Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, insisting that he has shown clear political will to address the crisis.

She made the remarks on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 21.

According to Ms Muslim, President Mahama has not only acknowledged the environmental and economic dangers of galamsey but has also initiated strategic interventions aimed at tackling the menace sustainably and inclusively.

“President Mahama has demonstrated the political will to fight galamsey, and this is evident in the measures already rolled out under his administration,” she said.

She argued that the Mahama-led government is taking a holistic approach by balancing enforcement with livelihood alternatives for mining communities.

“The President understands that we cannot solve this problem with force alone. That’s why we are also providing opportunities for artisanal miners to transition into legal, regulated mining practices,” Ms Muslim explained.

Shamima Muslim urged critics to assess the government’s efforts based on ongoing policy actions rather than political rhetoric.

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s environment and water bodies, adding, “This fight is about our collective future, and President Mahama is leading it with both resolve and responsibility.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghana’s inflation projected to drop to 17.2% in 2025

Fitch Solutions has revised Ghana’s average inflation forecast for 2025 downwards to 17.2%, from an earlier estimate of 18.8%, citing moderating price pressures and a gradual rebound in consumer confidence.

The UK-based research firm said the updated outlook signals some relief for households, potentially easing pressure on family budgets and supporting a pickup in consumer spending, an important driver of economic growth in the second half of the year.

According to Fitch Solutions, recent economic data points to a steady recovery in consumption.

The Bank of Ghana’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose sharply to 103.6 in April 2025, compared to 87.7 in the same month last year.

This rise clearly indicates that the momentum is expected to fuel growth in retail and services.

The firm also highlighted mobile money transactions as another sign of strengthening consumer activity.

Transactions increased by 23.5% year-on-year in April 2024, reinforcing the view of a vibrant domestic demand environment.

Despite the positive outlook for consumption, Fitch Solutions warned that persistently high interest rates could limit fixed investment in the near term.

SP/VPO

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama

The Bank of Ghana has concluded a recent staff probation review exercise, resulting in the confirmation of appointments for the majority of newly engaged personnel, while a few individuals have not had their appointments confirmed.

According to a letter dated June 19, 2025, addressed to affected staff and circulating on social media, the Bank emphasised that the decisions were made in line with the terms outlined in the respective employment contracts, which stipulated a six-month probation period subject to satisfactory performance.

Reliable internal sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that over half of the new hires were retained following a thorough evaluation process undertaken by the Human Resource and Capacity Development Department.

The assessment considered performance outcomes, alignment with the Bank’s values, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to its strategic objectives.

In the official communication to affected employees, the Bank noted that individuals whose contracts were not confirmed would receive one month’s salary in lieu of notice.

They were also advised to return all institutional property by the effective termination date of Monday, June 23, 2025.

Although the Bank has yet to issue a formal public statement, senior officials have reiterated that such exercises are routine and form part of the institution’s commitment to maintaining a high-performance work environment.

“This is a standard practice aimed at ensuring that all employees meet the expectations set out during the probation period,” one source told GhanaWeb Business.

“The Bank takes employment decisions seriously and applies principles of fairness, transparency, and due process throughout,” the source added.

The outcome of the review forms part of the Bank of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reinforce strong institutional standards and ensure its human capital strategy is aligned with its core mandate of promoting financial and operational stability.

The Bank also expressed its appreciation to departing staff for their service and extended best wishes for success in their future pursuits.

MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Vatican and Leader of the Catholic Church

The Vatican has established a new global commission of economic experts to address the escalating sovereign debt crisis impacting Ghana and several other countries across the Global South.

Announced this week, the high-level Commission of Experts is tasked with proposing solutions to what Pope Francis has described as a “deepening moral and economic challenge” affecting vulnerable nations burdened by unsustainable debt.

According to a statement from the Vatican, as sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the initiative aims to promote international cooperation, fair restructuring mechanisms, and long-term economic justice.

The decision comes amid mounting concerns over the debt sustainability of developing countries, many of which are struggling to recover from the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related disasters, and rising global interest rates.

“The sovereign debt crisis is not just an economic issue; it is a moral test of our global solidarity,” the Vatican stated.

The new commission will bring together economists, financial experts, and representatives from affected regions to examine both the root causes and potential paths forward.

Ghana, which recently reached a debt restructuring agreement with official creditors under the G20’s Common Framework, has been cited as one of several nations grappling with the pressures of external debt and limited fiscal space.

The Vatican has long advocated for debt forgiveness and reform of the international financial system, with Pope Francis calling for a “new architecture of international finance” that prioritizes human dignity and sustainable development.

SP/EB

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Renowned Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the country’s economic future.

Speaking during an interview on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, June 21, Prof Bokpin described the practice as the biggest existential threat to Ghana’s economic stability.

“I have said that if anything will cause me to leave this country, it will be irresponsible mining,” he remarked, underscoring the depth of his concern.

He explained that despite Ghana’s reliance on its natural resources for development, the uncontrolled and destructive nature of certain mining activities is severely undermining the nation’s long-term prospects.

According to Prof Bokpin, the consequences of illegal and environmentally harmful mining stretch beyond ecological degradation to include far-reaching economic repercussions.

He warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could cripple sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and water resources, further burdening the already fragile economy.

He called on the government, civil society, and all relevant institutions to adopt a more urgent and coordinated approach to enforce mining regulations and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The biggest threat to Ghana’s economic survival is irresponsible mining,” Prof Bokpin stressed, urging the country to act decisively before the damage becomes irreversible.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Dr Othniel Ekow Kwainoe is the MP for Ekumfi

The Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Dr Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, has praised the government’s GoldBod initiative, describing it as an impactful venture than the previous government’s Gold-for-Oil programme.

Speaking on Citi FM on Friday, June 20, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Kwainoe said the GoldBod programme spearheaded by the Ghana Gold Board and focused on small-scale gold mobilisation has already delivered substantial results within just four months of implementation.

“GoldBod comes in, and with the engagement of 40% small-scale miners and all, today, we are expecting about $5.2 billion in just four months. Our reserves have gone up from around $9 billion under the NPP to about $10.7 billion, according to the latest Monetary Policy Committee report,” he stated.

Dr Kwainoe contrasted this progress with the outcomes of the Gold-for-Oil policy introduced under the previous administration.

While acknowledging that the programme did increase Ghana’s gold reserves from 0.8 tonnes to approximately 30 tonnes, he argued that it failed to deliver broader macroeconomic benefits.

“Have you not wondered why, with Gold-for-Oil, the currency depreciation was still at 17%? The reserves improved, yes, but the impact on the Cedi and the wider economy was negligible. That’s a big deal in our economic context,” he noted.

SP/VPO

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has said the government has intensified its fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey.

“Recent incidents, including the tragic loss of two lives in a pit in the Suaman Constituency, have sparked public outrage and prompted the government to take immediate action,” he added.

Mr. Buah made the remarks on Friday in Parliament, in Accra, when he answered an urgent question by Mr. Fredrick Addy, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Suaman.

Mr. Addy asked what immediate measures the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was taking to curb galamsey activities in the Suaman Constituency, particularly considering the recent incident at Karlo, where two individuals lost their lives in a galamsey pit on Friday, March 20, 2025.

Mr. Buah told the House that the government is launching a programme to reclaim areas degraded by illegal mining, minimising risks and restoring the environment.

“Mr. Speaker, the new initiative aims to identify mineral-rich areas and organise mining in a sustainable and responsible manner,” he said.

The Minister explained that sustainable mining practices efforts were being made to promote sustainable mining practices, reducing the environmental and social impacts of mining.

He said: “Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a very aggressive programme to reclaim all these areas to minimise those risks. We are also working on a programme for cooperative mining to identify mineral areas and organise mining in a very sustainable and responsible manner.

“We believe that those steps will help address the concerns that are raised.”

The Sector Minister noted that the enforcement measures included the arrests and seizures, where over 30 individuals were arrested in a series of coordinated anti-illegal mining operations across three regions in Ghana.

“Mr. Speaker, the Minerals Commission is utilising drone technology to monitor and manage mineral resources, enhancing their ability to track and prevent illegal mining activities,” he said.

According to Mr. Buah, also the National Democratic Congress MP for the Elembelle Constituency, the government had engaged in community awareness creation and education on the effects of illegal mining, emphasising the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mining practices.

He told the House that the Ghana Chamber of Mines had partnered with the judiciary to fast-track illegal mining cases, ensuring swift and decisive justice to safeguard the environment.

“Mr. Speaker, the government’s efforts aim to address the challenges posed by illegal mining and promote a more sustainable and responsible approach to mining in Ghana,” he said.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Renowed family physician specialist, Dr Eno Akua Nyama, has issued a warning to the public regarding the improper use of Styrofoam, stressing its potential to cause severe health complications.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on June 21, 2025, Dr Nyama detailed how this widely patronised packaging material, especially when exposed to heat and fatty foods, can leak harmful chemicals that pose risks to human health.

According to Dr Nyama, the primary concern lies with styrene, a key component of Styrofoam (also known as expanded polystyrene).

“Styrofoam is also known as expanded polystyrene. It is made from styrene, a derivative of fossil fuels, and then chemical additives are added to it to create the package. The use of Styrofoam becomes problematic when it comes into contact with heat. I mean, when hot food is stored in it or when it’s heated in a microwave or sometimes when fatty foods are stored in it. Regarding food that is often hot, like hot teas, hot coffee, etc, when they come in contact with the styrene, it leaks into the food and eventually finds its way into our bodies after consumption.

“Animal studies have also shown that styrene is a potential human carcinogen. That means, it has the potential to cause cancers,” Dr Nyama said.

While using Styrofoam for cold food packaging may not be as immediately detrimental, the danger escalates when hot or fatty foods are introduced, or when the material is heated, such as in a microwave.

Under these conditions, styrene can leak into food and beverages, finding its way into the human body and potentially causing a range of adverse health effects.

A broad spectrum of health risks

Dr Nyama outlined a comprehensive list of potential health issues linked to styrene exposure, affecting various bodily systems:

• Cancer: Studies have identified styrene as a potential human carcinogen. Animal studies have shown links to cancers of the blood (leukemia and lymphoma), esophageal cancers, and pancreatic cancers.

• Nervous System: Styrene possesses neurotoxic properties. Short-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Long-term effects observed in animal studies include problems with memory and concentration, anxiety, and depression.

• Respiratory System: Inhaling styrene, whether from heating Styrofoam or from manufacturing areas, can cause irritation in the nose, throat, and eyes, potentially leading to chronic lung diseases.

• Endocrine System: Styrene has been shown to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance by blocking or mimicking hormones, specifically affecting thyroid and reproductive hormones. This can contribute to issues like infertility and, in some animal studies, has been linked to birth defects.

• Cardiovascular System: Although evidence is limited, some research suggests styrene can increase the risk of high blood pressure and fat deposition in blood vessels.

• Immune System: Styrene may suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various infections.

Dr Nyama explained that the porous nature of fats in food allows them to absorb styrene chemicals readily, facilitating their entry into the body. This makes the storage of hot or high-fat content foods in Styrofoam particularly problematic.

Recommendations for safe use and alternatives

To mitigate these risks, Dr Nyama urged consumers to adopt safer practices:

• Hot and fatty foods: Refrain from storing hot foods, hot beverages, or fatty foods in Styrofoam containers.

• No Microwaving: Never heat Styrofoam containers, even with food inside, in a microwave. Opt for microwave-safe containers with appropriate labels.

• Explore Safer Alternatives: Nyama strongly recommended the use of alternatives for food handling and packaging, including clean banana leaves, Katemfe leaves (used for waakye packaging), ceramics, paper-based packages, glass, and stainless steel, which are considered relatively safe.

Beyond immediate health concerns, Dr Nyama also highlighted the environmental impact of Styrofoam, noting its extremely slow degradation in the environment, lasting for thousands of years.

She called for improved disposal and recycling methods to address this persistent environmental challenge.

The family physician specialist’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for the public to be mindful of the materials used for food packaging and to prioritise health and safety by making informed choices.

VPO/EB

Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:

Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, the Chairman of the Council of State, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take their responsibilities seriously by bringing development to their respective areas.

He said the Government’s Resetting Agenda reminds them all that the business of Government must return to the basics (local level) to ensure grass route development.

Mr. Adjaho made the appeal in his address at the orientation workshop for newly confirmed MMDCEs at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Madina, near Accra.

The week-long programme was opened by President John Dramani Mahama.

This year’s orientation was on the theme “Strengthening Local Governance Through the Reset Agenda.” The theme reflects the core of the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2024 Manifesto, Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability and Prosperity.

Mr. Adjaho called for discipline in service, integrity in leadership and effective resource management at the local level.

He reiterated that for that to happen, the assemblies must function not in form but in substance.

“As MMDCEs, you are the first point of contact between the citizen and the state,” the Council of State Chairman said.

He added: “You are not only implementers of policy; you are the face of government where it matters most.

“Your conduct and your responsiveness will determine how this administration is judged.”

He reminded the MMDCEs that they were assuming office at a time when public confidence in political leadership is under significant strain.

“Across the country, citizens are not only disengaged, but they are also demanding greater accountability from those entrusted with public office,” Mr. Adjaho said.

He noted that these sentiments were reflected in the national conversations surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2018, commonly referred to as the MMDCEs’ Election Bill.

He said it took the leadership of President Mahama and the National Executive Committee of the NDC and their MPs for that Bill not to see the day of light.

“Indeed, if that bill had gone through, some of you would not be here today,” he said.

Mr. Adjaho said whether or not public trust was restored would depend in no small measure on the MMDCEs’ actions and inactions.

“This orientation is therefore not routine exercise. It is a moment to reflect on the responsibility you carry as representatives of the President and as stewards of development,” he said.

He explained, “As MMDCEs, your role is pivotal, and we are confident that the direction you will receive today and throughout this week will further empower you to lead at the local level with discipline and vision.”

Mr. Adjaho urged the MMDCEs to learn what they must, ask what they need to ask, but above all, remember that their actions must serve the public good.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

UK-based research and risk advisory firm, Fitch Solutions

UK-based research and risk advisory firm, Fitch Solutions, has projected Ghana’s economy to remain on a firm growth trajectory, forecasting real GDP growth of 5.0% in 2026 – a marginal increase from the revised 4.9% growth estimated for 2025.

The revision of the 2025 growth outlook from an initial projection of 4.2% comes on the back of stronger-than-expected macroeconomic performance in the first quarter of the year, coupled with improving economic fundamentals.

Fitch’s upgrade follows the release of data by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) on June 6, 2025, which revealed that Ghana’s real GDP growth surged to 5.3% year-on-year in Q1 2025, up from 3.6% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The figure exceeded Fitch’s earlier expectation of 3.5%, prompting the upward revision.

“A firmer exchange rate relative to 2023–24 levels will help anchor inflation, which we expect to average at 13.9%, thereby sustaining solid consumer spending growth,” Fitch noted.

The firm also anticipates that the Bank of Ghana will begin a cycle of interest rate cuts in September 2025, which should gradually filter through the economy, boosting credit growth and supporting recovery in gross fixed capital formation.

Additionally, the expected conclusion of Ghana’s IMF programme in 2026 is likely to result in some fiscal ease, injecting fresh demand into the economy.

SP/VPO

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo

An old video of Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo, has resurfaced online, sparking buzz among netizens.

The viral clip, which began circulating on social media on June 21, 2025, features scenes from Dumelo’s childhood role as “Saka” in the movie titled ‘Baby Thief’. The film was shot in 1991 and released in 1992.

A scene from the nostalgic footage captured John Dumelo in a classroom with his mate, while another captured a heartfelt moment where he told his teacher he wants to go to his father, despite class being in session.

The resurfaced video has since sparked a wave of reactions online, with many praising Dumelo for his impressive journey in the Ghanaian film industry; from child actor to Member of Parliament.

Watch the video below:

The First Movie of Ghanaian Actor and Politician, @johndumelo ✨

John Dumelo was 7 years old when he played the role of Saka in the Ghanaian classic movie ‘Baby Thief’, which was filmed in 1991 and released in 1992. pic.twitter.com/qxoZDweLDs

— 𝐀𝐒𝐊 (@askghmedia) June 19, 2025

JHM/EB

Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site: