The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor says Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is committed to implementing appropriate regulatory, legal, fiscal, and environmental policies, to achieve the vision of the President to build a responsible, viable, sustainable and environmentally-sound mining industry anchored on integrity, transparency and good governance. He said this move, will bring optimum benefit to the people of Ghana, who are the true owners of these minerals. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Irrigation and Agriculture Development (IRAD, 2022), held at the University of Development Studies in Tamale on Tuesday, 22nd February, 2022, Hon. Jinapor higly commended the University's attempt to find solutions to the effective management of our water resources and environmental sustainability, even in the face of increasing natural resources exploitation. In his Keynote address, Hon. Jinapor indicated that the conference comes at a time when Government has intensified its fight against illegal mining and at a point when the country is mobilising the entire country to support an aggressive afforestation programme to contribute to global climate action. The Hon. Minister said the impact of mining on water resources and environment is not only an issue of illegalities but a natural occurance from exploitation of minerals and therefore if no action is taken on indiscriminate mining practices coupled with lack of reclamation by these miners, it will result in deforestation and land degradation across the country. Having said this , the Minister noted that he does not suggest that the Country quits mining but rather exploit the natural resources to provide the raw materials for the development of Ghana. "We cannot industrialise if we do not invest in the exploitation and utilisation of our bauxite and other mineral resources" He pointed out. He indicated that people in local communities, particularly women, who depend heavily on the natural environment for their sustenance, always bear the brunt of human activities that impact on the environment. The Minister therefore admonished all mining companies, particularly the large scale companies to realise their duty towards the local community, and ensure that their operations bring optimal benefit to the communities. "Mining companies must also, at all times, observe their duty to mine responsibly, both environmentally and socially, to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment and maximise benefits" He added. The Lands and Natural Resources Minister who is also the Member of Parliament(MP) for Damango said to be able to achieve the African Mining Vision which advocates for " Transparent, Equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and social economic development", there is the urgent need for stakeholders to adopt policies and regulatory framework anchored on the vision. He further stated that the vision of the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining related actives, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, will be centred. The Minister disclosed that his Ministry in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General is working to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to expressly prohibit the manufacture, sale, supply and use of the floating device, “changfans.” Touching on the recent tragic incident at Appiatse, he said government has decided to build the Community into a Modern, Green and Sustainable community, stressing that in the medium to long term period the new Appiatse township will become the model of mining communities and rural development in Ghana. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament (MP), Sam George has hit hard on the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu over his 'thinking' comment. According to Sam George, one cannot be a Minister and cannot think. Speaking on an Accra-based Television station, he said "Governance and Parliament is not a church to forgive" The Ningo Prampram MP, made the comments after responding to why he was being so hard on the Health Minister. "You can't be a Minister if you can't think" he said. The MP also described the on-going sim card registration is an illegality. He stressed that there is no laws in the country back the sim cards re-registration. Speaking to the Ghana card brouhaha, he said "I don't have a Ghana card. Some day in the future, I will get a Ghana card" "Ghana is not banana Republic, where the Minister will get up and scare us" he fumed. The MP stressed that the threat of sim re-registration deadline by the Minister of Communication Minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful is just 'hot-air' He threated that the telecos will be sued if sim cards are blocked from April 1. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Amidst uncertainties about whether coronavirus is out of the country or not, Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL), in collaboration with the government, has embarked on a disinfection exercise at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The exercise is part of a routine monthly activity aimed at containing the spread of the virus which is still lurking around in the country. Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the February 2022 exercise, a Vector Control Officer of Zoomlion, Mr. Enoch Mintah, assured that his outfit was still committed to ensuring that staff members of the KIA and the general public were safe. “We are not letting down our guard in the fight against Covid-19,” he assured. This, according to him, was crucial in safeguarding lives at a time most people seemed to have let down their guards though he said the virus was still around. The exercise was carried out last Tuesday at 1:00 a.m., so as not to interfere with business operations at the airport. A team of sprayers from Zoomlion took pains to disinfect facilities including the arrival and departure halls, washrooms, floors, furniture and open spaces in the halls. The airport environment and open spaces were also thoroughly disinfected. Viruses, Mr Mintah noted, have changing phases at every time, hence the need for his company to vary its approach and chemicals in order to outwit them. "The airport has become a continual hotspot for the ever changing viruses. That is why we do not want to let our guard down," Mr Mintah reiterated in an interview with the media. While admonishing Ghanaians to continue observing the Covid safety protocols, he underscored the need for the exercise to continue to help curtail the spread of the virus. "Every festive season presents other opportunities for the virus to continue spreading because those returning into the country might possibly be importing the virus into the country," he observed. According to him, the virus could easily be transported by travelers hence the need to assure staff members of the airports and the general public of their safety and allay their fears. He said based on research, Zoomlion is able to apply the right chemicals to deal with the virus. He, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians to continue observing the safety measures to ward off any spread of the virus. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has assured the people of Appiatse that the Green and Sustainable Community promised by government will be built on equity, fainess and justice. The Minister declared this when he again paid a working visit to Appiatse together with the Reconstruction Committee. on Monday, 21st February, 2022. The visit was to among other things check up on the well being of the people of Appiatse, update them on government's road map to restore the township and also make arrangements for the tempoeary habitation of the people of Appiatse witness for himself some temporary structures earmarked to house the displaced people of Appiatse before the rain sets in. Speaking at the durbar in Appiatse, the Hon. Minister disclosed that some uncompleted structures originally being constructed by FGR, a private mining company based in the region to resettle the Dumase township will be completed and furnished to temporarily house the people of Appiatse before the rains set in. He said " These tents cannot protect you from the rains so in the interim we have agreed with FDR to have you move into their building while we settle on plans to begin the third phase and that is to rebuild the community itself" Hon. Jinapor assured the people that work at these uncompleted structures will begin as soon as possible with the roofing, fixing of doors and windows, adding that all the monies accumulated from the Appiatse Support Fund will be put to judicious use while ensuring transparency and accountability. " We will ensure that all the monies being donated into the fund are put to judicious use. I assure you that the community will be built on equity, fairness and justice, all who owned houses, Lands and shops will all have it restored to them and every single penny will be accounted for" " And for the New Appiatse, we will ensure that we restore the community as practical as possible. We want to maintain the character of the place so that you can easily go back to your way of life, farming, selling among others" He stressed that the Dumase temporary settlement will not be a permanent place for the people and therefore warned that no one should claim ownership of the settlement but rather move peacefully to the new township after completion. Hon. Jinapor said a block factory will be set up as a matter of urgency to mould blocks out of some 6000 bags of cement that have been donated to for the rebuilding of the town. He charged the Member of Parliament, Municipal Chief Executive and the Assembly man of the area to man the factory and ensure that cement are used purposely for the moulding of these blocks. He also called on the people, particularly the youth to do the little they can to cooperate and support the Ministry and government with works on the uncompleted structures and the main project yet to be embarked on. Admonishing them the Minister said, in as much people all over Ghana and abroad are donating to build the community, the people must also help in anyway they can. " We are not asking for money from you and we are not going to take any, what we expect from you is your cooperation and support by joining in the communal labour, helping to mould the blocks to be used for your own buildings even without expecting monetary benefits" Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor thanked Ghanaians for all the support through donations so far and called for more from friends of Ghana and the diaspora for the reconstruction of the Green and Sustainable community. The Minister during the visit also inspected the Dumase temporary structures as well as the reconstruction of the road which was affected by the explosion. During the inspection tour, Hon Benito Owusu-Bio, the Chairman of the Reconstruction Committee and a Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister briefed the Minister saying, per the inventory taken, the Dumase settlement will be able to house all the 800 displaced persons with about 4 people in each room. He assured that work on the temporary structures will begin as early as Monday, 28th February 2022, with standard roofing and furnishing although temporary. He disclosed that companies like Tropical Cables, the Forestry Commission among others have promised to provide needed logistics for free. The Chief of Appiatse, Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi expressed his appreciation to the Government and the Ministry for all the efforts towards the rebuilding of Appiatse while urging his people to support the project and remain patient as government zooms into the third phase of the project. At the durbar held in honour of the Minister and his entourage, the Reconstruction Committee gave a presentation to the people of Appiatse, displaying a scenario of the final outlook of the community after completion. The presentation detailed where the markets, community centres, schools and the personal settlement will be. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Despite their non-existing manager-artiste relationship, Kelvyn Boy demonstrated the utmost respect to his ‘Idol’ when he cautioned his fans from speaking trash about Stonebwoy. During an interview on HitzFM, Kelyn Boy maintained that things may be rough between himself and Stonebwoy, but the respect remains intact. Even when the host tried goading him for a response about the alleged feud, he rebutted, “No, let’s not. I get this question every day. I don’t think it’s necessary. Today I won’t answer this question because the relationship status is not important. That fact that everyone is talking about it, I don’t want anyone to come and talk about Stonebwoy.” According to Kelvyn Boy, Stonebowy was once a strong pillar for his career at a point and for which he would always be grateful. And thus, plead that everyone should respect their decision and halt the attacks on Stonebwoy. “Please, I will love my fans and everyone not to speak ill about me and Stonebwoy, please. He put me on so much, and I appreciate it all the time. The fact the issues came and everyone went their separate ways does not mean you can type something untoward,” Kelvyn Boy concluded. Story by: Grace Somuah-Annan

Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Sammi Awuku and his deputy, Anna Horma Miezah, have paid a familiarisation tour of the Western Region and Central Region operational offices. The tour was for the Director-General and his deputy to learn at first-hand challenges associated with the work, including the welfare of the staff and how together they can perform and improve on a lot of the Authority. The tour is also in tandem with the Director-General’s vision of rebranding lotteries in the country. “We all will recall the euphoria associated with staking lotteries with the NLA and the associated prompt payment back then. I remember how people will be glued to their TV and radio sets waiting anxiously to hear the winning numbers. We want to bring that back. It is doable and we can do that through our collective efforts,” he charged the workers. According to him, the National Lottery Authority is moving to a stage where it will become the Number One gaming company in Ghana. But he decried how “the industry has been bedeviled with gross illegality” and made a solemn promise to “sweep them all out with your help”. “We want to change the face of NLA. That is not in doubt because I know you are all with me. But we cannot do so when 70 percent of the work is done illegally. I want you to help me flush them all out. I want you to see the vision, move along with me and let’s take back what is rightfully ours. You know those behind the illegality. Help me deal with them and together we can enjoy the gains.” Some of the workers took turns to explain how the fortunes of the NLA have dwindled over the years and promised to help with the restoration efforts. For her part, Deputy Director-General Anna Horma Miezah said Ghana is losing millions of cedis due to the illegality in the system. “Ivory Coast generates $580 million annually from their lotteries. Nigeria makes $3 million a day. Unfortunately, Ghana makes only $80,000 a day. This is due to the work of the illegal operators. That must change. And so this visit is to help us look at the leaks and deal decisively with them.” She assured the workers that “we will give you the right motivation to go about your duties, especially in going after these illegal operators while embarking on an intensive sales drive to improve revenue” Source: 3news.com

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is still surprised at the dissenting voices in relation to the proposed E-levy in the 2022 budget statement. He, however, expressed optimism that the policy will be approved but, in the event, it does not go through, he said, the government will turn to the petroleum sector for revenue. Asked what the alternative is, in the event the E-levy fails, while speaking to journalists at a function in Accra on Friday, February 18, he said “There are always many alternatives but really, you are looking at the future and you are looking at ways we can solve the issue of the increased revenue and everybody participating. “The challenge is, for example, assuming you earn a million cedis a year and you transfer all of that through MoMo. What am I asking of you? ¢15,000. Is that what you have been fighting against? Or if you are a student and assuming your earn 100,000 cedis, which is unlikely, that means what, a 1500 cedis. “So you then begin to ask the question, what is it that we are fighting against? And if I have also said the first hundred cedis will not be a part of it which means 3000 monthly income. “The alternatives are many, you can go into petroleum, but is that really what you want? The mood of the country is different from the arithmetic in Parliament and that is why I have gone around.” Mr. Ofori-Atta had earlier ruled out returning to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for support in order to deal with the challenges that the local economy is going through at the moment. Speaking at the 3rd Townhall meeting on the E-levy on Thursday, February 10, at the Radache Hotel in Tamale in the Northern Region, he indicated that a return to the Bretton Woods institution will have dire consequences. The government was called upon to return to the IMF for support instead of relying on the proposed E-levy for revenue. For instance, a former Member of Parliament for New Juabeng South, Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah believed that a return would rescue Ghana’s struggling economy. “Without a doubt, I think we should be placing a call to Washington if we haven’t really done that. We are just not going to ask for the funds just because E-levy has been passed or not. E-levy will just bring about GH¢5 billion. We are in a deep hole in our tax revenue and facing difficulties, so going to the Fund will give us some support. “So there is nothing wrong with going to the Fund. Ghana is a member of the IMF so what is wrong going to ask for support when we are in difficulties to go and pool resources. If I was the finance minister, I will be convincing the President that it is about time we went back,” he told Citi. Mark Assibey Yeboah also added that the revenue expected to be accrued from the E-levy is to ensure the economic stability government is eyeing. He further cast doubt on the government’s ability to raise the projected GH¢6.9 billion target, saying the maximum the government can raise from the controversial e-levy is GH¢5 billion. “The GH¢6.9 billion target cannot be realized. There are a lot of exemptions so, in my estimation, the maximum amount we can get from the E-levy is GH¢5 billion, and that is less than a billion dollars, so I do not think that the E-levy is going to be a panacea to our revenues. Going to the IMF will ensure some stability and above all, we are going to get some $3 billion”. The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia also made a similar call to the government. Asked whether President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should go to the IMF, while speaking on the New Day show on TV3 on Monday, February 7, he answered “I think it is something that they have to consider. if it is the only that will take us out of this problem then the earlier the better.” But Mr. Ofori-Atta who had earlier stated that the government would not go back to the IMF insisted that “I can tell you, as my colleague deputy said, we are not going back to the IMF, whatever we do we are not [going back]. The consequences are dire, we are a proud nation, we have the resources, we have that capacity, don’t let anybody tell you … we are not people of short-sighted, we need to move on,” Mr. Ofori-Atta said. Story by: Laud Nartey

Thomas Partey capped off an impressive performance with an assist as Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. The Ghanaian assisted Bukayo Saka to score Arsenal’s second which sealed an important victory as the Gunners moved to within a point of the top four. England international Smith Rowe ran at the Brentford defense and curled a measured right-footed shot past David Raya to send his side on their way to a second successive win. His goal came following a first half in which Arsenal had two penalty appeals turned down. Partey showed his quality. He won three tackles (joint-most), two key passes (joint third), 59 passes, 5 shots (second), and won two fouls (most) during the game. The victory moves Arsenal level on points with fifth-placed West Ham, who drew at Newcastle earlier on Saturday, and within a point of Manchester United in fourth with two games in hand on the Red Devils. Source: 3news.com

Liverpool staged a second-half comeback against a resilient Norwich side to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with an eighth successive win in all competitions. The Reds had threatened the Norwich goal countless times but they were stunned into emergency action moments after the interval when Milot Rashica’s deflected strike gave the Canaries hope of a first win at Anfield in 28 years. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who made seven changes to the side that won at Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek, intervened to make attacking changes on 62 minutes and within four minutes his side had turned the game around. Sadio Mane acrobatically turned home Konstantinos Tsimikas’ header and Mohamed Salah raced on to a clearance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker to round Angus Gunn and score. Salah’s 17th league goal of the campaign was his 150th in all competitions for Liverpool – making him one of only 10 men to reach that figure for the club – and Luis Diaz added his first since joining from Porto with a neat, chipped finish to seal the win. Klopp’s side moves to within six points of league leaders Manchester City before the champions’ late game, while Norwich drop to bottom place and are five points from safety. Credit: BBC

Harry Kane’s stoppage-time goal gave Tottenham a stunning victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City in a chaotic finale at Etihad Stadium. City thought they had rescued a point moments earlier when Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review, but there was another twist to come and Kane, predictably, provided it. The Spurs striker, whom City had tried to sign in the summer, rose highest to nod home Dejan Kulusevski’s cross in the 95th minute and spark wild celebrations from the traveling fans. It was a dramatic end to a pulsating match that had already seen Spurs pegged back twice, with City running out of time to find a third equalizer. Tottenham’s first goal came after only four minutes, with Son Heun-min beating the offside trap and squaring the ball for Kulusevski to score on his first start for the club. City leveled when Hugo Lloris spilled Raheem Sterling’s cross and Ilkay Gundogan pounced to turn in the loose ball, but they could not turn their possession into more goals. Spurs continued to threaten on the break in the second half and were back in front on the hour mark when Kane finished a move he had started, running onto Son’s cross to fire past Ederson from close range. Kane was denied again by Ederson and then had another strike ruled out for offside but it appeared City would have the last word when they were awarded a spot-kick at the end of the 90 minutes. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot for a handball by Cristian Romero after a VAR review and it seemed Mahrez had salvaged a point. Kane had other ideas, and his winner means City’s lead at the top over Liverpool, who have a game in hand, is down to six points. Source: BBC

The Western North Police Command says it has on Friday, February 18, 2022, through intelligence operation, arrested three notorious armed robbers. According to the police, the three are; Abiaw Reuben alias Ayile Baako, Kwabena Brentu and Isaac Arhin at Kwawu in the Enchi District of the Western North Region. The robbery suspects were arrested while they were in the process of fortifying themselves with what is believed to be the blood of a fowl at their hideout in preparation for another robbery operation. A search conducted on them at their hideout led to the retrieval of 2 pump action guns, 18 live AAA cartridges, 1 sharpened machete, 1 knife and 1 cleaver. The three suspects will be put before court to face the full rigours of the law. The Police Administration however commended the Western North Regional Command, particularly the Enchi District Commamder and his personnel, for the commitment they continue to demonstrate in this regard. The release also said "We are assuring the public that we will continue to work hard to protect them and their properties while making life uncomfortable for criminals. We, therefore, continue to seek your support and help in this venture" "We should always remember that Police-community partnership is the master key to crime-fighting and the maintenance of law and order" Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report

A stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, has asked delegates of the party to cherish their power to vote ahead of the party’s internal elections. He said the voting decision they make has consequences on their own lives and the lives of others around them hence, the need to value that right. Speaking in an interview with TV3, Dr. Konadu Apraku also extended this advice to delegates of all the political parties in Ghana especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC). “The message to all the delegates even for NDC, this is Ghana but for primarily of NPP, is that we have the capacity to determine the future that we want. “Our vote is the best way to actualize it. So you are making a fundamental decision that will impact on your life that will impact on your children and families and life and that will impact on your neighbors. “People fight for the right to vote because it defines everything. Let us take it seriously, it is not just a matter of somebody giving you something it is a matter of transforming your own life,” he said. The NPP is preparing to elect its executives. Ahead of the polls, the Director of Communications of the NPP, Yaw Buaben Asamoah has urged all aspirants to continue to serve the party irrespective of the outcome. Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi on Friday, February 18, The former Member of Parliament for Adentan said ” You should continue to serve the NPP irrespective of the results of the [internal] elections. That brings me to the other thing we are talking about, e-levy" “You will be surprised how many of NPP officers at the local level and communicators are not talking enough about government policies, especially the E-levy" “I was in a couple of funerals yesterday in the region and I took time off to speak to a lot of people. Opinion I am getting all the way from the chiefs I interacted with, opinion leaders from across the country, and the local people are that the NPP in the community is not stepping out to project the NPP" “The NPP in the communities must step out and boldly project the party and its achievements, it is so important. Many people have accepted the E-levy in principle but they still need to be spoken with and engagement must continue" “That is where I pick these conversations up that we members of the NPP ought to be talking more about the E-levy at the local level. So some of the information may not be very clear but the reason, we believe at the national level, at government level is clear. It is an opportunity to transform local, indigenous capital into local production, creating high skills, and then you will have high-paying private-sector jobs. Because the E-levy will act as a catalyst to drive private sector investments both local and foreign into the productive areas.” Story by: Laud Nartey