Category: Local News

Members of Parliament have strongly condemned the ongoing military actions in Bawku, urging the military high command to halt the reported brutalities and take action against those responsible.

The calls come in response to alleged retaliatory operations by soldiers following the killing of a military officer in the area on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Majority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, expressed deep concern over the situation, describing the military’s actions as indiscriminate and destructive.

“Men, women, children, old men, old women who could not flee, injuring some, destroying the properties of others, smashing television sets, bridges, and everything that came their way,” Ayariga stated.

He urged the military to cease their operations immediately, emphasizing that such actions tarnish the image of the armed forces and do not bring back the deceased soldier.

Ayariga also called for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community leaders to identify the perpetrators behind the soldier’s killing.

Madina MP, Francis Xavier Sosu, criticised the military’s approach, labeling it unconstitutional and a violation of both Ghanaian and international laws.

“It is completely wrong, completely unconstitutional, completely absurd for the military to turn their strength on ordinary citizens, particularly those that have nothing to do with the alleged violence against a military officer,” Sosu remarked. He called for accountability and urged the military high command to take decisive action against officers involved in the abuses.

Pusiga MP, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, echoed similar sentiments, condemning the invasion of homes and the physical assault of residents, including the elderly and women.

“Going into people’s houses, removing people from their bedrooms, beating them, and even the elderly and women is not fair at all,” Ayamba stated.

She emphasised the need for alternative methods to apprehend the perpetrators without harming innocent civilians.

The MPs collectively expressed condolences to the family of the deceased soldier while urging the military to uphold their duty to protect citizens and maintain peace without resorting to excessive force.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor as the new Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was formally announced by the Police Administration on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

DCOP Donkor’s new role is part of a broader restructuring within the police leadership aimed at strengthening the operational effectiveness of the service.

Prior to her appointment, DCOP Donkor served as the Safety and Security Head of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

A distinguished law enforcement officer and legal expert, she played a crucial role in enhancing football security in Ghana and across Africa. As Chairperson of the GFA’s Safety & Security Committee, she oversaw high-security standards at local and international matches.

Additionally, she serves as a Safety and Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ensuring the safety of major continental tournaments.

Beyond her security expertise, DCOP Donkor is the CEO of Police Ladies FC, a premier club in the Ghana Women’s Premier League. Under her leadership, the club has become a formidable force in women’s football, further showcasing her multifaceted leadership abilities.

The restructuring also includes several other key appointments. Among them, DCOP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah has been designated as Director-General for Research and Planning, while Commissioner of Police (COP) Paul Manly Awini has been assigned to head the Service Workshop in Accra.

These appointments are part of the newly reconstituted 31-member Police Management Board.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a long-time drug trafficking suspect, Uchechukwu Chima, in a successful intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

The 56-year-old Nigerian national was apprehended on Tuesday, March 18, following a search of his hideout, which uncovered 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin. Field tests confirmed the substances as narcotics, with an estimated street value of $2.1 million.

Chima, who has been on NACOC’s radar for some time, is believed to be the mastermind behind several past drug seizures.

His arrest represents a major breakthrough in Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.

NACOC has reaffirmed its commitment to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug cartels and ensuring public safety.

Read the statement below:

Dated: Wednesday 19, March, 2025

For Immediate Release

NACOC ARRESTS A LONG TIME DRUG TARGET*

An intelligence led operation by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, resulted in the arrest of a 56 year old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

A search conducted by the NACOC team at the suspect’s hideout uncovered substances suspected to be narcotic drugs. Field tests conducted on the suspected substance proved positive for cocaine and heroin, both narcotic drugs. The suspected narcotic substances, with a total weight of about 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, are estimated at a street value of Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-one Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty United States Dollars (US$2.1 Million).

The suspect, Uchechukwu Chima who has been a target for NACOC for some time now, is noted to be the brain behind some seizures/arrests made by NACOC in the past.

NACOC by this seizure and arrest, has taken this substantial quantity of drugs from the street, saving millions of lives of people who would have otherwise perished from abusing these hard drugs.

NACOC remains committed to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug trafficking and thus protecting the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians and the international community.

Signed
Francis Opoku Amoah
Acting Director, Public Affairs and International

In 2024, Ghana imported excavators valued at GH₵6.2 billion, making it the third-highest item in the country’s import bill, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed.

The Minister expressed concern that these excavators might have been used for illegal mining activities across the country’s mining sites.

To tackle this issue, he urged the Ministry of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to collaborate in controlling the importation of such equipment.

In addition, the Minister announced a ban on floating platforms, commonly known as “Changfans,” which are primarily used by illegal miners in rivers.

During a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also proposed that the issuance of small-scale mining licenses be handled at the district level, with input from the District Security Command and district mining committees to ensure thorough vetting of documentation.

This initiative follows recommendations from a working committee set up by the government to review the current mining licensing system and address the illegal mining menace.

As part of the crackdown, the Minister disclosed that 60 excavators had been seized by the military task force over the past two months, with the equipment now held by Regional Ministers. Instead of being destroyed, the excavators will be repurposed for road construction.

The government has also made progress in recovering seven out of the nine forest reserves previously captured by illegal miners, and plans are underway to amend legislative instrument L.I 2462 to prohibit mining in these reserves. The amendment will also remove the President’s power to grant mining licenses for forest reserves.

Legal practitioner Kow Essuman has criticized Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his silence regarding former President John Mahama’s continued use of Dzata Airlines for official travels.

Essuman, who is a legal advisor to former President Akufo-Addo, raised concerns over the costs to the nation and potential conflicts of interest.

His comments came after Mahama’s recent trip to Sierra Leone, following visits to Senegal and The Gambia.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Essuman questioned why the North Tongu MP, who was outspoken about President Akufo-Addo’s foreign trips, is now silent on the matter.

“Dzata Airlines continues to transport the President during his official travels. Yet, my brother, Hon. @S_OkudzetoAblak, remains silent regarding the costs to the nation and issues of conflict of interest, particularly in his new role as Foreign Minister,” he stated.

The post has sparked mixed reactions online, with calls for greater accountability and transparency regarding the use of the private airline.

Earlier, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that the private jet had been available to the President before the 2024 general elections and that the arrangement does not impose any financial burden on taxpayers, as the jet was provided at no cost.

The Ghana Police Service has announced a reshuffle among some regional commanders and members of the Police Management and Advisory Board (POMAB).

The changes, detailed in a statement signed by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, were made on March 19, 2025.

Notable changes include COP Maame Tiwa Addo-Danquah being appointed as the Director-General of Research and Planning, and COP Iddi Lansah Seidu taking on the role of Director-General of Welfare.

Supt. Solomon Akorli has been named the Executive Secretary to the IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu.

Additionally, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor has been appointed as the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), with DCOP Frank Abrokwah serving as her deputy.

The National Youth Authority (NYA) has been tasked with implementing the National Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical skills for employment.

Launched on March 19 by Youth Development and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo, the initiative is part of the government’s strategy to combat youth unemployment through vocational training.

A Technical Working Committee has been established to oversee the programme’s execution, with Osman Ayariga, CEO of NYA, appointed as chair. He expressed commitment to ensuring the programme’s success, stating, “The National Apprenticeship Programme presents a unique opportunity to empower our youth with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment.”

Minister Opare Addo emphasized the programme’s role in bridging the gap between education and employment, providing hands-on training in various trades.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with industry experts, vocational training institutions, and government agencies.

The government has pledged sufficient resources to ensure its smooth execution, benefiting thousands of young Ghanaians with skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at CDD Ghana, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has called on Ghanaians to stay actively involved in government affairs beyond the election period.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show after the Citizens’ Expectations Townhall Meeting, Dr. Asante emphasized the importance of continuous citizen engagement in governance.

“When you give a mandate to a party to rule, once elected, it is no longer about politics because decisions made affect everyone, regardless of party affiliation. Many citizens disengage after elections, waiting for four years, but governance requires continuous vigilance,” he explained.

Dr. Asante urged citizens to stay informed about government actions and ensure leaders deliver on their promises.

He also shared that CDD Ghana plans to present findings to the government to serve as a benchmark for assessing its performance.

The next Citizens’ Expectations Townhall Meeting, which will focus on seniors and pensioners, is scheduled for March 20 at the GNAT Hall in Accra.

“So far, we have conducted ten town hall meetings across the country, and we plan to hold a national meeting soon, where we will present our findings to the government. This will serve as a reference point for evaluating government performance,” he said, encouraging Ghanaians to actively engage in the governance process.

Residents of parts of Community 3, Sakumono, Village, and other areas within the Tema West Metropolis are grappling with an ongoing water shortage that has severely affected food vendors, students, and households.

Frustrated by the situation, many residents have resorted to waking up at dawn in search of water.

They have called on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to address the issue and improve communication. In response, aspiring Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Editah Wilson, has deployed water tankers to provide relief to affected residents.

One beneficiary, Sylvester, told Adom News, “This has been the norm for months now; everyone is suffering,” expressing gratitude for the intervention.

Editah Wilson, the only female candidate among those vying for the MCE position under President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledged the persistence of the water crisis since last year. She mentioned that she had engaged with the Ghana Water Company, which assured her that the issue would be resolved soon.

In addition to tackling the water shortage, Madam Wilson pledged to address other pressing issues, including improving road networks, fixing traffic lights, and boosting revenue generation for the metropolis if appointed.

She assured residents that she would continue providing water support until a permanent solution is found.

A heated debate erupted in Parliament today over the proposed Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which seeks to revoke the President’s authority to grant permission for mining in forest reserves.

Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala was set to lay the instrument before the House, but disagreements between the Majority and Minority caucuses over procedural requirements stalled the process.

If passed, L.I. 2462 would strip the President of the power to approve mining licenses in forest reserves, a move aimed at tackling illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.

However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the L.I. must undergo a pre-laying process before being formally introduced in Parliament.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga disagreed, arguing that the regulation is a straightforward, one-clause instrument that already has broad consensus.

“This was a major promise of President John Dramani Mahama and his government, and today, we are seeing its implementation to address galamsey in our forest reserves,” he stated.

“We are removing the President’s discretion to grant mining concessions in forest reserves. The minister is ready, the instrument is in the House, and we want to lay it.”

Education Minister and MP Haruna Iddrisu backed Ayariga’s stance, describing the galamsey crisis as a national emergency that requires swift action. He warned that delaying the L.I. would only worsen environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, however, pushed for further consultations before laying the L.I., a position supported by some Minority members who stressed the need to follow parliamentary procedures.

As the debate intensified, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be observed. He directed the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to review the L.I. and report back by Thursday, March 20.

Until then, the laying of L.I. 2462 has been put on hold. The Deputy Speaker cautioned that if the committee fails to meet the deadline, he will allow the instrument to be laid without further delay.