The government is set to establish GHC200, 000 fund to support families and victims of Thursday’s deadly explosion at Bogoso-Appiatse in the Western Region. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice-President of Ghana who led the National Emergency Response Team to Bogoso said the fund including food and other material items are initial provisions to help bring relief to the victims. “Today, I want to give thanks to the Catholic Church and the Father here whom we have seen providing accommodation to the people who have been displaced. We’ll do everything that we are able to do to provide the need for all the displaced and to make sure all the sick is taken care of" “…And we are presenting these things to the people through the municipal chief executive to make sure they’re distributed including a sum of GHC200,000 to take care of their initial need,” he stated. Hospital bills for victims Bawumia added that the government will take the cost of all hospital bills of victims who have been admitted at the various health facilities. He said: “With all those who have been admitted at the hospitals, we have informed the hospitals that the government will take up the cost of all the hospital bills for all the victims,.” At least 13 persons have so far been confirmed dead in the Bogoso-Appiatse explosion, leaving hundreds of locals displaced, an official government statement said. The police said a preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion. Relief centres Speaking to the media, the Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea Huni-Valley Dr Isaac Asamani said they have set up relief centres to accommodate most of the displaced people as the search and rescue operation continues. “We’ve set up relief centres. The whole community is gone. All the roofs have been ripped off and some of the buildings have collapsed. Some were trapped in their rooms but we’ve been able to rescue them. It’s a very sad day for me. We are appealing to churches and schools in nearby villages to make their buildings available for the displaced persons to get a place to sleep for the meantime,” he added. Below are some pictures: Story by: Nicholas Brown

The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has set up a committee to look into the fatal explosion at Bogoso-Appiate in the Western Region. Preliminary investigations by the police have established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano Mines collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the explosion. The committee will among other things find out if the two mining companies followed due diligence before transporting the explosives. A Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister in Charge of Mines, George Mereiku Duker, said “we may not be able to categorically state the number of houses affected by the explosion. But we will put in measures to get all these figures on our table by close of Friday.” George Mireku Duker, who is MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, also warned that appropriate sanctions will be applied if it is established there was a breach in the regulations on how explosives are transported. “We will also institute a committee to investigate the explosives, whether or not they comply with the Minerals and Mining Explosives Regulations LI 2177, Section 107 and 95.” 17 people have so far been confirmed dead with nearly 60 others injured. Below are some pictures: Credit: Citinewsroom

The Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has hinted that the heartbreaking Bogoso explosion will be investigated thoroughly. According to him, he has received briefing about the incident adding that the necessary actions will be taken. Leading a high powered delegation to Apiate, the Veep said "This explosion will be investigated thoroughly" He added "At least 80 people have died. The numbers will change as we see more, get more and more information" Dr. Bawumia also mentioned that about 79 families have been affected by the disaster. The Vice President noted that the Akufo-Addo government is going to do everything to support the funding and those who have been injured. He lauded the Ghana Ambulance Service for playing a major role in the rescue area. "To support this whole rescue that took place yesterday the Ghana ambulance service for that effort. We are also looking into how to make sure that all those who are injured are taking care of. Some have been sent to Tarkwa, some are sent to Kumasi, some will be sent to Accra to get the best care" The Vice President hinted that government is already beginning to think about how to rehabilitate and rebuild for the community. "So I want to assure that His Excellency the President has given us directives I've already spoken to the State Housing Corporation with them, consultations with the mining community companies. We will quickly try to put in place facilities that will help those who have been displaced. So that is going to be one of priority for all of us" He reiterated that government is fully engaged in all these processes, adding that the people will be taken care of. "We are very, very concerned about how to complete this rescue effort to take care of the injured to take care of the families and people who have survived" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The 2020 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has sent his condolences to the family of the victims of the unfortunate disaster at Apiate in the Bogoso District of the Western Region after a motorcycle collided with a vehicle carrying explosives. Apiate explosion The huge explosion