One person in connection with the daylight robbery at Dansoman Exhibition has been arrested officials of the Ghana Police Service have confirmed. A statement from the Police on their Facebook page said “A special anti-robbery squad has carried out an intelligence-led operation, in which a robbery suspect was arrested while one other is currently being pursued for a daylight street robbery at Dansoman”. The police assured the general public that the other suspect will be brought to book to ensure that sure kinds of robberies are nipped in the bud. It could be remembered that MyNewsGh.com reported Monday that Two men on a motorbike attacked Madam Bernice Quaye who disclosed to the police she was on her way to visit her parents at Exhibition Roundabout. According to her, two young men on an unidentified motorbike attacked her at 24th Cl Street and snatched her brown handbag containing her Nokia 101 and Samsung Galaxy A23 phones, two fullscap notebooks and an amount of GHc60.00 In videos that went viral, the robbers who were sitting on a motorbike were seen to have attacked the woman who was walking majestically to her home. Although the woman tried to fight back, she was overpowered by her attacker who took away her handbag. Source: MyNewsGh.com/ 2022

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has revealed that the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie known by many as Sir John owns no lands at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar Site. According to the Minister, the alleged will which mentions ownership of the said properties is a subject matter of litigation/contestation in the courts. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the Lands Minister said "The late CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, owns no lands at the Achimota Forest and the Sakumono Ramsar Site. The alleged will in question is a subject matter of litigation/contestation in the courts.” The Minister also hinted that following some checks at the Lands and the Forestry, there are no record of ownership of lands at the Achimota Forest or the Sakumono Ramsar Site, by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie. It added that “That said, given the totality of the circumstances of the said allegations, I, as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, have directed the Lands and Forestry Commissions to deem any ownership of lands, both, in the Achimota Forest and the Sakumono Ramsar Site by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie as void and are to take the appropriate actions accordingly.” ”For the avoidance of doubt, the bequeathing of the aforesaid lands, if established, will not pass any interest/title to the named beneficiaries in the alleged Will" Samuel A. Jinapor also added that none of the beneficiaries named by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, will receive either the Achimota Forest and Ramsar site lands as stated by the will. "These lands, the subject matter of the alleged Will, shall remain Public Lands, whether or not it falls within the de-gazetted lands pursuant to E.I 144" The Sector Minister further stressed that the Akufo-Addo Administration will ensure that all improper means acquiring of public lands will be dealt with. He hinted that the famous and much-talked-about, Achimota Forest Lands will not be left out. Below is a copy of the statement: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Leadership of the Lands Commission have assured the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio that all documents which were destroyed by last Saturday's heavy downpour will be reprinted and replaced. According to the Lands Commission, although last Saturday's downpour lasted for hours, it did not interrupt their work. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Mr. James Dadson said "All documents which were destroyed by Saturday's downpour will be reprinted and replaced" He also added that the electronic data are also intact adding that there is no cause for alarm. "The main offices that were affected include the basement, records, records annex and the digital capturing room. Most of the documents affected by the rain have been retrieved and dried up by the sun, adding that those that could not dry will be reprinted and replaced" Mr. Dadson told the media that his men are ever ready to whenever they are called upon. "This has not disrupted any of our work. As a matter of fact, we have restored lights to all the afffected offices and we are ready and will be at your service anytime we are called upon to work" On his part, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio told Journalists after his inspection that all documents at the Lands Commission are safe and intact. He said, "Yes, it is true the rain got into the building from the construction site nextdoor but upon inspection on arrival to verify the reports, nothing has been  destroyed as most documents were safely placed on shelfs above floor level" He added that he is confident that the destroyed documents will be replaced as promised. Hon. Benito promised that he will ensure no document is kept on the floor. "We see your efforts and we appreciate it, Keep up the good work" Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

An alleged will of the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, has set Ghanaian social media on fire. Ghanaians, especially on Twitter, have been drawn on the contents of the will since it was leaked late last night. Most of them have expressed their displeasure to the willing of some portions of the Achimota Forest and the Ramsar Site at Sakumono to members of Sir John's family. Page 4 of the will, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, whose office was situated at the Achimota Forest until his death, stated that "I give my land situated at the Achimota Forest in the name of Jakaypro Limited and measuring 5.541 acres to the following persons forever. Below are some tweets: Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II has cautioned the Akufo-Addo Administration to ensure that it preserves the country’s forest reserve for the future. The Okyehene made these pronouncements after a delegation from the Forestry Commission led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Allotey paid a courtesy call on him st his Palace on Monday. Addressing the leadership from the Forestry Commission, the Okyehene said "Ghanaians cannot plant trees today for galamsey to take place tomorrow. Government must preserve the forests for future generations. The Paramount Chief also tasked his people and Ghanaians to embrace the Green Ghana Day project which is scheduled for June 10, 2022. He also noted since Green Ghana has the tendency of sustaining the future, he is appealing to all to embark on the exercise, plant a seedling and ensure it grows. “Green Ghana sustains our future, I, therefore, urge all citizens to get hold of the seedlings, wherever they are made available, plant them and watch them grow. No one is going to get rich doing this but is it a service that will enhance our living and our environment so plant a tree today and watch it grow” "I am very delighted the government has seen the need to plant trees as they are regulators of temperatures everywhere around the world which keeps us alive. The world is united ecologically and therefore when we harm the ecological system, we harm ourselves" The Okyehene registered his displeasure about tye illegal felling on trees adding that persons involved in such acts are selfish. "I am asking the people of the Eastern Region set the pace. You are not doing this for the President, or for me but for yourselves and your generation. Also, you are not only planting trees, you are planting your future” Taking his turn, the CEO of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey commended the Okyehene for his laudable initiative in Environmental Protection. "We are here to notify you about Land Ministry’s two-fold Strategy for the 2022 Green Ghana Day. We have two prompt strategies that are to plant 10 million trees in the forest reserves and 10 million in other places like we did last year" "With your leadership and support, last year during Green Ghana, the Eastern Region exceeded its target of 500, 000 thousand trees as we planted 700, 000 trees and we’re grateful” Mr. Allotey was full of praises for the Okyehene for his Okyeman Environment Foundation which has commenced a tree planting exercise to plant 25 million trees across all towns and villages. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Okyehene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II has called on his subject and the entire Ghanaian populace to support government's flagship afforestation program; Green Ghana Day which seeks to plant 20 million trees on June 10, 2022. "Green Ghana sustains our future, I therefore urge all citizens to get hold of the seedlings, wherever they are made available, plant them and watch them grow. No one is going to get rich doing this but is it a service that will enhance our living and our environment so plant a tree today and watch it grow" The Okyehene said this when a delegation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources lead by the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey called on him on Monday, 23rd May, 2022 at the Kyebi Palace in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The King said he is delighted the government has seen the need to plant trees as they are regulators of temperatures everywhere around the world which keeps us alive. He added that the world is united ecologically and therefore when we harm the ecological system , we harm ourselves. He also cautioned against the cutting down of trees as he said it is a selfish act. " it is very selfish to cut trees or destroy any part of the ecological system, we need to take care of these trees for the generation to come. We must be selfless and generational thinkers" Osagyefuo Amoatia encouraged his Citizens to lead the charge in the Eastern Region and support the initiative saying "you are not doing this for the President, or for me but for yourselves and your generation. Also, you are not only planting trees, you are planting your future" He was pleased that the Traditional leadership is being involved in such an initiative but also asked that they be made an integral part of negotiations, from aquiring seedlings to planting them. Mr. John Allotey, CEO of the Forestry Commission who led the delegation on his part, praised Okyehene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II for his exemplary leadership in the area of Environmental Protection and Sustainability in Ghana and the world at large. Mr. Allotey in his submission informed the King about the Ministry's two fold Strategy for the 2022 Green Ghana Day saying, "we have two prompt strategies that is to plant 10 million trees in the forest reserves and 10 million in other places like we did last year. Sighting households, medians, waterbodies, schools, among others as examples. He applauded the Kings efforts and participation while highlighting his role in last year's edition of the Green Ghana campaign saying "with your leadership and support, last year during the Green Ghana, the Eastern Region exceeded its target of 500, 000 thousand trees as we planted 700, 000 trees and we're grateful" Mr. Allotey again applauded the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin for taking charge in Ghana's effort to reafforest the country, through the Okyeman Environment Foundation which has begun a tree planting exercise to plant 25 million trees across all towns and villages within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area in a duration of 5 years. Also at the Okyehene's Palace for the Courtesy call was the Technical Director for Forestry Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, the Technical Director for Forestry. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hundreds of documents, computers, and scanners at the Head Office of the Lands Commission in Cantonments, Accra, have been destroyed by floodwaters. The basement of the new building was heavily submerged in water after Saturday night’s downpour, leading to the flooding of the Records Room, Files Room, and I.T. Unit -all situated at the basement. The affected documents include indentures, land maps, and land documents, sources at the Commission told the Ghana News Agency. According to the sources, essential land documents have also been “mixed up” as a result of the destruction caused by the flood. When the news team visited the Commission’s Head Office Monday morning, it met some officers of the Commission drying the documents at the forecourt of the Office. Some staff of the Commission were also spotted scavenging the documents in an attempt to salvage some and arrange those that had been mixed up. A team of cleaners were also seen busily scooping water out of the basement. The staff said they reported to work on Monday only to find the damage caused by the flood waters, adding that they wouldn’t be able to work today as a result of the situation. They blamed the flooding on the construction of new offices close to the main Head Office building, which they said had blocked the flow of water into nearby drains. Meanwhile, officials at the Head Office were tight-lipped over the matter. Below are some pictures: Credit: GNA

“We have also put out a number of publications in the dailies, alerting people that the Forestry Commission has not given any chief or individual any right to sell land or authorise the putting up of buildings within the Ramsar Site. We have also warned the public not to purchase land within the Ramsar Site, from anybody.” Those were the words of the late chief executive officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, when he visited the Sakumono Ramsar on August 7, 2018. But almost four years later, it has emerged that the man whose duty it was to protect the Ramsar site from human activity actually got a portion of the land for himself. Popularly known as Sir John, the self-acclaimed knight of Ghana politics actually got 5.07 acres and willed it to his four sisters: Abana Saah, Comfort Amoateng, Abena Konadu and Juliet Akua Arko, and their children. That is more than 20 plots of the protected land, which is a buffer zone to protect Tema, Sakumono and their environs against flood, pollution, breeding of fish for the Sakumono Lagoon as well as for recreational activities. The Ramsar sites are also serve as the relaxation and feeding grounds for over 70 waterbird species. That particular site serves as the breeding ground for about three marine turtle species. The Ramsar sites are not for human habitation, a reason the Forestry Commission head warned the chiefs and people who traded the land for development projects. As he went round with a retinue of chiefs, Forestry Commission officials and officials of the Tema Development Company, Sir John asked owners of unauthorised buildings at the Sakumono Ramsar site to rectify their stay on the land as tenants as no chief had the right to sell the protected area to them. “When I saw the encroachment in Klagon, I thought that was even serious, but what I’ve seen here even makes it worse. Indeed, both the right side and the left side are all parts of the Ramsar site and yet, the massive encroachment we’ve seen beggars disbelieve,” he said. He went continued, “Those who alleged that they bought it from the chiefs should go back and collect their monies. If they got it for free, fine then there is nothing to worry their head about. But whatever it is, we can’t let them[houses] stand. It will be demolished,” he warned. The Sakumo Ramsar Site was established alongside four other coastal Ramsar Sites in 1992. It is the only wetland wholly owned by the government. The other four sites—Keta, Songhor , Muni-Pomadze, Densu Delta– belong to stools. While insisting that the commission had no intention of demolition existing properties on the site, he warned that the Commission would not tolerate any new development in the area which had been encroached upon by developers who had filed the wetlands and built structures without permits. “After 2006, we noticed that the place was being encroached by illegal developers. We did carry out some demolition in the past with the support of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and TDC,” he said. Sir John also said the commission had demarcated the area, setting a buffer zone that could not be crossed. But it appears he crossed that buffer zone before crossing to the other side. It is not just at the Ramsar site Sir John acquired land, he also acquires lands in the Achimota Forest. In total, he acquired four parcels of land at the Achimota Forest, the biggest one being 5.541 acres. These details are contained in the will he made less than two months before his death. Watch the video below: Credit: The Fourth Estate

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kantaka Automobile, Kwadwo Safo Jnr is definitely head over heels with his wife and is not ready to hide it anyway. The businessman shared a series of photos of his wife who was looking absolutely amazing, and beautiful. With each set of photos, he shared he wrote a lovely caption to accompany it. He captioned “You are such an amazing human with an infectious smile. I have loved you from the very first day I set eyes on you because of your great personality, Akosua. Grow strong, healthy, wise, and long. Aside from being my wife thank you for being a great friend, confidant, and mother to the beautiful angels we have. You are not just a mother to your kids but to the entire Kingdom. We appreciate and love you. Happy birthday to her Royal Highness, Zainab Akosua Safo. The one and only Queen of the Kantanka dynasty. Akosua chop the money o000. You deserve it, I LOVE YOU ZEEZU aka Ayabongo lol” Below are some photos; Credit: AnythingGH

When President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signed an executive instrument declassifying parts of the Achimota Forest as a forest reserve, many Ghanaians greeted the decision with an outpour of outrage. Many took to social media and accused the political elite of attempts to sell the lands to themselves and their cronies. The government has denied the accusations, saying it was only returning part of the land to its rightful owners. But even as the dust on the Achimota Forest controversy is yet to settle, the will of a former general secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, had emerged and contains some parcel of lands at the Achimota Forest. Until his death, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, was the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission. The will, which has been sighted and confirmed by The Fourth Estate, contains four parcels of specified and unspecified acres of land in the Achimota Forest, which the late politician bequeathed to named persons. On page 4 of the will, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, whose office was situated at the Achimota Forest until his death, states: “I give my land situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Jakaypro Limited and measuring 5.541 acres to the following persons forever. –Yaw Amoateng Afriyie -One (1) acre — Eva Akua Afriyie One (1) acre –Ivy Akua Afriyie One (1) acre –Elizabeth Asare Boateng (aka Mother) One (1) acre –Michael Owusu 1.541 acres On page 5 of the will, it is stated: “I give my land also situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Fasoh Limited and measuring 0.987acres to my nephews Michael Owusu, Yaw Boadu and Kwabena Amoateng forever.” On the same page, the will states: “I jointly own a piece of land at Achimota Forest with Charles Owusu. Upon my demise, my portion of the said land should be given to Ruth Korkor Odonkor.” That’s not all. On the same page 5 and still on the Achimota Forest, the will states: “I give my portion of land that jointly own at the Achimota Forest in the name of DML Limited to Elizabeth Asare Boateng who at the time of making this will is domiciled in the USA forever.” The former head of the forestry commission also stated in the will that he owned land at the Ramsar area in Sakumono in Accra. “I give my land situate at the Ramsar area at Sakumono in the Greater Accra Region and measuring 5.07 acres to my sisters Abena Saah and her children, Comfort Amoateng and her children, Abena Konadu and Juliet Akua Arko and her children on equal share basis forever,” the will states. The Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services (CERSGIS) defines a Ramsar site as “a wetlands site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar convention. It provides for national action and international cooperation regarding the conservation of wetlands, and wise sustainable use of their resources.” According to CERSGIS, the Sakumono site “is the only wetland wholly owned by the government and is meant for protecting Sakumono, Tema and their environs against floods and pollution, for the breeding of fish for the Sakumono Lagoon, as well as recreational activities.” In June 2021, officials of CERSGIS and the Forestry Commission visited the site and observed that the site had “come under serious threat to the brink of extinction due to the heavy encroachment that had plagued the area for over three decades.” The Forestry Commission, which Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie headed until his death, has published the Wetland Management (Ramsar Sites) Regulations 1999 that lists the Sakumono Ramsar site as part of the protected wetlands in Ghana. It prohibits a host of human activities in Ramsar sites. Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie died on July 1, 2020, of Covid-19-related complications while receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. He made his latest will on May 21, 2020, less than two months before his death. The will named Charles Owusu and Nana Boakye Acheampong as executors. It contained houses, lands, Kejetia market stalls, gold production investments and money in local and foreign banks as the properties to be distributed among the named persons in the will. Other properties to be inherited included fuel stations, 13 private vehicles and 10 fuel tankers and five pump action guns. Ministry reacts to will Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has indicated it will investigate the alleged inclusion of Achimota Forest lands in Sir John’s will. A statement issued on Sunday, May 22, 2022, and published on the Facebook page of the ministry, said the ministry took “a very serious view of the allegations”. Here is the full statement issued by the Ministry: “The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to a document making the rounds on social media, which alleges that the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, had included portions of the Achimota Forest in his Will, and given out same to individuals who are said to be related to him" “The Ministry takes a very serious view of the allegations and has requested for all documents relating to the lands in question, as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims. Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him take appropriate action, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims" “The Ministry assures the general public and the good people of Ghana that it will ensure that the national interest is protected at all times, especially in matters pertaining to the Achimota Forest.” Below are pages from the will of Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John): Story by: Manasseh Azure Awuni

Government, through the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), has commissioned educational projects in some constituencies in the Central Region, as part of efforts to make education more dignifying and comfortable for school-going children in the country. This forms part of the government’s $1 million per constituency projects geared towards infrastructural development in the country. The projects commissioned include a 2-unit kindergarten block with ancillary facilities at Edukrom in the Agona West constituency; 6-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Osedzi in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam constituency; 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Breku in the Assin North constituency; 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at in the Assin North constituency. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, during a three-day working visit to the region, Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, said the new facilities are being funded under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) of the Special Development Initiatives (SDI), aimed at supporting the government’s priority initiatives for sustainable socio-economic development. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, CODA CEO, cuts tape to commission a 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Otabil Nkwanta in the Assin North constituency. Education is key Mr Ahmed Shaib explained that education is the only way by which the world can foster a sense of cohesion and solidarity amongst displaced persons, especially those of school going age, and help create an enabling environment, which will spur them on to lead more purposeful and dignified lives. He admonished parents to concentrate on the education of their children and not neglect early childhood development. “I entreat you to take another look at early childhood development. Education of children would enable them to realise their dreams of becoming prominent personalities like doctors, lawyers, judges, parliamentarians, ministers and even presidents in the not so distant future. And they’ll be able to contribute their quota significantly to the growth of families, communities and the country at large,” he indicated. Commitment He reaffirmed President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to widening access to education for all school-going children in the country. Mr Ahmed Shaib said most developed countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, have come this far, in terms of development, due to their committed efforts in investing in the education sector. He, however, disclosed that there are several educational projects on going in other parts of the country, adding they will soon be commissioned to ensure equitable access to education nationwide. The Authority also inspected some borehole projects in parts of the region. Maintenance culture The CEO urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining facilities in their communities in order to derive maximum benefit and elongate their lifespan. “As community members, you need to protect the project that provides a service to the citizenry. You must take good care of the project. You must jealously guard such a facility that has been provided at great cost to serve the larger community,” he advised. Member of Parliament for Agona West, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, on her part, thanked CODA for the projects. She also expressed appreciation to the chiefs of the area for their support and commitment to development. She further appealed to the teachers and authorities of the schools to manage the facilities well to encourage CODA and government to do more. Below are some pictures: Story by: Bright Philip Donkor

British-Ghanaian Singer and Rapper, Nana Richard Abiona known in showbiz as Fuse ODG has praised fellow Musician, Fella Nuna for standing up and challenging abuse against women in the Music Industry. According to FUSE ODG, the defence exhibited by Feli shows how dangerous, the Ghanaian creative industry has become. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, FUSe ODG tweeted, "This #UnitedShowbiz panel interview with @FeliNuna has displayed how dangerous the creative industry space is for women in Ghana" "A man should have the right to want to have sex with the woman if the woman needs their investment?" "Proud of Feli for standing up & #IStandWithFeli" It will be recalled that Feli on #UnitedShowbiz revealed the ordeal some female musicians go through before their music is supported or promoted. In other developments, Feli Nuna took a swipe on social commentator, Kwame Asare known as A-Plus. Nuna called A-Plus 'senseless' after the social commentator described the musician's boyfriend as 'forkin'. See screenshot below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith