the country’s security. Whiles admitting the challenges confronting the country, he espoused certain measures rolled out by government to tackle the challenges. He noted that these policies among others include the introduction of the Community Mining Scheme, purchasing of mercury-free mining equipment, strengthening the inspectorate department of the Minerals Commission, training of River guards and procurement of speedboats are already yielding positive results with the turbidity levels of polluted water bodies reducing now. He emphasized that these measures will not only end illegal mining activities but also provide employment opportunities which will reduce possible security threats. He assured that government will not relent on its effort and will continue to roll out interventions that will end galamsey. He said government will continue to sensitize the public with the Nationwide Community Sensitization program. He said the authorization of traditional rulers will now be sought before licenses are granted. Present at the seminar were Col. Battor Bannah Director in charge of operations at the National Security who represented his sector Minister, Dr. Ken Ashigbey the Covener of Media Coalition against Galamsey, the Advisor on Mines to the Minister at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other service Chiefs. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has announced that fuel prices are likely to be reduced by Monday, November 14, 2022. There has been a recent hike in fuel prices, including diesel and petrol. Diesel is currently selling for more than GH¢23, while the price of petrol is hovering around GH¢18. But speaking to Roselyn Felli on Prime Morning, on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Duncan Amoah, indicated that measures are being put in place to help subsidise the rising prices. “We will be expecting diesel to drop from GH¢23 to somewhere around GH¢21.19, and the petrol will also drop from GH¢17.99 to somewhere GH¢17.10 or GH¢17.00.“All things being equal, diesel could go down by GH¢2.00 a litre and petrol could go close to a cedi per litre based on the forex numbers that we have picked over the past one week,” he said. Mr. Amoah stated that the rise is due to the increase in taxes on petrol to around 422% within the year. He noted that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) should not be blamed for the increase in prices; instead, he believes it is due to mismanagement by the government. He, therefore, wants the government to minimise the increase in petroleum taxes, saying it may lead to loss of jobs in the petroleum sector. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, is of the opinion that the increment in prices should be blamed on the cedi depreciation and not taxes. According to him, deregulation of the fuel prices distorts the communication between the Authority and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) when some companies’ prices are different. “Another thing that has not helped us to a large extent has been the instability of our currency. We all know the dynamics in the management of forex around the francophone countries that normally guarantee them a certain stability on their currency,” he explained. Mr. Abdul-Kudus believes there would not be changes in prices even when the government subsidises the prices of products. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Yao Letsa has announced that all schools in the Volta Region will be moving from Double Track to Single Track by 2024. The Minister made this known while addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday. The Regional Minister said "By 2024, all schools will move from Double Track Schools to Single Track" Dr. Letsa added that Nineteen (19) Emergency Projects were awarded to eliminate the double track system in the Volta Region. He further mentioned that a 6-Unit classroom block constructed at Mawuko Girls S.H.S, Ho has been completed. FREE SHS Touching on Free SHS, the Minister hinted that there has been a massive school enrolment. "There has been massive improvement in all school infrastructure across the region" SAND WINING The Regional Minister expressed worry over what he calls illegal sand wining activities ongoing in some parts of the region. He admitted that some high profiled personalities are behind the illeillegal sand wining activities Dr. Yao Letsa appealed to investors to invest in the region in order to help boost the local and national economy. He hinted that there are many projects ongoing in the region. BOOING OF VEEP AT HOGBETSOTSO Responding to booing of Vice President, Dr. Bawumia at Hogbestosto over the weekend, the Regional Minister charged the media to overlook the negatives. "I was at the event and I welcomed the Vice President. As Politicians, we cease every opportunity to taut our achievements and that was what the Vice President was doing. As for the booing, it was normal because not all persons present were happy with the achievements being touted" RAILWAY "For the first time in the lives of the people of the Volta Region have seen a railway liline.That is the Akosombo to Juapong railway line" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming to improve their livelihood and the country’s economy. Addressing farmers at Bunso in the Eastern Region, the Okyenhene described organic farming as the new gold for improved wealth. "Organic farming is the new gold, put up the right attitude to it. You cannot farm for over five years and still be poor,” he said. In collaboration with Ecoland International, farmers from Germany, the Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa State is leading the way for organic farming in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area. The Okyenhene is of the view that costly imported pesticides and chemicals used over the years only resulted in adverse effect on health and low production of crops. He was hopeful organic farming would make families more resilient to economic crisis and shape the country’s net exports. “Pesticides and chemicals are killing us. We had good land and clean water to plant good food for our children. But someone just decided to wreck it by doing galamsey. In the processing, mercury and cyanide get into the soil. We need to grow what we eat and get surplus to export for the needed foreign exchange.” Organic farming promotes the use of compost manure and green manure whiles it discourages the use of harsh pesticides and chemical to preserve the natural environment. AtBunso, an organic ginger demonstration farm is under cultivation to encourage farmers. The President of Ecoland International, Rudolf Buhler, provoked thoughts that the country is already naturally positioned to establish its own natural food sovereignty. “If we look at the present international economic crises, we should be aware about the large amount of food imports to Ghana. Shortages and inflation might come up since all these imports are subject to foreign exchange rate. Development of food sovereignty by developing and increasing agricultural production is of great importance but in a sustainable climate friendly way with the most resource efficient farming practices.” The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, posited organic farming should be the new gold and noted it is a sustainable way to resolve the issues of shortages and inflation that may come up soon, since all imports are subject to foreign exchange rate. “Organic farming is the new gold. Only organic farming can guarantee the fertility of the land. Only organic farming can help families to be resilient to economic crises, as they did not need more cash for pesticides or fertilizer.“Farmers need to understand and appreciate that opting for organic farming is cheaper than buying tractors.” Source: 3News.com

Gari and beans (Gɔbɛ sellers in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region have threatened a strike action over the increasing cost of ingredients used to prepare the delicacy. Popularly known as ‘gɔbɛ’, gari and beans used to be one of the cheapest foods any ordinary person irrespective of status could buy due to its affordability. Aside its affordability, it is also nutritious due to the variety of ingredients which include riped plantain, beans, palm oil, pepper and others according to one’s taste. However, the equation seems to have changed following the increasing expenses associated with its preparation recently. Some of the sellers have been telling Wassa-based radio station how the high cost of ingredients is taking a toll on their customers and forcing them out of job. They explain customers complain of the quantity served them which they hold is not their making but the skyrocketing inflation bedeviling the economy. They want government to do something about the situation. “We used to buy a bucket of pepper for ₵30 but this is now ₵60. This kako was ₵1, it’s now ₵2. Things are really expensive now. Oil is now ₵100 and ₵120. For some of us we’ll stop doing it,” one seller lamented. “Now when we dish out the food, customers are not content. They complain to make it look like we’ve deliberately hiked the prices,” another woman who sells gɔbɛ added. According to this woman, “an olonka of beans is ₵25 but it used to be ₵15. Oil was ₵50 but now it’s ₵120. The beans and oil have become so expensive so we want to quit the business. Credit: Onuaonline.com

Persons who have completed stage 1 of the SIM card re-registration are again given 10 more days to complete the process to avoid disconnection, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation has said. She said the punitive measures for such persons who for their own reason have refused to complete the stage 2 of the exercise would start to operate from Thursday, November 17, 2022. She explains that, such persons have no reason to stop continuing the process which they have started, adding that, their respective Ghana Cards have been issued to them by the National Identification Authority. According to her, the refusal of persons who have no genuine concern not to complete the process hinders the progress of initiative which she said, is intended to reduce fraudulent and criminal activities facilitated by mobile phones or SIM-enabled devices. “Despite the opportunity given to those who have done stage 1 of the exercise to complete their registration, they have failed to do so. This implies they do not intend to do so; their SIMS will be blocked in 10 days. We will make a further announcement of steps being taken to complete this exercise in due course” she made this known in a social media post. She added that, government is focus on achieving an enabling environment for all to access and make meaningful use of the digitalization agenda by fostering the development of accessible technologies. Madam Ursula has over the period also stated that the initiative would enable operators to build better demographics of their customers and develop products and services to suit various groupings while allowing the National Communications Authority (NCA)  to have a more accurate and credible database to regulate the industry better to enhance economic growth. She explained that the exercise is of a critical national interest, which should be supported by all adding that, it would help law enforcement agencies to identify SIM card owners, track criminals who use phones for illegal activities, curb phone theft, hate text messaging, mobile fraud activities, SIM Box fraud, among several other issues confronting the country’s security. "It will minimize mobile money fraud, promote cybersecurity and support financial inclusion. A credible and reliable SIM register will also serve as a database, giving comprehensive statistics regarding the number of subscribers in the country and provide a resource for tracking fraudsters and criminals” she stated. Credit: 3news.com

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com reveals that Roma star, Felix Afena-Gyan and Anderlecht Midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru have been dropped from Ghana's final 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. Felix Afena-Gyan, 19-year-old became a breakout star for the Black Stars during the World Cup playoff against Nigeria in March 2022. Afena-Gyan scored his international goal when Ghana thrashed Madagascar in June during a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Cape Coast stadium. In other development, Anderlecht Midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru also faced the same faith as he was also dropped from the squad. Despite having a good campaign in the Belgium First Division A, Ashimeru has not played for the Black Stars since featuring in the World Cup qualifier against South Africa in 2021 in Johannesburg. However, Hearts of Oak Star, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has made the cut for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Barnieh was in excellent form for the Black Galaxies when he helped the team secure qualification to next year's CHAN tournament in Algeria. The 21-year-old winger scored four goals in the qualifying matches against Benin and Nigeria. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Manchester United midfielder, Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark's preliminary squad for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar. Eriksen, 30, collapsed during their Euro 2020 game against Finland last year and had life-saving treatment on the pitch. Denmark have named 21 players of the 26-man squad and will reveal the final five following the last round of European fixtures. They take on Tunisia on 22 November. The final squad must be delivered to Fifa by 13 November, before the tournament starts on 20 November. "Many things can happen," said Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand. "It's unsolvable, but it's the right way to do it - there are two games left for many of our players, and that can easily change things." "There are 10 or 12 players still in contention for the last five spots." Following Eriksen's cardiac arrest at the European Championship, the former Tottenham man had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device - a type of pacemaker - fitted. In January, he said it was "a goal, a dream" to play for his country again in front of their home crowd at Parken Stadium and at this year's World Cup. Eriksen joined Brentford on a six-month deal at the start of the year after agreeing to end his contract with Inter Milan prematurely as players with an ICD cannot play in Serie A. He made his international return in March and scored two minutes after coming on for Denmark in a friendly defeat by the Netherlands, before completing a move to United in the summer on a free transfer. Other top-flight players given a place in the squad include Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen and Eriksen's ex-Brentford team-mate Mathias Jensen. After facing Tunisia in their opening Group D game, Denmark will play defending champions France on 26 November and Australia on 30 November. Denmark preliminary squad: Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin). Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds United), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Daniel Wass (Brondby). Midfielders: Thomas Delaney (Sevilla), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham). Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges), Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg). Credit: BBC

The Supreme Court of Ghana has delivered a damaging blow to Anas Aremeyaw Anas after ordering the journalist to appear in open court without his usual face mask to face Kwesi Nyantakyi. The highest ruling body in Ghana ruled on Tuesday morning that the reluctant journalist must appear in court without any face mask covering to testify in the case with the former Ghana FA President. Anas, who has been extremely reluctant to appear in court let alone without his mask, will now be publicly seen in court in his real flesh as he testifies in court. This comes after the Supreme Court quashed an earlier ruling by a lower court giving permission to Anas to testify in camera. The journalist, whose investigation led to Nyantakyi resigning several football posts, claimed his life would be in danger if he testifies in court. The order of the High Court 2, Criminal Division granted permission to Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify on camera in the case against Kwesi Nyantakyi. But on appeal by lawyers of Nyantakyi, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the former football chief and asked Anas to appear in flesh to be cross-examined in open court by Nyantakyi. By this decision of the Supreme Court Anas Amereyaw Anas must give evidence in open court. Nyantakyi is fighting his case against the controversial journalist in a bid to clear his name.The former Ghana FA capo is serving a global ban following the documentary. Nyantakyi, who was rising to the very top of global football administration, had to step aside from his roles with Caf including as 1st vice-president, the most senior figure at the confederation after its former president, Ahmad. Nyantakyi and other football officials from around the continent were secretly filmed by undercover reporters receiving cash gifts as part of a documentary by controversial Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Credit: Ghanasoccernet.com

The current fuel hikes have led to a sharp increase in transport fares and general cost of living in Ghana. Transport fares have gone up officially by at least 40% within two weeks, but however, passengers are surprised with inconsistencies in the fares for same route. Such inconsistencies have resulted in serious altercation between some passengers and commercial transport operators which is reported to have caused the death of a passenger in Accra. The drivers attribute the situation to the incessant increases in fuel prices and blame the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for unceremoniously increasing fuel prices twice outside the agreed pricing window. In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on Monday 7 November 2022, the Industrial Relations Director of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Abass Imoro said that the drivers are charging their own fares on the basis of how they are being hit by the cost of running and maintaining their transport business. He added that, the high cost of living and the price hikes of goods and services are compelling the drivers to respond accordingly. Though Alhaji Abass debunked the notion that GPRTU has lost control over their drivers, he admitted there is little the association can do under the current circumstance in terms of the inconsistent transport fares. "We have not lost control; it is rather those in power who think they can just push anything and run over drivers who have gotten it wrong. The drivers increased the fares themselves and they will take steps to rectify it” he mentioned. In his personal view, the Industrial Relations Director of GPRTU stated that it is better the members are working than to park their cars. “If they can charge reasonable and serve Mother Ghana, the better.” Abass Imoro stressed. “The voice of the people is the voice of God. The drivers themselves have decided and seriously, there is no way we can return it. Unless those who have control over NPA will reason up with them and do something about the fuel prices. The drivers have promised that anytime they increase the fuel, they will also increase the lorry fares.” He said on 3FM Sunrise.He added that fuel prices have recently gone up a little over 100% in Ghana whereas other neighboring countries have had relative stability in fuel prices. “I am surprised nobody has spoken anything about that increment of fuel on 26th and 29th of October.” Credit: 3news.com

Founder and CEO of defunct Beige Capital Bank, Michael Nyinaku has been granted a bail of ¢200m by the Financial and Economic Court 2 of the Accra High Court, TV3’s Laud Adu Asare has reported. Appearing before the Accra High Court, Tuesday November 8, Mr Nyinaku pleaded not guilty to all counts. His counsel, Lawyer Addo Tuah told the court that the developments occurred from about 2015 to date and the accused has religiously appeared before various Investigative bodies including Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). He noted that they have never defaulted as and when they were needed and hence prayed the court to grant bail. Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah did not oppose to the bail. Presiding Judge, Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe granted a bail application with 3 sureties, two to be justified by either a landed property valued by government valuation body or a land valuation division of the lands commission. The case has been adjourned to December 22 for case management conference. He is to deposit his passport at the court registry and report to the Police every Monday and Friday. Background He has been slapped with new charges of theft, money laundering after he was earlier accused of stealing over GH¢340 million at a circuit court. The facts of the new case at the High Court,  indicated that when Beige Bank’s license was revoked in August 2018, a review of the financial and other records of the Bank revealed some suspicious and unusual transactions which were subsequently reported. Investigations revealed that between 2015 and 2018, Mr. Nyinaku used various means to transfer huge sums of money to companies related to him and for his personal benefit. The funds transferred were depositors’ funds lodged with Beige Bank. Between 2017 and 2018, Mr. Nyinaku caused the transfer of 10,071 fixed deposit accounts held with Beige Bank in which various customers placed a total of GH¢448,636,210.21 to Beige Capital Asset Management Limited (BCAM), without the knowledge and consent of these customers. Investigations also revealed that Mr. Nyinaku, between the years 2017 and 2018, caused the transfer of 35 fixed deposit investments of 23 customers of Beige Bank totalling GH¢141,042,348.92 to the Beige Group. Investigations further revealed that, sometime in March 2018, Mr. Nyinaku caused a fictitious second account to be opened in the name of First Africa Savings and Loans (FASL), an existing account holder with Beige Bank, without the knowledge of the Board and management of FASL. Credit: 3news.com

The Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo has been absent from the house for almost a year. Having been outside the country for months, the legislator finally made an appearance at the Ebenezer Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Dome-CFC. She indicated she and her family have gone through a lot but they are not out of the woods by grace. Hopes were high that she will finally go to work (Parliamentary proceedings) on Tuesday. But proceedings on Tuesday November 8 started 11:38 and the MP was not in the chamber yet. Media persons and even her colleague MPs anticipated that she will make an appearance in the house even as time goes on but that was not to be. The day’s proceedings were brought to an end at 2PM but no show from her. The Speaker’s direction that the report of the Privileges Committee be debated on the floor of Parliament to determine whether her seat should be declared vacant or not is also yet to be scheduled. Since Sarah Adwoa Safo is still in the country, many will continue to expect her in the legislature soon and she could be present in the chamber when the house determines on her fate. Credit: 3news.com