The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced that a total of 907 small-scale mining companies, including Asteck Mining Enterprise and Jopa Mining Enterprise, risk having their licenses revoked over regulatory breaches. The two companies, both located at Nobeko in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region, began operations on September 1, 2020. Their licenses are among the 962 reviewed by the Ministry that were flagged for various irregularities, including documentation gaps, procedural anomalies, and data inconsistencies. Of the 1,278 licenses reviewed in total, only 316 were cleared, while 55 have already been revoked. This move is part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry to sanitize the small-scale mining sector and ensure that only legally compliant operations are allowed to continue. A three-member committee has been set up to manage all correspondence and petitions from affected companies, with the aim of correcting or amending issues where justified. Sector Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), received the report on Monday, July 21, 2025, and is expected to act following the expiration of a final deadline given to affected companies. In a related development, the Ministry also disclosed plans to begin a similar review of large-scale mining licenses to root out irregularities and enforce compliance in that sector as well. The full list of all 907 small-scale mining licenses facing revocation has been published for public access. Below are the list of small-scale mining companies: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Tension has mounted in Bekwai following a dramatic early morning incident in which heavily armed men, alleged to be National Security operatives, stormed the Forestry Commission’s District Office and forcefully shut it down. According to confirmed reports, the masked individuals—numbering between 15 and 20—arrived around 8:30 AM in a convoy made up of a pickup truck and a Land Cruiser. Witnesses say the men, who wore no identifiable insignia but carried high-powered weapons, locked the premises with their own padlocks and took away the original keys. The motives behind the sudden operation remain unclear. However, sources within the Forestry Commission suggest the move may be connected to the recent arrest of illegal miners operating in forest reserves within the Offinso, Bekwai, and Nkawie jurisdictions. The Bekwai District Manager, who received intel shortly before the raid, has since been making frantic calls to ascertain whether the operation was sanctioned by the National Security Secretariat. “At this point, we cannot confirm if this is an official operation or the work of rogue elements,” a source close to the manager disclosed. The incident has raised significant concern among staff and local stakeholders, with fears of a broader clampdown or retaliatory actions in the region’s already volatile forest zones. The Forestry Commission and National Security are yet to issue an official statement. Meanwhile, workers have been left stranded as investigations continue. This is a developing story. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah has urged Ghana’s Civil Service to take charge of the country’s digital transformation, declaring that “the digital revolution is not coming, it is already here.” Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the climax of the 2025 Civil Service Week and 2024 Awards Ceremony in Accra, Mr. Debrah challenged civil servants to lead the charge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-Governance reforms. Held under the theme “Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and E-Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana,” the event brought together public sector leaders, private sector players, and development partners at the Alisa Hotel to celebrate service excellence. Mr. Debrah praised the professionalism of civil servants, describing them as “the invisible hand” behind the success of government policies. He stressed the need for ethical leadership, innovation, and accountability in the public service. Highlighting reforms such as the launch of Ghana’s National AI Strategy, the “One Million Coders” initiative, and the renaming of the Communications Ministry to the Ministry of Digital Technology and Innovations, he said these efforts signal government’s commitment to a future-ready Civil Service. Calling for the institutionalisation of the Civil Service Awards, he said recognising excellence would inspire a culture of meritocracy and improved performance. “You must lead this transformation,” he told civil servants. “The future will not wait.” On his part, Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, lauded the unwavering dedication and professionalism of Ghana’s civil servants, urging them to remain committed to excellence as the country transitions into a more digital and citizen-focused governance structure. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh praised public sector workers who have gone above and beyond in delivering their mandate, describing the evening as a celebration of “excellence, unwavering dedication, and remarkable service.” “Our presence here tonight underscores the importance we collectively place on recognising and honouring those who exemplify the highest standards of public service,” he stated. He expressed profound appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support for the Civil Service, describing the President’s vision of a responsive and citizen-centred public sector as inspiring. “His vision of a modern, citizen-centered governance system has challenged us all to raise the bar of public service,” Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh emphasized. The theme, Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh noted, was timely and critical in guiding the Service toward embracing digital tools while maintaining the irreplaceable value of the human element in governance. He noted that events such as policy dialogues and public lectures during the week highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and a robust regulatory framework to harness the benefits of digital transformation in the public sector. Highlighting the essence of the Civil Service Week, the Head of Service outlined several key objectives, including celebrating hardworking staff, promoting public trust, building unity, and fostering collaboration with the private sector. The 2025 celebration featured a variety of activities including inter-ministerial sports tournaments, a “Know the Civil Service” quiz, a float and press launch, a community clean-up exercise, inter-faith thanksgiving services, a policy fair, a cooking competition, and other staff engagement events. “Each activity was intentionally curated to reinforce our shared values of unity, teamwork, and collective purpose,” Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh said. He emphasized that the Awards Ceremony was not just about recognition but served as a moment of reflection for the entire service to assess achievements and gaps during the 2024 performance year. He also encouraged Chief Directors and Heads of Departments to take the awards nomination process seriously to ensure deserving staff receive the recognition they merit. To the awardees, he said: “You have exhibited exceptional competence, leadership, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in your respective roles. Your efforts form a critical part of Ghana’s developmental success.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that renowned highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, is reported dead Preliminary information indicates that he died in the early hours of Saturday at the Bank Hospital in Accra. Sources reveal that the legendary artiste had been admitted to the facility for treatment of an undisclosed medical condition and passed away shortly after. More details to follow... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has charged the newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Okaikoi North Municipal Assembly, Mr. Christian Tetteh Badger, to take the lead in championing a cleaner, filth-free Accra, starting with his jurisdiction. According to the Ga Mantse, the sanitation situation in the capital must be urgently addressed, and the Okaikoi North Municipality must rise to the occasion and set the pace for other municipalities to emulate. "Your topmost priority should be on sanitation. We have to ensure the Municipality and Accra become clean. Okaikoi North Municipal Assembly must set the pace," the King emphasized. He made these remarks when Mr. Badger paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Accra as part of his official introduction to traditional authorities within the Ga State. The King urged the MCE to strictly enforce sanitation regulations and ensure that all stakeholders—including residents, traders, hawkers, trotro drivers, and pedestrians—adhere to proper waste management practices. “As citizens, we must ensure that our homes, workplaces, and immediate environments are clean. Cleanliness should not be seasonal; it should be a way of life,” the Ga Mantse noted. He further called on the Assembly to pay special attention to the menace of single-use plastics, which continue to choke drains and contribute to the perennial flooding and unsanitary conditions in parts of the capital. The King encouraged the Assembly to work towards long-term, sustainable waste management policies that go beyond one-off clean-up campaigns. “As we draw closer to the celebration of Homowo, let us rise and deal with the filth that has engulfed the Nation's capital,” he added. Expressing confidence in Mr. Badger’s leadership, the Ga Mantse said he believes the new MCE has what it takes to make a significant impact and pledged his support for any initiative aimed at improving sanitation in Accra. In response, Mr. Christian Tetteh Badger expressed profound gratitude for the King's warm reception and wise counsel. He assured the Ga Mantse and the people of Accra that his administration will prioritize sanitation and partner with traditional authorities to restore Accra’s lost glory as a clean and orderly city. “I am committed to working hand in hand with the Ga State to make the dream of a clean Accra a reality,” the MCE said. He also appealed to drivers, hawkers, market women, and residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and support the Assembly's sanitation agenda. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the municipal assembly and the traditional leadership in a joint effort to improve sanitation and quality of life for residents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a significant step toward restoring Ghana’s degraded forestlands, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that the Forestry Commission, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Ghana Armed Forces, has successfully repossessed all nine red-zoned forest reserves previously under the control of armed gangs involved in illegal mining. Speaking on the state of Ghana’s forest sector, the Minister described deforestation and forest degradation as one of the nation’s most pressing environmental challenges, driven by illegal mining, logging, wildfires, and unsustainable farming. He revealed that over 5,500 hectares of forest reserves — equivalent to 7,500 football fields — have been severely degraded. “This is a major achievement. The forest guards can now enter and patrol these reserves safely with support from security agencies,” the Minister stated. While cautioning that threats remain, he emphasized that the government is committed to maintaining control and pushing back against environmental crime. Mr. Buah also disclosed that 279 trucks transporting illegal lumber have been intercepted and sanctioned, and that the government is in the final phase of implementing the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license agreement with the European Union, which will ensure only legally sourced timber is exported to the EU market starting October 8, 2025. “This marks a new chapter in forest governance,” he said, highlighting Ghana’s readiness to uphold sustainable forestry practices and combat deforestation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a dramatic early-morning swoop on Thursday, July 24, 2025, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) carried out a targeted special operation at McCarthy Hills in the Ga South Municipality, leading to the arrest of at least 50 Nigerian nationals suspected of residing illegally in the country. The operation, according to GIS officials, was based on intelligence pointing to a syndicate involved in human trafficking and cyber fraud. Authorities say some of the arrested individuals were reportedly trafficked into Ghana and coerced into engaging in online fraudulent activities by their handlers. Among those arrested was the landlord of the apartment complex believed to be the hub of the alleged criminal activity. His role in the operation is currently under investigation. Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs, M. Amoako-Atta, who signed a holding statement, said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration and cybercrime in Ghana. He assured the public that updates on the outcomes of the operation and further investigations will be communicated in due course. The GIS says it remains committed to protecting Ghana’s territorial integrity and will continue working with relevant security agencies to combat human trafficking and cyber-related crimes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In the aftermath of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) historic defeat in the 2024 general elections, the political landscape of Ghana; and within the party itself; has been left fractured, uncertain, and searching for direction. A once-victorious political tradition now finds itself wandering in a political wilderness. The question on the lips of many faithful members is: Who will lead us forward? To answer that, let us turn to Scripture; not for theology, but for wisdom. *The Moses, The Aaron, and The Joshua* In the Book of Exodus, when God called Moses to ascend Mount Sinai and receive the Ten Commandments, he left the Israelites in the care of Aaron. But in the absence of Moses, the people lost discipline. Under Aaron’s leadership, they built and worshipped a golden calf, forsaking the God who had brought them out of Egypt. When Moses returned, heartbroken and furious, a bitter confrontation ensued between the two. The damage was done. Yet the Lord, in His divine judgment, saw fit to appoint neither Moses nor Aaron to lead His people into the Promised Land. That mantle fell on Joshua; a man forged in loyalty, steadied by discipline, and unwavering in purpose. So it is with the NPP today. *Dr. Bawumia: The Moses of Our Time* Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, was the Moses of our era; a brilliant mind, a man of vision, and an embodiment of technocratic leadership. He led the NPP through turbulent times, navigating economic storms and digital transitions. But like Moses, his leadership was challenged by internal dissent, wavering faith, and unmet expectations from the base. Despite his valiant efforts, the 2024 election revealed a painful truth: the people lost confidence, not just in governance but in him. Dr. Bawumia, like Moses, may have brought us far, but he cannot lead us further. *Kennedy Agyapong: The Aaron We Must Not Follow* Hon. Kennedy Agyapong has risen in prominence as the people’s man; charismatic, bold, and unfiltered. Much like Aaron in the biblical narrative, he speaks directly to the frustrations of the grassroots. His fiery rhetoric resonates with many, especially in moments of disillusionment. But if, in our desperation, we entrust him with the mantle to unite and guide the party, we risk mistaking populism for purpose. Like Aaron before the golden calf, his open defiance of party leadership and unrestrained political theatrics may soon become a rallying point; not for unity, but for idolatry of personality over principle. What some may embrace as courage could easily become a source of deepening division. At this critical juncture, the NPP does not need spectacle. It needs spiritual and strategic clarity. If we allow ourselves to be led down this path, we risk turning the political tradition into a stage, and the party will drift even further into chaos and uncertainty. This is not a prophecy we can afford to fulfill. *Hon. Bryan Acheampong: The Joshua We Need* And now, standing in the wings is Hon. Bryan Acheampong; a man many are coming to see as the Joshua of our time. Hon. Bryan is not a man of noise but of action. A seasoned politician, a successful entrepreneur, a loyal party steward, and a master strategist, he has walked faithfully behind the scenes for years, strengthening the party’s machinery and building grassroots loyalty without clamour. He is one of the few leaders in the NPP who combines both vision and discipline, loyalty and independence, strategy and humility. He is not looking to reinvent the party with noise, but to redeem it with service. * The Time for Youthful Maturity* In this new dispensation, the NPP needs a leader who is firm but empathetic, assertive but unifying, disciplined but accessible. Hon. Bryan Acheampong represents the next generation of NPP leadership that blends strategic maturity with generational relevance. He understands the language of the base, the concerns of the middle class, and the expectations of the international stage. More importantly, Hon. Bryan commands the trust of key stakeholders within the party; from MPs to regional executives, from grassroots organizers to business influencers. And perhaps most telling of all: he is not trying to be the hero. Like Joshua, he is ready to serve, not shine. *Healing the NPP’s Wounds* After 2024, the NPP is bleeding. The cracks are visible; from factionalism to ideological confusion. The next leader must not only win an election but heal a party. Hon. Bryan Acheampong is not beholden to the legacy factions that split the party. He is not tainted by defeat nor blinded by ambition. He represents continuity with transformation; the rare ability to honor the old while building the new. He has already begun organizing with military precision; assembling advisory teams, mapping constituency strategies, initiating workshops, and building a communications ecosystem that listens as much as it speaks. This is not politics-as-usual. This is leadership in motion. *Conclusion*: Crossing the Jordan As the NPP stands at its Jordan River moment, the call is clear: we cannot afford another Moses who cannot enter the land. Nor can we place our future in the hands of an Aaron who feeds our idols. We need a Joshua; a warrior with vision, a servant with strength, a leader with an unshakable will to unite and win. Hon. Bryan Acheampong is that Joshua. Let us rise, not in nostalgia, not in bitterness, but in faith. Let us rise and build. For the future of the NPP, and the soul of Ghana, the Joshua of our time must lead the way. Credit: Daniel Twumasi Kankam

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding fraudulent social media accounts, particularly on Facebook, impersonating the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu. In an official statement released by the Public Affairs Department of the GIS, the Service clarified that Mr. Amadu does not operate any Facebook account and has no affiliation with such platforms. The statement revealed that these fake accounts use the CGI’s images and name to deceive unsuspecting individuals. “The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, completely disassociates himself from these accounts. We strongly advise the public not to engage with them,” the statement emphasized. The GIS further cautioned that anyone interacting with these fraudulent platforms does so at their own risk. The Service urged the public to verify information through official GIS communication channels and to report suspicious accounts to the appropriate authorities. The press release was signed by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration M. Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, who reiterated the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the public from such cyber scams. For further inquiries, the GIS Public Affairs Department can be contacted via info@immigration.gov.gh or by calling 0555027024. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission, Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, has issued a strong call for urgent and holistic digital transformation within Ghana’s civil service, warning that without structural reform, the country risks falling behind in the global race for technological relevance and sovereignty. Delivering a keynote address as the guest speaker at the 2025 Civil Service Week Public Lecture in Accra, Dr. Kavaarpuo challenged Ghana’s public institutions to move beyond surface-level adoption of technology and instead reimagine the very foundation of public service in the digital era. “This lecture is not just about technology—it is about transformation,” he stated. “It is about how we reimagine the core of public service to become efficient, inclusive, data-smart, and citizen-centric.” Held at the CLOGSAG Auditorium under the theme “Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and E-Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana,” the lecture brought together senior government officials, policy influencers, and tech sector stakeholders. Dr. Kavaarpuo unpacked the implications of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-governance for Ghana’s governance ecosystem. Citing global examples from Estonia, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom, he demonstrated how governments are already reaping the benefits of digital transformation. “Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, AI enables intelligent decision-making, and e-governance enhances transparency and access,” he explained. “In Ghana, these tools must not just be buzzwords—they must become the backbone of service delivery.” Yet, he cautioned against “blind digitalization,” insisting that technology must serve people, empower civil servants, and strengthen institutions—not displace or marginalize them. Risks to Monitor Dr. Kavaarpuo highlighted critical risks that must be mitigated as part of the transition. These include digital exclusion, the creation of echo chambers by biased algorithms, ethical concerns, data protection challenges, and the potential displacement of workers. He stressed that while Ghana’s civil service has a strong foundation and institutional memory, significant structural barriers persist. These include weak digital infrastructure, fragmented ICT systems, and internal digital divides—even within the same institutions. “The digital divide is not just between citizens and the government. It exists within government. Ministries and departments often operate in silos, using separate platforms that cannot speak to each other,” he observed. Call for Reform and Interoperability Dr. Kavaarpuo called for a bold national strategy to unify and standardize ICT infrastructure across all ministries, departments, and agencies. “We need a clear framework for interoperability, common standards, and shared systems that deliver seamless digital services,” he emphasized. He also revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, is spearheading a Data Monetization Bill—a legislative effort aimed at unlocking value from government-held data while protecting privacy and rights. People Over Procurement Arguing that “technology alone is not transformation,” Dr. Kavaarpuo said that investment in people is key. “We must move beyond procurement. We must invest in training, mentorship, and support across all levels of the civil service,” he stated. He urged public institutions to cultivate a culture of agility, curiosity, and openness to experimentation—qualities that he described as essential in the face of rapidly evolving digital ecosystems. “There is comfort in the familiar,” he admitted, “but today’s pace of technology demands that we leave our comfort zones. If we remain static, we will become obsolete.” Dr. Kavaarpuo concluded his address with a challenge to the civil service: to transition from being passive recipients of digital trends to becoming proactive enablers of innovation and national development. The event marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s public sector digital discourse, signaling a strong push toward creating a civil service that is agile, future-ready, and rooted in ethical innovation. On his part, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) urged the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS) to spearhead a rapid digital transformation agenda to safeguard Ghana’s data sovereignty and institutional relevance in the face of emerging technologies. The event, themed “Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and E-Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana,” served as a rallying point for digital inclusion and administrative reform in Ghana’s public sector. Hon. George cautioned that Ghana could not afford to repeat the mistakes of previous technological revolutions. “Transformation without vision will deliver minimal impact,” he said, calling AI and data management the next frontier of global competition—and potential exploitation. Emphasizing Africa’s demographic edge, he highlighted that over 68% of the continent’s 1.5 billion people are under the age of 35 and produce vast amounts of data daily. “If we fail to manage and protect our data, we risk becoming digitally colonized,” he warned. In a significant announcement, the Minister revealed that all Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and designated digital focal persons will attend a two-day AI Boot Camp from July 25–26, 2025, in the Eastern Region. Organized in collaboration with UNDP, the program aims to equip leaders with AI principles and actionable strategies tailored to their Ministries. To support the implementation of AI across government, each Ministry will appoint a technical focal person to ensure institutional continuity. “Ministers may change, but institutions must endure,” Hon. George emphasized. “That is how we build a future-proof civil service.” He also announced the availability of 200 AI training kits from the One Million Coders Project to be distributed through the Civil Service Training Centre, aiming to boost digital literacy and capacity building across the public service. In a broader push for IT reform, the Minister proposed that every Ministry be staffed with a five-member digital team, comprising a network/system engineer, a software developer, a certified data protection officer, an AI officer, and a cybersecurity expert. “The era of relying on one IT technician per Ministry is over. We need embedded, full-spectrum digital teams,” he declared. Hon. George concluded with a call for bold, ethical, and practical leadership, urging stakeholders to move beyond ceremonial rhetoric. "This lecture must not be symbolic. It must ignite real transformation—one that delivers secure, efficient, and citizen-centered public service.” Taking his turn, Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh underscored the urgent need for Ghana’s civil service to embrace automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-governance as part of efforts to modernize public administration and enhance national development. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh described the gathering as a critical platform for policymakers, stakeholders, and governance practitioners to deliberate on emerging trends and renew their collective commitment to professional, transparent, and inclusive public service delivery. “It is indeed an honour, a privilege, and a deep sense of pride that I welcome you all to this important occasion,” he said, stressing the evolving role of civil servants as “custodians of governance, architects of continuity, and stewards of national development.” Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh noted that the theme for this year’s celebration — "Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and E-Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana" — speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “The world is on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another,” he said, quoting Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum. He emphasized that Ghana cannot afford to remain on the “periphery of the periphery” of this global transformation. "We must become active participants, leveraging technology to reposition the civil service as a forward-looking, agile and dynamic institution,” he added. He stressed that education, innovation, and institutional reform are key to staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. “We cannot give what we do not have,” he stated. “The goal of education, as President John F. Kennedy once said, is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” Calling for a renewed commitment to service, Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh urged civil servants to embrace lifelong learning and reform-minded leadership. He expressed confidence that the integration of AI and digital governance will produce a more citizen-centered and responsive public sector rooted in integrity, excellence, and adaptability. “Let history record that under our stewardship, we embraced change, strengthened the civil service, and advanced the aspirations of our people — with courage, not timidity,” he concluded. The public lecture featured expert discussions on emerging technologies and institutional readiness, aiming to fortify the nation’s public service for a digital future. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Forestry Commission has responded to media reports alleging harassment of some members of the Sokoban Wood Village by its officials, assuring the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. In a rejoinder issued by the Commission’s Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Unit, the Forestry Commission confirmed that it has invited the leadership of the Sokoban Wood Village, the Domestic Lumber Traders Association (DOLTA), and the Domestic Lumber Millers Association of Ghana (DOLMAG) for a meeting at its headquarters on Friday, July 25, 2025, to deliberate on the concerns raised. According to the statement, the Forestry Commission had previously engaged with the Sokoban Wood Village on May 12, 2025, during which some of the group’s grievances were addressed. Following that meeting, a committee was set up to oversee the implementation of key decisions agreed upon. “The Forestry Commission wishes to assure the public that through effective consultation and dialogue, all issues raised will be resolved amicably in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust,” the statement added. The Commission emphasized its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders in the timber and lumber trade to ensure a fair and transparent regulatory environment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Mohammed Amin, widely known as Don King, has officially declared his support for Dr. Bryan Acheampong in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership race, in what is being described as a major grassroots breakthrough for the Abetifi MP’s campaign. Don King, a revered grassroots organiser and NPP powerhouse in the Northern Regions, has been largely inactive in party affairs in recent years. However, following a strategic meeting with Dr. Acheampong, the political heavyweight has returned with renewed energy and a clear mission—to help Bryan Acheampong become the next leader of the NPP. “Don King has promised to work for the party again after meeting Dr. Bryan Acheampong,” said Alhaji Baba, Director of Operations for the Acheampong Campaign, in an interview with Radio Tamale. "He believes Bryan is the only person who can unite the NPP and return it to power in 2028. He told us he won’t rest until Bryan becomes leader and eventually, President of Ghana.” Don King’s influence in Northern Ghana, especially among Zongo communities and youth groups, has long been recognised as a vital political asset. Party insiders say his return signals a shift in momentum within the grassroots base, where loyalty and personal mobilisation often trump national visibility. The Acheampong campaign is expected to deploy Don King in a lead role to revive dormant campaign structures, rebuild trust among disillusioned party foot soldiers, and increase delegate outreach in strategic constituencies across the north. Though he has yet to make a public appearance, Don King is expected to join Dr. Acheampong on the campaign trail in the coming weeks. The campaign is planning a major mobilisation event in Tamale to mark his official return. With the NPP’s January 31 congress fast approaching, Don King’s endorsement could prove decisive in tipping the scales in a tightly contested race especially among delegates who value loyalty, fieldwork, and party-building over incumbency. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith