A staff of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Gabriel Gyamara Sarpong, has been jailed for extorting over GHc200,000 from some illegal miners also known as galamseyers. It would be recalled that www.africanentertainment.com broke the story earlier this week about how Sarpong, an Information Technology Specialist with the Ministry had been arrested by police on the instruction of the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker. He placed in custody at the Ministries Police Station following his arrest. Sarpong was accused of impersonating Mr. Duker to extort over GHc200,000 from illegal miners. A tip off by an accomplice led to his arrest on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. In court on Friday, September 16, Mr. Sarpong was slapped with two charges namely: falsely pretending to be a public officer and defrauding by false pretenses. He denied the first charge but pleaded guilty to the second charge which is defrauding by false pretenses, leaving his lawyers virtually surprised. As a result, he was convicted on his own plea. After pleading guilty, his lawyers led by Muda Ade Lawal by way of mitigation prayed the court to hand him a non-custodial sentence. Lawyer Ade Lawal while praying for mitigation told the court that his client diligently served until this time when “the devil pushed him.” “He is a young man who has a lot to offer his country. We pray for non-custodial sentence. If given custodial sentence, he will be mixed with hardened criminals and he will come out worse,” lawyer Ade added. However, the prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evans Kesse on its part, noted that the accused is not known to the law and leaves the sentencing in the hands of the court. The court presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah prior to her sentence indicated, the nature of the punishment must commensurates with the offence. She consequently sentenced Sarpong to 15 months in jail in hard labour on count two which is defrauding by false pretences. Meanwhile, the judge after sentencing Sarpong, directed the prosecution to file disclosures by October 5, this year in respect of the first count which he denied. The case was subsequently adjourned to October 12, 2022. Facts of the matter The brief facts of the case as presented to the court by the prosecutor ASP Kesse were that the Complainant is George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Accra. The accused person Gabriel Gyamara Sarpong, ASP Kesse observed, is a Civil Servant with the same ministry and lives at Amasaman. According to the prosecutor, sometime in December 2021, the accused, Gabriel Gyamara Sarpong contacted a witness in the case to meet so they could talk about a business deal. ASP Kesse told the court that the following week, the witness met the accused and the accused told him that the business was about mining and since the witness has been to various mining sites in the country, he could best execute the task the same month. The prosecutor further stated that Sarpong called the witness on phone and told him that the Deputy Minister had authorized that the witness could mobilise his men to operate as such. Fake Minister’s contact According to the prosecutor, the accused person then gave a fake MTN number 0244916900 as the Deputy Minister’s contact number through which he could call when he needed him. The prosecutor says the witness then mobilised his men and went to Obuasi, met the Police and called the MTN number accused gave to him as the Deputy Minister’s number for the said Minister to communicate with the Police for confirmation. ASP Kesse stated that the accused who responded to the call as though he was the said Minister told the Obuasi Divisional Commander to accord the team any assistance needed. According to the prosecutor, “The witness after their operations realized cash over GHc200k and sent same to the accused who had impersonated as the Deputy Minister.” He noted “The witness after operating at Obuasi decided to proceed to Manso Nkwanta for another operation and met the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and told the MCE about his mission there and tried reaching out to the Deputy Minister on the MTN number given to him by the accused but there was no response.” The prosecutor noted that the Manso Nkwanta MCE then alerted the Witness that, it will be in his own interest fo come down to Accra to meet with the Deputy Minister and verify if the Deputy Minister had really sanctioned their task.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has held a crunch meeting with the Ministerial Coordinating Committee on the fight against illegal mining in the country. The meeting reviewed various steps and strategies that are being implemented to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in Forest Reserves and River Bodies. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that despite the recalcitrance of some of the cartels involved in this illegal enterprise, lots of strides have been made. Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor hinted that despite the goodwill of some people who give information about illegal mining to aid the fight, there are also those who have taken to circulating old videos to court public disaffection towards the fight against illegal mining. After an extensive review of the operations so far, it was agreed that River Bodies and Forest Reserves continue to be Red Zones. Lands Minister noted that no mining operation will be permitted in or around any river body in the country, and reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration activities continue to be banned in forest reserves, except in exceptional circumstances. It was also discussed that Operation Halt II will ramp up its support to the various measures being implemented to clamp down on illegal mining. The enforcement efforts will be pursued relentlessly without regard to any political, social or economic standing of the persons involved. This, according to the Lands Minister, will be done transparently and with the highest standards of integrity, candour and utmost good faith. It was further agreed that any equipment used in connection with illegal mining, or any product derived from illegal mining operations, will be seized and handed over to the Police, in accordance with section 99(8) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995). Where for any reason, a particular equipment cannot be moved from its location, the equipment will be demobilized and/or decommissioned to prevent it from being further used for the illegal operations. The Ghana Police Service has been tasked to work closely with Operation Halt II to gather relevant information to aid in the prosecution of people involved in illegal mining and the confiscation and forfeiture of seized equipment to the State, in accordance with section 99(9) of Act 703, as amended. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission shall intensify education on the dire consequences of illegal mining on the lives and livelihoods of current and future generations as well as the environment that supports our existence. The Committee is said to meet regularly to review the measures being implemented and adopt additional ones where necessary. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says it is calling on the general public, particularly the media, as well as the chiefs and people of the communities where these illegal operations take place, to assist Government and the security services in this fight, and to safeguard our natural environment for posterity. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As the 2023 NPP presidential primary approaches, many arguments are being sashayed across the political space for one candidate or the other. Whereas some of the arguments have been very cogent, others have been anything but cogent. Yet, a few of them, per their nature, can best be likened to a borrowed oversized smock. The more people try to put it on their candidate to make him look good, the more it looks odd and ridiculous on him. One of such arguments, in my opinion, is the Dombo argument, which is currently being made for the Alhaji. Before I proceed to share with you my thoughts on the Dombo argument, which is disingenuously being championed by the likes Nana Obiri Boahen, Atta Akyea, Napo, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu and other anti-Akan Crusaders for their personal interest, let me respectfully doff my hat and salute the late great Simon Diedong Dombo, for his astounding political loyalty and selfless leadership. May his selfless soul continue to rest in peace. Those making the Dombo argument for the Alhaji, usually present it like this: the NPP is Busia-Danquah-Dombo tradition. We have had Mr. J. A. Kufuor from the political loin of Busia to become the President. And, the current President, Nana Akuffo Addo, came from the political loin of Danquah. So, this is the time for someone from Dombo’s loin to lead the party to become the next President. There is no gainsaying that Dombo occupies a significant place in the soul of our political tradition. However, it is imperative to mention that what Dombo represents in our tradition, transcends geographical location. Dombo represents a unique political philosophy characterized by unyielding loyalty and conviction. That’s why Kwame Nkrumah could get his friend through a juicy appointment, but not him. It is, therefore, very unfitting to link the Vice President to the late Simon Diedong Dombo by virtue of the fact that the Alhaji also hails from the northern part of the country. If only we can stick to the historical facts, and be fair and objective in the way we present some of these issues, we would be doing the party and posterity a great deal of service. Ex-President Kufuor, an Asante man, is usually linked to Busia, a Bono man, because he served as a Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister in Busia’s Government. However, it has to be said that Kufuor never rode on the back of Busia’s past contributions to lead the party. He rose to the top on his own merit. In the case of Nana Addo, it can be said that Danquah’s blood runs through his vein, as he directly comes from the same family as Danquah. In the same way, we know Nana Addo never rode on the back Danquah’s contributions to our tradition. He also rose to the top on his own merit. So, why should some people try to force that argument on us, when it’s really untenable. You see, when it comes to Dr. Bawumia and S. D. Dombo, the only connection that can be established between them is the one traceable to his late father, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia (May his soul rest in peace), which happens to be so malodourous that Dr. Bawumia himself doesn’t want it to be told. Our tradition’s history would teach you that if there is one particular name that makes Dombo turn in his grave, it is the Vice-President’s name – Bawumia. His late father was the first friend to betray S. D. Dombo and the other leaders of the Northern People’s Party and, for that matter, our political tradition and crossed carpet to CPP in 1958 for political appointment as the Northern Regional Minister. In actual fact, his late father, from that time, stood in opposition to our tradition throughout his political career. He supported Limman’s PNP and Rawlings’ NDC against our tradition in 1979 and 1992 respectively. So, you can understand why his son, the Vice President, had nothing to do with our party from 1992 to 2007. As a result, he cannot be put on the same political pedestal as Kufuor and Nana Addo in the making of the Dombo argument. We shouldn’t make that historical error and distortion. In any case, our tradition is a united tradition; not a segregated one. The NPP is the offshoot of the UP tradition, not the so-called segregated Busia-Danquah-Dombo tradition being highlighted for parochial political gains. I really don’t know where the Ewes, Gas and Nzemas, for instance, fall under this segregated tradition. Do they fall under Busia, Danquah or Dombo? In any case, since 1992, no Ga person, Nzema person, Ewe person has had the opportunity to lead the NPP as a flag bearer or become a running mate before, not to talk of becoming the President or Vice President. So what should they also say? Therefore, it is only fair and right to ask that anyone who wants to lead the party is personally measured with a higher standard yardstick. It is highly unreasonable to argue that because someone is from a particular part of the country, the person should be elected as the party’s presidential candidate on the basis of someone else’s contributions, in this case, S. D. Dombo’s. What have we even done for Dombo’s blood descendants? The hypocrisy in certain quarters of the party must be nipped in the bud. For me, considering presidential primary aspirants on the basis of their own merit and contributions, in addition to the almighty marketability factor, should be the way to go. Besides, in my opinion, it is highly hypocritical to make the Dombo argument now when the same argument could not be made for the late Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama (may his gentle soul rest in peace), who was with party from 1992. Note this, when the 4th Republic began in 1992, the Vice President was old enough to join a political party of his choice. Yet, he didn’t join the political tradition S. D. Dombo had risked all his life defending and promoting passionately, until 2008. Not even President Kufuor’s appointment of him as Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana in 2006, could make the Alhaji join the NPP. Wow! The only thing that could persuade him was a running mate appointment. Wow! How many people would reject such juicy opportunity and privilege offered in a golden cup. So, on what basis are his supporters trumpeting about his loyalty and love for the party from the roof top. That the Alhaji stood in the box at the Supreme Court in 2013 as a key witness to defend the party? I hear this argument very often. But, hold on for a second, who would have been the Vice-President if the NPP had won that case? The Alhaji of course! Let’s be honest here! Any person with such interest in the case would have done what he did or even more. Therefore, it is highly unreasonable to use that as a justifiable rod to measure his loyalty and love for the party, and rather question the loyalty of founding members who have been with the party through thick and thin from day one. Did the Queen change the meaning of loyalty before her demise? It’s really baffling! Besides, isn’t it strange and ironic that the Alhaji now wants to, through a cash coup, overthrow the very party strategy or formula that made it possible for him to be picked from outside to become a running mate and, for that matter, the Vice-President of the country, ahead of many highly qualified persons who had suffered for the party in those early dark and difficult years (1992-2000)? I really share in the view of most of the party bigwigs that the eight years at the presidency is enough for the Alhaji. When we weigh his gains and sacrifices since joining the party in 2008, it is obvious no individual in the history of our political tradition has ever been as fortunate as him. Let’s be sincere to ourselves, he was made a running mate in 2008 when he had not contributed a pesewa to help finance the party, as he wasn’t a member. In actual fact, at the time, he had not even contributed a drop of sweat to the party. I mean the kind of sweat people contribute by way of participating in the party’s electioneering activities like keep-fits or demonstrations. Should a conservative party like NPP sacrifice the party on this kind of questionable loyalty? And, guess who subtly started the Dombo or Northern candidate argument! It was NDC’s John Mahama. Yes, it was the NDC that started it. They are waiting for us to swallow their bait so they can play the religious card against us. Anyone who has seen the video that depicts how the NDC successfully played propaganda with the galamsey issue, and still thinks that Dr. Bawumia should be our candidate, simply wants to see the party in opposition. Let me conclude by saying any political party that doesn’t respect its own constitution, history and tradition, has already failed. We have a constitution, history and tradition to guide us as a political party. Let’s respect them so we don’t fail. Shalom! Shalom! Credit: Ebo Buckman, Political Analyst and Writer NB: Views expressed are solely that of the author. Thinknewsonline.com cannot be sued for defamation.

The National Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Richard Ahiagbah in his latest comment suggests that there is truth in the claims by John Dramani Mahama that he is not receiving benefits due him as a former President. Speaking to TV3 in an interview on the Ghana Tonight Show, the 2020 presidential candidate of the NDC disclosed that he has been denied several benefits he is supposed to enjoy including an office and payment of his bills. “I receive only my monthly pension like [former] President Kufuor, and [late former] President Rawlings was receiving [it] before he died. That is all I get. “I pay the electricity bill for my house and my office, I pay the water bill for my house and my office. I live in my own accommodation so the State does not pay me anything for accommodation. “They haven’t given me an office, I rent an office in East Cantonments, I pay the rent myself, I pay my own fuel, the State doesn’t give me fuel, I pay my own domestic staff, I pay my own medical bills, I pay my own air tickets when I travel,” former President John Dramani Mahama said. At a press conference on Wednesday, Richard Ahiagbah accused the former President of peddling falsehood, while insisting that he is enjoying himself as enshrined in the Constitution under Article 71. Today, the NPP Communications Director appears to be taking a different turn. Speaking to Citi News' Umaru Sanda Amadu, he said there were conversations to get an office for ex-President John Dramani. But when asked by the host whether the office including other entitlements has been executed, Mr Ahiagbah could not answer 'Yes or No' — leaving many to believe the claim of the former President. “The government of Ghana is working to give him an office. There is a conversation to get him an office. If the office has not been given to him the letter I have here has not confirmed it but what it tells me is that there is a conversation to give him an office and his office is aware,” the NPP Communications Director said. On the non-payment of the former President’s utility bills, Mr. Richard Ahiagbah stressed that if that is the case, John Dramani Mahama should know the steps to take for the challenge to be addressed. “He is supposed to get that benefit. If he is not getting it what is stopping him [from getting]. That’s a conversation we need to have,” the NPP Communications Director added. Credit: Modern Ghana

Prices of pig products are going up by almost 20 percent, effective September 20, 2022. The cost of a kilogram of pork will increase from 14 cedis to 18 cedis, according to the producer association. Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Pig Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Daniel Yaw Siaw, says the price hike is as a result of rising cost of feed, diesel, among other factors. Mr. Siam noted that the industry needs the upward adjustment as part of pragmatic measures to salvage their operations. He indicated that prices of pig feed have been rising, while farmers have had to battle the African swine fever. “The industry suffered a setback with the outbreak of the swine fever. Businesses who could not access compensation for culling their animals have not been able to bounce back” stated Mr. Siaw. He appealed to the government to compensate farmers to help cushion those who lost their animals to the disease. Mr. Siaw was speaking at an event to induct new regional executives of the Association in Kumasi. He entreated pork lovers and the public to bear with the farmers by accepting the marginal increase to salvage the pig farming industry. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

A Member of Parliament in Uganda, Jonathan Ebwalu, has stated that Queen Elizabeth II died at a young age. Despite passing at age 96 at Balmoral on September 8, the MP in delivering a tribute during a special session of Parliament added that the monarch had passed when she was most needed. “The Queen has died young; at only 96, at the time when the world needed her most. “The Queen was the epitome of the British culture & civilization. I want to appeal to our people that if you are occupying any office, you must create a conducive environment that if you fall like the Queen then the country must move on,” he added. MPs paid their respects to the late monarch on September 14 during a special sitting lasting two-hours. It was convened after a motion had been moved by Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, to that effect. According to the BBC Africa LIVE page, MPs who made submissions said that Her Majesty had presided over the Commonwealth with distinction and played an important and unifying role. It added that female lawmakers especially described the queen as an inspiration to women in leadership. On her part, the Prime Minister said Elizabeth II’s “visits contributed immensely to Uganda’s development and global standing, which was exemplified by the ability to host international conferences and ultimately encouraged direct investment in tourism”. The Queen’s first visit to the East African country was in 1954 with her last being in 2007 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It happened to be her last official visit to the continent. The Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda was named after her to commemorate her 1954 visit. Several roads and roundabouts in the capital Kampala are also named after members of the UK royal family, the BBC report added. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is to be held in the coming days with most leaders from across the Commonwealth Nations expected to attend. Source: Ghana Web

The King of the United Kingdom, King Charles III has invited the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the funeral of his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, September 19, 2022. The Asantehene’s wife, Lady Julia has also been invited to the funeral and the pair will be at the late Queen’s lying in state, the King’s Reception, and the Foreign Secretary’s Reception. In 2000, Asantehene was a guest of Queen Elizabeth II during a three-week visit to the United Kingdom where he visited the British Parliament House, Windsor Castle, and other places. In 2018, Prince Charles now King Charles III visited the Asantehene when he came to Ghana. Below are some pictures: Credit: The POST

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has said it currently uses ten times the chemicals needed for refining water before distributing due to the impact of illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey). The Public Relations Officer of the GWCL Mr Stanley Martey said the Company will shut down its machines if the situation becomes unbearable. The Government of Ghana has been trying to deal with the activities of illegal small scale miners in the country which are destroying water bodies and the environment. A task force has been set by the government to that effect. Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Thursday September 15, Mr Martey said “We are using ten times more of the chemicals required to refine the water before we pump them for distribution. When it becomes to much to bear we will shut down our machines.” He added “It’s a serious issue and we need to do something about it. If things continue this way we would have to import water to Ghana.” Credit: 3news.com

A Military anti-galamsey taskforce, Operation Halt II, have arrested 164 suspected illegal Miners at Anyinam and Mampong in the Eastern Region. The 164 suspects which comprise of 159 males and 5 females are mostly foreigners from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Ivory Coast. The swoop, conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces on Thursday, September 15, 2022 forms part of government’s rejuvenated and renewed fight against illegal Mining. Speaking to the press after the suspects were brought to Accra for processing and prosecution, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, Hon. George Mireku Duker commended the taskforce for acting swiftly on the Ministry’s directive to clampdown on activities of both locals and foreign nationals in the illegal small-scale Mining sector. Hon. Mireku Duker provided further details on the suspects and assured that they will be handed over to the police and relevant authorities for processing and prosecution to begin. “We asked the security agencies to conduct a massive operation to get these foreign nationals who have invaded our environment. These are people from neighbouring countries who have invaded Mining concessions near river bodies in this country” he said. “I want to commend the Ministry for the effort they have shown to arrest 164 illegal Miners. They also have people who are providing other services. One of them confessed that she is happy they have been arrested as she was trafficked to Ghana. We will hand them over to the appropriate authorities for them to take the necessary actions,” he concluded. He served a strong notice to person engaged in illegal Mining that government is not going to relent on its promise to end illegal Mining. Hon. Duker admonished recalcitrant individuals and groups in the illegal Mining business to shun their harmful activities, promising them that when apprehended, the law will take its full course. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Board Chairman of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST), Mr. Ekow Hackman has said that the progress the company has made over the past few years which has transformed it from a heavily indebted company owing more than $624 million as at January 2017 to one with debts of less than $30 million as at the end of 2021. He said the compnay has restored the business model on which the company was established, to have a number of operational fuel depots placed in strategic parts of the country linked by a network of pipelines and barges to enable secure and cost-effective delivery of fuel products to consumers all over the country. Over the past decade , he said, this network had entered a state of disrepair largely because of a lack of investment in its maintenance. BOST’s utilization of its assets reached a low of 34 percent in 2017. Honorable Ministers, through the diligent efforts of management supported by a well-oriented workforce this figure had risen to 95 percent as at the end of 2021 and is due to climb higher with the completion of remaining works on our critical infrastructure this year, Mr Hackman stated in the 2021 annual report. “The restoration of part of the lost value of the BOST Margin by Government in June 2021 has brought an element of financial stability to the company. This levy on the petroleum price has ensured that BOST can repair and maintain facilities in parts of the country such as Bolgatanga, Buipe, Savelugu and Akosombo, areas shunned by the private sector" During the year 2021, BOST was able to regain the confidence of the financial community with banks which had previously closed their doors to us now welcoming us with credit lines on more favourable terms, to enable us to bring in larger volumes of fuel products and to trade profitably as a result. “The transformation of the company’s infrastructure as well as its commercial operations have been accompanied by a strong emphasis on governance and compliance. To this end, the board approved fifteen new corporate policies to regulate the work of the various departments. It is instructive to note that most of these policies, where they did exist, were only in draft and could not be used as benchmarks for the conduct of staff and management. Honorable Ministers, the drive to inculcate a culture of good corporate governance has not stopped at the staff and management level" “The Board has established a Board Charter to guide its work as well as charters for its individual committees. In line with international best practice, we also introduced a Risk Committee which oversees the activities of the new Risk Unit introduced by management" "This initiative was seen as indispensable even before these increasingly turbulent times which has led to developments such as the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War.” Credit: 3news.com

The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene is calling on investors to invest in the region to help deal with unemployment challenges among the youths. The Minister made these pronouncements while addressing the media in Accra on Thursday. Addressing Journalists, the Minister said "We are one of the cleanest environments and serene towns. I am therefore calling on investors to come open factories in my regions so that it will help deal with the issue of unemployment among the youths" "Most of these youths are farmers and I believe that, with the introduction of more factories, it will help boost their day to day activities" The Regional Minister also mentioned that there are some cylos which are currently preserving cereals and grains. She also described the Bono Region as the hub for poultry. "Aside cashew, grains and cereals, I want you to know that Bono is poultry and I want to appeal to investors to channel their attention by investing in the wheat brands to help the livestocks grow well" "Dormaa District is a violent free town. Almost about 70% of the population engage in poultry business but due to the Ukraine and Russia war, it has now become difficult getting feed from there" The Regional Minister, however, admitted that although there are some deficits in developments in her region, she is hopeful that the Akufo-Addo administration will be able tackle most of the problem. Road Infrastructure "In Bono Region, road transport accounts for more than 95% of goods and passengers fleets" The Minister further explained that road transport plays a crucial role in the Bono Region's effort at achieving sustainable economic growth needed to alleviate poverty and bring about sustainable developments. "The roads serve as a major vehicle linking areas of agricultural production and consumption and facilitating economic and social interactions and trade" She added that aside constructing new roads in the region, the Akufo-Addo Administration has also helped in reshaping some other roads which were in bad state under the leadership of the previous government. The Minister added that 13 road projects with a total length of 342.3KM are being constructed. She said "Upgrading of Menji-Bui Road (30KM), Upgrading of UPGRADING OF Nkrankwanta–Kaase Road (10 KM), Sampa-Jinini Road (31.5KM), Dormaa Ahenkro-Babianiha (20KM), Atronie-Mim (33.9KM), Ahafo Kenyase-Asukese Mim (26KM), Nkrankwanta-Kaase Road (1-10KM) among others are under serious construction" Air Transport The Minister thanked President Akufo-Addo for ensuring that the first phase of the Sunyani Airport has began operating. She assured government that the Airport will be used for its intended purposes. Education The Bono Regional Minister hinted that the Akufo-Addo administration has undertaken massive infrastructural developments in the education sector since 2017. "The introduction of the Free SHS Policy meant that there was the need to increase in infrastructure requirements in order to cater for the increased enrolment" She mentioned a total of 78 educational projects have been initiated and under implementation in the Bono Region. The Regional Minister added that while some of the projects have been completed, others are on the verge of completion. Communication "I am appealing to the Minister for Communications and Digitization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful to reach out to my region. There are some areas which do not have access to communication. I believe that once this is done, it will also help save lives when there are challenges" Herdsmen She added that the issue of heardsmen and their cattle are still a major problem in the region. She explained that some cattle trespass unto farms and eat the farm products which results in misunderstandings between some farmers and Fulani Herdsmen. "We are farmers and do not want to have any problem with any Fulani Herdsmen. They should not trespass our farms with their cattle. We don't want our efforts to go waste" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The proceedings today (Sept 14) was not without drama as one of the suspects charged alongside Aisha, Jong Li Hua, collapsed in the course of the hearing. An Accra Circuit Court presided over by Bright Acquah today (Sept 14) denied bail to En Huang, aka Aisha Huang, who has been arraigned for engaging in illegal mining. That was after En Huang had pleaded not guilty to the charge of engaging in sale of minerals without license, and mining without license. The proceedings today (Sept 14) was not without drama as one of the accused persons, charged alongside En Huang, Jong Li Hua, collapsed in the course of the hearing. En “Aisha” Huang was arrested through a National Security operation after she reportedly ‘sneaked’ into the country to again undertake the illegal mining activity. Aisha is currently facing criminal charges with three others at an Accra Circuit Court. The other accused persons, all Chinese nationals,  are Jong Li Hua, Huang Jei and Huiad Hiahu. The three have also pleaded not guilty to the sale of mining equipment without license. Bail application Counsel for the accused, Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, in his bail application described the charges as minor and wondered why after 14 days of Aisha’s remand, the police had not been able to complete its thorough investigations. According to him, the the media had placed too much emphasis on what he described as “a small case”. He added that his clients had people of good substance to stand as sureties for them. Bail opposed Chief Inspector Frederick Sarpong, opposed the bail application on grounds that if granted bail, the accused persons would hamper investigations. “As Aisha stands here she cannot tell the court how she got into the country,” the prosecutor added. He clarified that the accused were charged with criminal offences and not merely before the court by virtue of their nationality or colour. He prayed the court to remand the accused persons into police custody assuring the court that counsels will have access to them anytime they wish to. Ruling In his ruling, the judge said the “accused may not appear to stand trial and may interfere with evidence and hamper trial” The judge subsequently remanded the accused persons to police custody. The suspects are to re-appear before the court on September 27, 2022. Facts The prosecutor, Detective Chief Inspector Frederick Sarpong, told the court that Aisha had previously escaped prosecution in Accra when she was arrested. According to him, Aisha returned to China and changed her identity, only to come back to Ghana to commit the same crime for which she had escaped prosecution earlier. Togo visa Inspector Sarpong said the accused person applied for a Togolese visa and entered Ghana through its border with Togo and back to the galamsey business in a town in the Ashanti Region. The three others with her, according to the prosecutor, sold mining equipment and dealt in gold in Accra, without a valid licence. They were arrested upon intelligence by the National Security. Watch the video below: Credit: Graphiconline.com Video: 3news.com