disaster happened on Thursday, January 20, 2022, when a vehicle transporting explosives from Kumasi to a mining site in the area exploded. "The reports that I'm getting from the bureaus, hospitals, is that [there are] roughly about 17 people that have passed away," Isaac Dasmani, the municipal chief executive for the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, has said. An additional 59 people sustained various degrees of injuries in the explosion. Most of the victims have been rescued and admitted to various hospitals and clinics. "The police and other emergency service providers have activated a full emergency recovery exercise," a police statement said. "We urge all to remain calm as we manage this unfortunate situation." "The police have taken charge of the situation providing security to enable the emergency workers including the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO, and the Ambulance Service to manage the situation. "The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway," the police said. Mahama commiserating with the dead and the surviving victims prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and also urged the "security and emergency services to continue to work assiduously to alleviate the damage and suffering in the affected communities." "A truly sad day for Ghana! "My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the unfortunate disaster at Appiatse, in the Bogoso District of the Western Region this afternoon. "Let's pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, as we also urge the security and emergency services to continue to work assiduously to alleviate the damage and suffering in the affected communities. "To the chiefs and people in the affected areas, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the country stand with you, in this time of grief," he said in a Facebook post. Below is a screenshot: Credit: Pulse GH

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission is investigating circumstances leading to the accident involving the transportation of explosives at Apiate a community near Bogoso in the Western Region on Thursday 20th January, 2022. This is inline with the Minerals and Mining(Explosives)Regulations, 2012 (L.I.2177). The investigation will among others help govt to determine whether the regulations covering transportation of explosives were complied with and also what led to the unfortunate tragedy. Govt is determined as indicated by the President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assist a " Return to a situation of normalcy for residents". as quickly as practicable. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has instructed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to ensure that rapid relief is brought to surviving residents of the Bogoso explosion. President Akufo-Addo made these in a series of tweets sighted on his Twitter handle President Akufo-Addo on Twitter tweeted "The Police, Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are coordinating efforts to contain the situation, and I have also instructed NADMO to see to it that rapid relief is brought to residents of the town" He added that government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Apiate. "I have just received a briefing on the circumstances that led to an explosion in Apiate near Bogoso, in the Western Region, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties belonging to residents." President Akufo-Addo further described the Bogoso explosion as a sad, unfortunate, and tragic incident. He, on behalf of the Government, extended deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Below are some tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Communications Officer of Chirano Gold Mine Ltd, Kwabena Owusu-Ampratwum has confirmed a truck a truck under supervision and belonging to contractor, MAXAM has been involved in a ghastly accident on the Bogoso road. According to Mr. Owusu-Ampratwum, the collision caused an explosion near the town of Bogoso. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said " The vehicle was headed to Chirano and approximately 140 kilometres away from the site during the incident" The Management of Chirano Mines Ltd, says it is closely monitoring the situation and the rescue efforts. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service says it is appealing to churches and classrooms to open up its facilities to help accommodate surviving victims of the Bogoso explosion. According to the Police, seeking shelter in neighbouring towns will help prevent further disasters. In a statement issued by the Police and sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway. An appeal is also being made to nearby towns to open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims" The Police further added that it has taken charge if the situation thus providing security to enable the emergency workers including the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO and the Ambulance Service to manage the situation. Meanwhile, preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion. The Police stressed that most of the victims have been rescued and are on admission at various hospitals and clinics within the Bogoso Municipality. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that reinforcement of resources and personnel have been dispatched to the area to assist in the handling of the incident. The Police is urging the public to remain calm as it is managing the situation. The statement further noted that the emergency evacuation of the injured will be communicated in due course. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Management and staff of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited have been charged to guard against complacency within the working space and in life in general. Renowned motivational speaker and Senior Pastor of the Daystar Christian Centre, Reverend Dr. Samuel Adeyemi, gave the caution during a webinar as the guest speaker at the 2022 Jospong Leadership Conference (JLC) under the theme "Sustaining Business Gains Through Operational Excellence" Wednesday, January 19, 2022. In a presentation titled: “Overcoming the Snare of Complacency, he said every organisation, especially the successful ones, should learn to deal with complacency. According to him, complacency which connotes a feeling of quiet pleasure or security was very dangerous, pointing out that it numbs people’s sensitivity to hazards. He said a lot of factors tend to breed complacency which result in failure, adding that under such circumstances "only the paranoid survives". Dangers of complacency “Complacency is the last hurdle standing between any team and its potential greatness, be it personal, organisational, national or cultural,” he emphasised. Continuing, the Nigerian-based International Conference Speaker on Leadership, said in complacent cultures, leaders and teams believe there is no room for improvement, hence “in worse cases, leaders think their business is already the best.” He went on to state that complacency puts people on “autopilot" and and therefore become "immune to innovation,” noting that it also “blurs our vision so we fail to recognise new opportunities.” “It reduces efforts, leading to shortcuts and increasing risks of accidents causing massive failure and destroy progress,” he warned. Against this backdrop, Dr Adeyemi advised workers against going to spaces where they will be comfortable “until the world is perfect and all organisational, national and world problems are solved, the Jospong Group has to continue working.” Signs of complacency Among the symptoms of complacency are when one is not sensitive and up to date about changes in the organisation or industry; when you’re not putting your best or going the extra mile and being afraid to voice out opinions; he mentioned. He therefore, likened complacency to rustout, explaining that “Rustout is actually scarier than burnout because, while burnout can wear down your body, rustout can wipe out your entire soul and spirit.” Being ethical Earlier, the Provost of Ashesi University, Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah, in a presentation on "Guide to Ethical Leadership", urged the participants to be ethical in their dealings and not succumb to acts that corrupts. 2022 JLC The 2022 JLC opened on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. This year’s conference, the ninth of such annual conferences is being held both in-person and virtual at 58 centres with over 2000 participants across the nation for management staff of of the Jospong Group and Zoomlion. The conference which will last for five days is dubbed, “Sustaining Business Gains through Operational Excellence.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has reiterated that the much-talked-about E-Levy is a necessary tool to increase the country’s Tax to GDP from circa 13% to 16%. According to the Finance Minister, it will also guarantee the citizenry to pay. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday, the sector Minister said "The E-Levy would not only ensure that we move towards a more sustainable debt level but would also ensure that we have the revenues to sustainably invest in entrepreneurship, youth employment, cyber security, digital and road infrastructure" Mr. Ofori-Atta also stressed that the E-Levy will also provide a means for Ghanaians to help support their country and grow the economy. The Finance Minister, however, noted undeniably that digitalization is eroding the traditional resilience of brick and mortar enterprises. He stated that with fewer transactions happening across the counter, there is an increased risk that some of the standard revenue generation and tax measures will gradually become obsolete. "Indeed, except for Excise duties, the various tax types experienced a marked decline in growth between 2019-2020. Domestic VAT, for instance, which has traditionally been a significant component of Ghana's tax framework, increased by 3% between 2019-2020, compared to 29% between 2018-2019. Indeed, it is clear that Government must adopt a revenue mobilization approach befitting the evolving digital age" Mr. Ofori-Atta reminded Journalists that the E-Levy was borne out of a careful study of current trends in the rapidly evolving digital age and is specific on the transactions on which it will be applied. "Following the presentation of the budget on November 17th and the discussions that followed, we have had extensive stakeholder engagements including Parliament, representatives of FBOs, the Banks, and Chamber of Telecommunications, Civil Society Organisations, and I have had smaller intimate conversations with citizens across a few constituencies in Ghana. The various concerns have been heard and we have found a way to address these concerns without an adverse fiscal impact" he stated. Touching on the spirit of burden sharing, Mr. Ofori-Atta disclosed that the Telcos have agreed to reduce their charges by 0.25% to reduce the overall net impact of the levy on subscribers. "We want to take this opportunity to thank our friends in the Telecom Industry and we believe that by this measure, we can raise the requisite resources to bolster our fiscal position while keeping an eye on transaction costs and consumer welfare and reducing the impact on the average Ghanaian and keeping the resources required for our growth agenda" he stressed. Mr. Ofori-Atta explained that after extensive consultations, the E-levy will be re-submitted to Parliament this month. He was confident that his people will join hands with the Members of Parliament (MPs) to approve the E-Levy on a consensus basis in order to pave way for a collective discussion on the issue of unemployment. "Let me be clear today, the E-Levy will cover the mobile Money Transfers between accounts on the same electronic money issuer (EMI); mobile Money transfers from an account on one EMI to a recipient on another EMI; transfer from bank accounts to mobile money accounts. Transfer from mobile money accounts to bank accounts and bank transfers on a digital platform or application which originate from a bank account belonging to an individual to another individual" Mr. Ofori-Atta emphasized that E-Levy will not impact cumulative transfers of GHS 100 per day made by the same person. "Transfers between accounts owned by the same person. Transfers for the payment of taxes, fees, and charges on the Ghana.gov platform; electronic clearing of cheques. He also warned that should there be a realization that certain migrations have avoided paying, his Ministry shall invoke appropriate administrative measures. Mr. Ofori-Atta again told Journalists that effective January 20th, a team comprising himself, colleague Ministers, and other key members of Government will embark on a public engagement and sensitization campaign across the country. He noted that they intend to communicate clearly on the proposed mechanics of the E-levy, its potential benefits to the people of Ghana within the spirit of burden-sharing. Mr. Ofori-Atta stressed that the communication will guide the citizenry in its development efforts as the country moves Ghana Beyond Aid. "Is I have indicated already, we intend to use the money to create jobs and grow our private sector to employ more of our youth; accelerate the digitalization agenda to bring more convenience to Ghanaians, and enhance the security of our digital platforms" he noted. He said "Ladies and Gentlemen, a strong recovery needs a clear plan for the future. Initiatives such as the E-levy showcase our determination to build the stronger future our country deserves" The Finance Minister hinted that contrary to other assessments, he wishes to stress that Ghana's economy will continue to get stronger. He mentioned that the concerns of citizens rating agencies linger on revenue mobilization, lack of access to the international market, and the E-Levy impasse. "We shall overcome there!!. Similar to most economies, we are emerging from the devastating impact of the CoVID-19 pandemic. In spite of this, we do not face an imminent external imbalance. We have over 5 months import cover which is well above our internal target of 4 months and better than the average over the previous two decades" he said. Although the current debt-to-GDP ratio as of the end of November 2021 is 78.4%, it reveals a reduction in the rate of debt accumulation (i.e. declined by 34% in 2020 to 18% as of November 2021) adding that Bloomberg updated their publication that wrongly reported Ghana’s debt to GDP ratio 81.5% to reflect the correct figure as above. "We project to achieve a positive Primary balance target to improve stability and reduction in the debt to GDP ratio in 2022 and through the medium term. In fact, restoring fiscal discipline and putting the public debt on a sustainable downward trajectory is a priority for Government to achieve fiscal consolidation" Watch the videos and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor says his Ministry is going to insists on the concurrent reclamation and revegetation of Mined out lands by illegal miners. He explained saying" This means that when you excavate, you will reclaim, you revegetate immediately before you move foward" The Minister was of the view that it is a wrong arrangement by law for illegal miners to reclaim and revegetate the Lands within 30days after excavation which makes them leave behind a lot of lands degraded and move unto other areas. The Minister said this when he visited a pilot mined out land reclamation site at the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti Region on 19th January, 2022, to obtain first hand information on the progress of work on reclaimed Lands and chart the way forward for the project. He said this pilot reclamation site is a clear evidence of the ramifications of government's reclamation policy touted since the assumption of the Akufo-Addo’s government. Hon. Jinapor bemoned the magnitude of damage the actions of illegal miners have caused the country's Lands and vegetative cover expecially to the southen part of the country and pledged Government’s commitment to aggressively reclaim all degraded lands across the country. The Minister opined that considering the capital intensive nature of this project, government would come up with intelligent ways to rollout this project and the Ministry has already started making arrangements to that effect. " We will require a National Reclamation Fund to support the programme and at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, we are beginning to interrogate the mechanism within which we can have this National Reclamation Fund" The Minister also hinted that he will introduce a Community Mining Scheme in the Yapeesa Kokoben community where these lands have been reclaimed to ensure that the illegal Miners in the community get an alternative source of livelihood. Mr. Jojoo Tibu Darko, Project Manager who briefed the Minister on progress made said the total work done at the reclamation site took them a duration of 4months to finish, adding that they embarked on a massive sensitisation programme in the community before commencing the project. Engaging all the Chiefs and other opinion leaders and community members to educate them on the essence of project. He assured the Minister that after final discussions with the community to agree on which plants to grow and with the needed resources, they should be able to reclaim the entire landscape of about 393.8acres and hopefully commence revegetation by March this year. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Forestry Commission has joined the Government’s digitisation drive with the launch of two online applications, the Digitalised Property Mark Registration and Renewal (e-property mark registration) and the Electronic Wood Tracking System. The e-property mark registration is a web-based application which automates the process of property mark registration and renewal, while the electronic wood tracking system allows the tracking of wood from the time of harvest, to the time of final disposal. With the introduction of these applications, the Forestry Commission joins agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources like the Lands Commission and the Minerals Commission who have already moved some key services online. Launching the applications, the sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, said President Akufo-Addo’s vision to promote socio-economic development through digitisation cuts across all aspects of our national life, and the Forestry Commission could not be left out in this drive. “The technological infrastructure for accessing the international timber market and attracting the requisite investment demand a level of sophistication that yesterday’s systems and norms can no longer respond to. We must, therefore, innovate constantly, and keep pace with the technological advancements necessary to access the international market,” the Minister said. Section 2 of the Trees and Timber Act, 1974 (NRCD 273), requires any person who cuts or fells trees for export or conversion in mill to register a property mark and renew it every six months. Prior to the introduction of this e-property mark registration, persons who seek to register or renew their property marks will have to move from the District offices to the regional offices and finally to the Head office of the Forestry Commission in Accra to complete the registration, a process that lasted approximately two months. With the introduction of this technology, loggers can register and/or renew their property marks in a day, without moving to the various offices. The Minister said the forest resources of the country contribute significantly to the economy, and the government is committed to sustainably managing them to ensure that future generations and communities have a better, richer, and more valuable forests and wildlife endowments. To this end, Government has commissioned a study aimed at revamping the timber industry, to position the country to take its rightful place on the international timber market. Mr. Jinapor added that the electronic wood tracking system, which was developed with the help of the British Government, and will be powered by solar, forms part of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade initiative, which seeks to ensure that only legal wood is traded on the market. The West African Climate Change and Natural Resource Advisor of the British High Commission, who represented the High Commissioner, pledged the commitment of the British Government to partner with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to effectively protect and manage the forest resources of the country. On their part, the Forest Industry Association of Ghana commended the Forestry Commission and the Ministry for the initiative. After the launch, the Minister inspected a reclamation site in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region where he pledged Government’s commitment to reclaim all degraded lands in the country. Speaking to the media after the inspection, the Minister said the lack of reclamation over the years, particularly by small scale miners, has resulted in many degraded mining lands across the country. As part of the fight against illegal mining and the destruction of the environment and water bodies, the Minister said the Government has developed a robust reclamation programme to be pursued by the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme across the country. The Minister also said the Ministry is considering the establishment of a National Reclamation Fund, to support the programme. He said the capital-intensive nature of the exercise requires that we set aside a dedicated fund to carry out the exercise. And to prevent future occurrences of degraded mining lands, Mr. Jinapor said Government is now implementing a concurrent reclamation policy, where miners will be required to reclaim and revegetate any place they excavate before they move on. He said although the law enjoins small scale miners to reclaim and revegetate lands within one month after their operations, most small scale miners refuse to comply with this law, resulting in the many degraded lands across the country. The concurrent reclamation policy will therefore prevent the incidence of miners abandoning degraded lands after their operations. Below are pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith