The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has implored on the members of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to embrace the Lands Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which came into force on 23rd December, 2020, for effective and efficient administration of land in the country. He said the new law which revises, harmonises, and consolidates existing laws relating to land, have several innovative provisions that will promote sustainable land administration and management, and effective and efficient land tenure. The Minister was speaking at a meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on Thursday 16th December, 2021, where he engaged the members of the House on the Lands Act. The engagement was at the invitation of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to educate them on the provisions of the Act and to discuss matters pertaining to the lands and natural resources of our country. The Minister used the occasion to explain in detailed the law to the members of the House, particularly on the provisions relating to the management and administration of stool lands. He reminded the Chiefs that they hold lands in trust for their subjects, and are therefore fiduciaries, accountable to their people. Under the Land Act, a breach of this fiduciary duty constitutes a criminal offence. The Minister highlighted the requirement for all stools, skins, families and clans that own land to establish a Customary Land Secretariat, and assured the Chiefs, that the Lands Commission and the Administrator of Stool Lands, will work with them to ensure that the Secretariats are established. He also emphasised on the provisions of the law that require all allodial title holders to survey and demarcate their lands before disposing them. This is necessary to prevent land and boundary disputes, and to ensure that the development of such lands are in accordance with the development plans of the community. The Chiefs raised other issues involving the management of our forest reserves and our mineral resources which the Minister took time to explain Government’s policies in these areas to them. The Minister assured the Chiefs that the Ministry will work closely with them to ensure the efficient management of the country’s lands and natural resources. The President of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs and the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who presided over the meeting, thanked the Minister for taking time to engage the House on such an important matter of great concern to the Chiefs. He lauded the Minister for his exemplary leadership and work at the Ministry. The Asantehene noted that since assumption of office, “Hon. Abu Jinapor has discharged his duties with diligence, humility and integrity”, he called on him to continue on that same path. On his part, the Minister thanked the House for taking the law serious and for the invitation to engage with the House on it. He reiterated the commitment of the Government to build an effective, transparent, responsive and orderly land and stool land revenue administration which is steeped in integrity, and to work with all stakeholders to ensure the efficient utilisation of our natural resources for the benefit of the people of Ghana. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for mining, Hon. George Mireku Duker has said that, plans are far advanced to establish an audit scheme next year for the mining sector. He said this during an interaction with representatives from the Small Scale mining companies today, 16th December 2021. Hon. George Mireku Duker in his opening remarks indicated that the purpose of the Audit Scheme is to familiarize and identify gaps to offer plausible solutions to challenges facing the mining companies. The Deputy Minister further stated that government was also committed to the charge for youth employment by ensuring concessions and job opportunities are made available for the youth in the country. The stakeholder engagement brought together industry players from the large scale mining sector, the minerals commission, and the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Hon. George Mireku Duker alluded that the audit of the mining sector will be systematic and periodically documented with the objective being the evaluation of how well the mining or environmental regulatory requirements and commitments are met by the various mining companies in Ghana. At the event, the Chief Executive of the Chamber, Mr. Sulemanu Koney commended the Ministry for the 3% withholding tax that has been abolished by the government. Large -scale miners will from January 1, 2022, no longer be required to pay the three-percent withholding tax on gold at the point of export through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Dean of students for the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Mrs Rhodalene Amartey has been named the dean of the year by the National Students Awards Ghana 2021. The award is in recognition of the selfless leadership exhibited by GIJ’s dean during the short term of her assumption of office as the Dean of the school. The National Students Awards, in recognition of the hard work of the dean during the volatile and shaky moments of the school, especially in the political crisis at the students front, said the award is in appreciation of the leadership exhibited by Mrs Amartey in restoring democracy , trust and peace into students affairs. Now more than ever, students have renewed their trust in the leadership of the dean, describing Mrs Amartey as a mother for all. Students who spoke after the awards said, if for nothing at all, they trust that they have a dean that will listen to them and advice them. "We have a dean that we can walk up to and trust that she will pay attention to us and listen”, some students said. It would be recalled that between early 2020 and 2021, students of GIJ had encountered some serious challenges in terms of leadership due to the coronavirus crisis. Although many processes were established to restore democracy and calm before the new dean was appointed, much of what is now seen in terms of student organization and leadership is credited to Mrs Rhodalene. While many other schools such as the University of Ghana continue to discuss a way forward in terms of their student leadership and politics, GIJ has moved far ahead, with constitutional leadership in full force, a feat being emulated by other universities in similar situations. Mrs Rhodalene Amartey was nominated along with some other Deans of other universities who were equally championing various revolutions and restructures in their various schools. But this year, students have selected the Dean of GIJ as the Dean of the year among all others. In addition to being the dean, Mrs Rhodalene Amartey is also a lecturer and Counsellor, and many students have praised her for her outstanding personality, humility and an astute academic. The National Students Awards, is an annual celebration of the excellent work Students, Associations, Corporate Institutions and individuals across the country have done. It is organized by The Network of Scholars in Africa (NSA) – Ghana, a body incorporate, registered on 30th January, 2015 with the Registrar Generals Department of Ghana under the Companies Act 1963 (ACT 179). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Musician, Elorm Adablah popularly known as EL has eaten the humble pie and apologized for being “a little flippant” and aggressive with his expressions when he instructed those who are not up to date with his recent developments around him to stay away from his concert host by DJ Mensah’s Live Konnect. EL was on record to have issued a stern warning to Ghanaians who listen to radio and do not know his latest songs not to attend his upcoming BAR 6 Concert. This was after a radio presenter had mentioned some of his old songs as the ones she knew but speaking in another interview EL explains he was carried away by his anger geared towards the interviewer who appeared to have no idea about his latest endeavors. Despite the apology, EL insists he stands by the material point he made since he will be disappoint anybody expecting him to perform songs from certain era. The event Live Konnect which is curated by Ghanaian disk jockey DJ Mensah which has seen performances from top artistes such as Sarkodie, Medikal, KiDi,Mr. Drew and Mona 4Reall had fans thrilled with an excellently organized event with great sound and top notch security. The official media partner for Live Konnect is African Entertainment, a leading Pan-African media and entertainment news organization. Gold Label and Singleton, two great brands of Guinness Ghana Brewery Limited, are the official sponsors of Live Konnect. Credit: www.africanentertainment.com

Twenty-year-old Sierra Leonian, Stacey Julie Collier, has won the maiden edition of Miss Melanin Africa. The pageant, held in Ghana for 14 weeks had its finale on December 3, 2021, at the MJ Grand Hotel with models from all over the continent exhibiting prowess in beauty, style and intelligence. 1st Runner Up, Nana Ama Timaa and 2nd Runner up, Recaida Amponsah - both Ghanaians - dazzled the judges, competing head to head with Stacey Collier but eventually Collier emerged winner. About Stacey Collier Collier, known to her friends as the Queen of Lala Land (Sweetness) and Madam Foundation attended the Modern High School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she completed her secondary school education and presently at the Lancaster University Ghana studying to become an International Criminal Lawyer. Her line of study is what inspires her in life as she aims to become the best international criminal lawyer. She chose this career path because she believes in speaking up for the right cause and standing up for what is right by defending vulnerable people from the cruelty of the world. In Stacey’s opinion everybody’s voice matters and should be treated with kindness and respect. Miss Melanin Africa for her, is a place to experience and discover herself in a new light, influencing others to be whatever they choose to be by firstly feeling confident in their skin "the idea of Miss Melanin Africa is already aligned with what had been my vision. As Miss Melanin Africa 2021, my first line of work is to empower young individuals that they can combine education with any other skill or profession they are passionate about ." Miss Melanin is a pageant for ladies of the black race, celebrating the beauty of the dark skin. The pageant is a brainchild of AP Diverse. Below are some pictures: Credit: www.africanentertainment.com

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has applauded the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor for his exemplary leadership in tackling matters relating to lands and natural resources of the country. According to Otumfuo, since the assumption of office, Hon. Jinapor has discharge his duties and responsibilities with lots of hard work, humility, truth and integrity. This, he said, will take the Minister very far in his political career, among others. The Asantehene made this remarks at the end of year meeting with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs at Manhyia in kumasi on Monday, 16th December, 2021. The occasion was also to enable the Hon. Minister address the 39 member Regional House of Chiefs on government's policies in the lands and natural resources sector. Otumfour Osei Tutu II further called for an amendment of the constitution to make chiefs signatories to mining concessions. Again, he suggested that traditional leaders be given equities in mining companies that operate within their areas to enable them also benefit from the natural resources on their land. According to him, if the chiefs owned equities in the mineral resources, they would be the first to protect the resources and prevent the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’. He tasked Chiefs in his jurisdiction not to engage in multiple sale of land and warned that any chief found culpable will be destooled. Hon. Jinapor, in an address, described the New Land Act 2020 as a composite law that encompasses all issues regarding land administration in Ghana. He said Section 2 of the Act, criminalised ‘landgaurdism’ and grant a sentence of 10 years to anyone who engages in that "forceful conduct" The Act, he said, also stipulate the establishment of customary land Secretariat across all traditional areas adding that foreigners cannot purchase and own land for more than 50 years in the country. Hon. Minister also announced the setting up of a committee to look into matters and concerns raised by the Chiefs relating to the entry of forest reserves by miners. He bemoaned the rate at which 80 percent of the country's forest since 1900 has been depleted and reiterated that government has currently banned reconnaissance, prospecting and mining in forest reserves and declared it "No go areas". Hon. Jinapor pleaded with the Chiefs to draw his attention to anyone or company prospecting in forest reserves, saying "prospecting for over 3 to 10 years is mining and must be stopped immediately". He also expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for the invitation and assured the House that his ministry will continue to collaborative with Otumfour and his Council to mitigate the challenges in the sector while improving performance at all levels. The Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Mr. James Dadson said the Commission is poised to open more district offices to help decentralise their services. “We will work with you, Nananom, to register all boundaries to prevent overlaps and bring peace,” he concluded. Credit: News Desk Report

Waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has reached out with its senior high and technical schools sanitation awareness programme to further intensify and inculcate in students the habit and hobby of environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene among other things. A Senior Communications Specialist of the company, Adams, Mohammed Mahama, who is an alumni of the school in a presentation, entreated the young men and women to be responsible and play the role of sanitation ambassadors in their school and communities while on holidays. He stressed that Zoomlion and government were collaborating to transform the waste management industry, and thus urged the students to contribute their quota by changing from the unpatriotic attitude of the Ghanaian against waste management to a more responsible and acceptable sanitation focused attitudes going forward. "Zoomlion has established ultra-modern integrated recycling and composting plants (IRECoPs) in Accra, Kumasi and was also in the process of constructing similar projects in the remaining (14) fourteen regions to ensure that we create value out of the waste we generate by recycling them to help keep Ghana clean," Mr Adams said. In this regard, he said Zoomlion has partnered the Ghana Education Service (GES) to intensify a sanitation awareness and improvement programme to ensure the total wellbeing of students in some selected senior high and technical schools across the country. He appealed to the students to have it at the back of their minds that being obedient in school and at home will lead them to become responsible adults. “Also you should study your books and pass your exams very well to be able to further your education while making good environmental sanitation practice a priority. The Ekumfi District SHEP Coordinator, Mr Richard Boatey, while addressing the students appealed to them to consider personal hygiene as the starting point to being environmental sanitation ambassadors. He said as Ghana has chalked a remarkable success in the supply of good and potable water of over 73 per cent, it has done terribly at only 13 per cent at the sanitation level in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the WASH sector. Another Communications expert at Zoomlion, Mr. Francis Atayure Abirigo, on behalf of his company donated some waste bins to the school. He urged the school’s staff members and students to inculcate the habit of dropping solid waste into the waste bins. Mr Abirigo assured the school that Zoomlion will continue to support their sanitation needs to train more responsible adults like Mr Adams Mohammed Mahama. Earlier the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipal SHEP Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Madam Amuesiwah Daniels, during a presentation to students of Edinaman Senior High School complained about how Ghana was seriously lagging behind as total access to sanitation was at only 13%. She stated that "Children lose 272 million school days each year due to diarrhoea globally and an estimated one in three school-aged children in the developing world are infested with intestinal worms". Madam Daniels retorted that these illness promote low school attendance and stunting growth as a result of malnutrition and poor academic performance which was a worry to the GES. She said "Effective behaviour change programmes such as Zoomlion's was critical to the success and sustainability of all water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. She urged schools to practise handwashing with soap, safe handling of drinking water, safe excreta disposal, environmental sanitation and personal hygiene including menstrual hygiene," among the female students. A set of waste bins were also donated to the Edinaman Senior High School for the use of staff and students by Zoomlion Ghana Limited. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources incharge of Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu Bio has touted the success chopped in the country's Green Ghana Day as he says 85% of the seedlings planted survived. According to him, the reports from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) investigating the seedlings that was planted across the country some 6 months ago shows that 85% of those seedlings survived which he says is a good news. The county through the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources led the National Green Ghana Day back in July which target the planting of 5 million trees to help cover the country's forest reserves. Speaking to the media during the meet the press series of the Information Ministry, Mr Benito Owusu Bio stressed that, this is a clear indication that the decision to embark on the planting was a laudable one. He added that, the commission after the planting of the trees instituted a monitoring and evaluation team which has been following up on the trees planted and says the trees are faring well. Mr Owusu Bio also added that, they have created a platform that will enable all and sundry take pictures with the trees they planted to help whip the interest of others to increase rate of planting and nurturing the plants. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye has revealed that 23 million Ghanaians have not taken the covid-19 jab. According to him, the numbers are very disturbing. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Thursday, the Director-General said "As it stands now, 23 million Ghanaians have not taken their Covid-19 jabs" Dr. Kuma-Aboagye also revealed that only 6.6 million Ghanaians have taken their jabs. The Director-General, however, pleaded with students, health workers, drivers, security personnel and government workers who have not taken their jabs to kindly do so. "Currently Ghana's case count stands at 1,301 with recoveries sitting 129,000" He noted that deaths recorded are 1,259 as against 132, 288 cases recorded. He also hinted that Greater Accra still leads the chart as a hotspot zone in the country. He mentioned that the country’s isolation centres are being stretched following the increase in covid-19 cases. "I am encouraging all Ghanaians to take the vaccines, because the vaccines are safe" "You cannot go to the stadium and other public places if you have not vaccinated" he added. Dr Kuma Aboagye also outlined measures taken at Kotoka International Airport to curb the spread of the Covid-19 before, during and after the yuletide. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio has revealed that the Akufo-Addo administration did not give his ministry any budget for the 2021 Green Ghana Project. According to him, the Ministry executed the 2021 exercise with support from some donors. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Thursday, he said "Government did not give us a budget for Green Ghana 2021" He added that although there was no support from Government, his Ministry managed to organise a successful 2021 project without incurring any cost. Hon. Benito Owusu Bio later revealed that the government on seeing the success of the maiden event has now made provision for the upcoming celebration. "GHc9.6Million has been allocated by Government for 20Million seedlings" he revealed. Mr. Bio stressed that the allocated budget will be used for the 2022 planting project. He, however, added that despite Government allocating a budget for the celebrations, his outfit is ready to receive other contributions from other donors. Hon. Benito Bio also told Journalists that the 2021 Green Ghana project chalked an 85% success. He stressed that although there were some lapses, his Ministry will work on all feedbacks gathered in order to chalk a 100% success rate in 2022. He charged the citizenry who partook in the 2021 exercise to visit their tree, check if it is alive. "Let us visit where we planted our trees, check if it is alive, and take a selfie with it. This week will be 6 months since we held the 2021 exercise" Responding to payments of salaries to workers in the Forestry Commission, the Chief Executive Officer, John Allotey noted that monies have been released. "Monies have been released to their e-zwich. We don't handle fiscal cash. The money is not sitting in the Forestry Commission" He also ceased the opportunity to commend the workers for their yeoman's job. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Leadership of Crime Check Foundation (CCF), a non-governmental organization (NGO) is calling on the Akufo-Addo government to pass the non-custodial sentencing bill into law. According to the CCF, the passage will allow judges who preside over cases resort to other sentencing options for persons who commit minor offenses. Speaking at a Decriminalizing Vagrancy Laws and Advocacy project organised by Crime Check Foundation (CCF) and Open Society Initiative For West Africa (OSIWA) in Accra on Wednesday, the Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng said “CCF is calling for the passage of the Non-Custodial Sentencing Bill into Law. This will ensure that judges have other sentencing options such as community service; sweeping, and desilting of choked gutters among others” He further stated that it is sad to see some vagrants and other poor persons being thrown into jail because they were unable to pay a fine which was slapped at them. “This is because our prisons are congested with deplorable conditions. We are therefore joining forces with the media and other CSOs in this agenda to ensure this bill is passed to allow more judges to impose fines rather than just custodial sentences. Speaking on partnership for justice delivery, Mr. Oppong Kwarteng noted that his outfit recommends sensitization on MMDA bye-laws for citizens should be prioritized and carried out. He pointed out that in that regard, other stakeholders such as various media houses and local businesses should support efforts to improve citizens’ knowledge of the laws, consistent with SDG goal 13; access to justice for all. Stressing on prioritizing the needs of vagrants and the poor in the society, Mr. Oppong Kwarteng mentioned that it is important the actual needs of vagrants are factored into the development plans of MMDAs and delivered. Pointing out the key-findings by his outfit, the Executive Director said “Monitoring actions and other project activities have revealed some issues that CCF wants to bring to the attention of the public and the relevant institutions for redress” He noted that the issues have the potential to increase poverty not just for the affected but the country as a whole. “Vagrants/poor persons lack knowledge of Assembly bye-laws/legal provisions that affect them. Section 181 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) confers power on the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to make bye-laws for their local jurisdictions” He mentioned that the bye-laws cover licenses for business operations, sanitation, fees, offences as well as punishments. He cited the inability of some MMDAs to provide education on the laws for their citizens. The Decriminalizing Vagrancy Laws and Advocacy project which seeks to create an enabling environment for 'vagrants' (the homeless, street hawkers, head porters, truck pushers, and market market women) to know, claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities in Ghana was funded by Open Society Initiative For West Africa (OSIWA). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) has bagged eight (8) awards at the recently held third edition of the National Communication Awards. The awards, organised by RAD Communications Limited, celebrates and honours individuals and corporate organisations in the media and communications space for their outstanding contributions towards the industry and national development, came off at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The Jospong Group’s communication team won the very competitive Corporate Communications Team of the Year (Private Sector) Award, while. Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Jospong Group of Companies; Sophia Kudjordji, grabbed the ever-prestigious Corporate Communications Professional of the Year Award. On the same night, Ignite Media Group, the mother company of the renowned Metro TV, Original TV and Original FM, made an outstanding statement at the event claiming six awards in the media category. The night started for the group with Metro TV winning the Television Station of the Year, followed by the Television Programme of the Year which also went to Good Evening Ghana, flagship morning show on Metro TV. Other awards included the Television Personality of the Year - Paul Adom Otchere, Radio Newscaster of the Year, local language - Pomaa Kyekyeku of Original FM, Sports Journalist of the Year- Michael Oduro of Metro TV, Media Man of the Year - Paul Adom Otchere. The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Madam Ursula Akuffo, in an address read on her behalf, called on media practitioners and communicators to train themselves to be abreast of trends in the digital space to remain relevant. The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ms Ama Pomaa Boateng, who read the speech on behalf of her minister, commended the organisers and the award winners and encouraged them to continue to excel and project Ghana in a positive light. Receiving the award, Sophia Kudjordji dedicated her award to the Jospong Group and eulogised the Jospong Group Communication team for their passion, dedication and hard work which has brought such honours to the group. She thanked the Executive Chairman, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, and the entire management for their support in making the work of the department easy despite various challenges they sometimes have to go through. She also expressed her appreciation to the media, saying “But for you, the good works of the Jospong Group will not be seen,” hence thanking them for their constant feedback and reportage in putting the group in the limelight. Other awardees at the event included Ace Broadcaster and host of the Standpoint Show, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, Media Women Empowerment Award, Ace Broadcaster, Tommy Annan Forson, for Media Legacy Honour, Chief Executive Officer of Jandel Limited, Ms. Afi Amoro for Events, Legacy Honour and the IT Leadership Award for the Private Sector went to Business Transformation Consultant, Ebo Richardson. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith