MP for Juaben Constituency, Francis Owusu-Akyaw

Communities hosting mining companies in Ghana will face further underdevelopment due to the proposed amendment of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act, 2018 (Act 978), as amended, according to the Member of Parliament for Juaben, Francis Owusu-Akyaw.

The proposed amendment seeks to transfer 80% of mineral royalties, originally retained by MIIF, to the Consolidated Fund to finance the government’s development initiatives.

In 2018, under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, Parliament passed Act 978, later amended by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1024), to maximize the state’s mineral income for the benefit of citizens.

The law aimed to ensure responsible, transparent, and sustainable monetization of mineral revenues while also implementing measures to reduce Ghana’s budgetary exposure to mineral income fluctuations.

However, the new John Mahama-led government, through the 2025 Budget and Policy Statement, has initiated processes to further amend the legislation, requiring that 80% of MIIF-held royalties be transferred to the Consolidated Fund to support the BIG PUSH infrastructure agenda.

During the debate on the 2025 budget statement in Parliament on Monday, March 24, MP for Juaben, Francis Owusu-Akyaw, strongly opposed the move, warning that it would deprive mining communities of much-needed development.

He argued that it remains unclear what kind of infrastructure projects will be undertaken with the diverted MIIF funds and expressed concern that the state would invest little in mining activities, contrary to the original objectives of the MIIF law.

The Juaben legislator further cautioned that the move would lead to the neglect of host communities where mining takes place, questioning whether they would directly benefit from such projects.

“Is the infrastructure meant to develop the mining sector, from which these revenues are generated, in line with the objectives of MIIF? Or is it just any infrastructure? How much will be reinvested into boosting mining operations if the funds are directed toward projects unrelated to mining? Again, there will be total neglect of the communities where mining activities occur, as a huge percentage of the funds will go toward unspecified infrastructure development. This is too risky a path for any government to take,” Owusu-Akyaw stated.

In a related matter, the Juaben MP criticized the government’s re-categorization of mining into small, medium, and large-scale operations.

He argued that many licensed small-scale miners lack adequate land to engage in productive mining, while those with available land often operate through “trial and error,” causing environmental destruction.

“Mr. Speaker, the solution to the menace of galamsey does not lie in re-categorization. Most small-scale mining licenses granted under Section 82 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 do not even have access to productive mining areas. Additionally, those with land often engage in unregulated alluvial gold mining, leading to environmental degradation. Furthermore, some large-scale miners are already engaged in medium-scale operations, which does not violate any law. So why spend resources on re-categorization?” Owusu-Akyaw questioned.

GA/MA

Meanwhile, watch as Prof Gyampo explains why he believes the BBC’s ‘Sex for Grades’ exposé was orchestrated

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has filed a lawsuit against the Attorney-General, challenging the procedural legality of President John Dramani Mahama’s actions regarding the potential removal of the Chief Justice.

The lawsuit follows the President’s initiation of consultations with the Council of State concerning three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

Assafuah, represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, is requesting the Supreme Court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Chief Justice.

He argues that the President is required to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before referring a removal petition to the Council of State, as stipulated in Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6), and (7), 23, 57(3), and 296 of the Constitution.

Assafuah contends that the failure to notify the Chief Justice before initiating consultations with the Council of State constitutes a violation of Article 146(6) and undermines the constitutional protection of the Chief Justice’s security of tenure.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks, with the Attorney-General required to respond within fourteen (14) days of being served.

Read also…

Chief Justice writes to Mahama, demands petitions seeking her removal

The Joy Business Economic Dialogue is underway on the Joy News Channel and your super station Joy 99.7 FM.  

The dialogue is on the theme “Fixing the Fundamentals: Is the 2025 Budget Ghana’s last shot at fiscal redemption?

The programme features economist and Director of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Prof Peter Quartey, Dean, Faculty of Accounting and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Prof Isaac Boadi, Tax Partner at PwC, Abeiku Gyan-Quansah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, and Economic Advisor, at the Ministry of Finance Dr Wisdom Dogbey.

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.

play videoThe mouth and the pathways going into the body have not been identified as a route for the virus

The President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, a civil society organisation (CSO) dedicated to combating HIV and AIDS in Ghana, Amoabeng Ortsin, has dismissed speculations that the virus can be transmitted through oral sex.

In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Stella Dziedzorm on Health Focus, Ortsin stated that there is no available data linking oral sex to HIV/AIDS infections.

He emphasised that the mouth and digestive pathways have not been identified as a mode of transmission.

“So far, all available research and data indicate that when the virus enters your stomach, it becomes inactive. You are not going to get infected simply because you ingested the virus.

“If you look at the modes of transmission, there is something called QQR (Quality, Quantity, and Route). The mouth and digestive pathways have not been identified as a route for the virus,” he explained.

Ortsin further clarified that the primary cause of HIV/AIDS transmission is tiny cuts and abrasions on the skin that occur during penetrative sex.

“Normally, it is those abrasions and tiny cuts on the skin that open during sex that lead to transmission. But oral sex has not been identified as a major risk factor,” he said.

He concluded by acknowledging that while there may be other health concerns associated with oral sex, HIV transmission is not one of them.

“There are other risks with oral sex, but when it comes to HIV, it is not a mode of transmission,” he added.

Watch the full interview below:

ID/MA

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By Stanley Senya

Accra, March 27, GNA – The Ghana Chamber of Mines has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the government to explore solutions that balance industry sustainability with revenue needs.

Responding to ongoing discussions about key issues in the mining sector, particularly the increase in the Growth and Sustainability Levy (GSL) and concerns regarding the country’s natural resource management, Mr Ahmed Nantogmah, Director External Relations of the Chamber, said while the Chamber acknowledged the renewed public interest in optimizing Ghana’s mineral wealth, the discussions must be devoid of misconceptions.

He said the proposed increase in the GSL from 1 per cent to 3 per cent had sparked debate, with proponents arguing that Ghana was yet to fully capture economic rent from its natural resources.

However, the Chamber emphasized that mineral rent, the residual value after covering extraction costs and investor returns has historically averaged below 3 per cent of GDP.

He said while gold prices had surged in recent years, the Chamber noted that not all mining companies enjoyed proportional profit increases due to varying operational costs and investment needs.

Additionally, the levy would impact manganese and bauxite producers, even though these minerals have not experienced the same price hikes as gold, creating an uneven financial burden.

Despite these concerns, the Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and Finance for a sustainable solution.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance local participation in the sector, including initiatives with the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Minerals Commission to encourage the listing of mining firms.

Between 2020 and 2023, Chamber members spent an annual average of $2.87 billion on local goods and services while contributing $1.19 billion in taxes and $32 million in corporate social investments.

Furthermore, about 75 per cent of mineral revenues were repatriated through Ghanaian financial institutions, countering claims that investors retain a disproportionate share offshore.

The Chamber also renewed its call for a legislative framework similar to the Petroleum Revenue Management Act to ensure greater transparency and accountability in mining revenue utilization.

Mr Nantogmah expressed the Chamber’s support for increased funding for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GSA) to enhance resource assessment and position Ghana for independent mineral development or strategic partnerships.

It also commended recent government efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the country’s forests and water bodies.

“The Ghana Chamber of Mines reaffirmed its dedication to working with all stakeholders to maximize the country’s mineral resources for the collective benefit of citizens”, it added.

GNA
CA/

By Agnes Ansah 

Accra, March 27, GNA – Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President, has urged women in leadership positions to create pathways for others to rise.  

She said that modern Ghanaian women should focus not only on their personal achievements but also on the opportunities they create for others. 

“It is not enough to be educated anymore; it is not enough to be first in class; it is not even enough to arrive,” Mrs. Mogtari said during the launch of the Yellow Ladies Network, a women’s group established by MTN Ghana to empower and inspire women, in Accra. 

“It is bigger and better when you build a whole city and invite others to help you build; making sure that we create an environment that is safe for other women to want to walk through; to make an opportunity available to other women just waiting for that; just make it happen for that other young woman,” she said. 

Mrs. Mogtari also pointed out that there were plenty of opportunities and open doors for women, especially young ones, to succeed.  

She encouraged young women to make the most of these opportunities.  

“This is certainly not a generation of females who do not know what to do. It is also not a generation of females who have no opportunities or females who do not have any doors opened for them.  

“Please all we have to do is to step up, step out,” she said. 

The Presidential Adviser advised young women to develop a positive attitude towards work, find expression in whatever they did, build good habits, and cultivate valuable networks to reach higher heights. 

She stressed the importance of attitude, stating that much could be achieved by adopting a positive approach to everything. 

“These are three things that I will leave with you; for me I think that work on your attitude, nothing beats a positive attitude. Secondly find expression…and thirdly build positive habits,” she advised. 

GNA 

KAS 

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has requested copies of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama seeking her removal from office.

In a letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, she appealed for access to the documents to enable her to respond accordingly.

Her request comes after President Mahama initiated consultations with the Council of State, following the submission of three petitions calling for her removal.

The CJ’s request also comes at a time when the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Assafuah, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court questioning the procedure being used to handle the petitions.

In the view of the plaintiff, who is being represented by Godfred Dame, the former Attorney-General, a Chief Justice ought to be alerted of the petitions to give a response before the President can consult the Council of State on the petitions.

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the three petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

While the specific grounds for the petitions remain undisclosed, the process marks the first step in a constitutional procedure that could lead to significant changes in Ghana’s judiciary.

The Council of State is expected to review the petitions and provide guidance to the President on the appropriate course of action.

In her letter to the President, Chief Justice Torkornoo requested a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against her before further steps are taken.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.

Read Also: Chief Justice must be notified for comments before removal process begins – Fmr. Deputy AG

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The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, says President John Dramani Mahama has no authority under the Constitution to assess the merit of a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

In an interview on Joy FM on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, Mr Ofosu Kwakye explained that the President’s role in such matters is strictly procedural. 

He said the President’s responsibility is to forward the petition to the Council of State and act based on the advice he receives.

“First of all, the president does not need to make any form of determination in terms of merit. He is merely a conveyor belt, and it is his duty to consult the Council of State and make a decision as to whether or not to move the process forward,” he stated.

His comments come amid rising public interest in the petition, which calls for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo. 

Mr Ofosu Kwakye confirmed that the petition was brought by three individuals but declined to provide their names or the content of the petition.

“The rules do not permit me or anyone else in government at this stage to disclose any details of the petition,” he said. “It is at the point where a determination is made by the president, in consultation with the Council of State, that there is a basis to set up a committee to look into it, that such details can emerge.”

Mr Ofosu Kwakye dismissed claims that the process is politically motivated, noting that the Constitution outlines a detailed procedure meant to protect the independence of officeholders, including judges.

“To begin with, the Constitution itself anticipates that public officeholders, including the president, can become the subject of demands for removal based on perceived or alleged wrongdoing. It is not the case that once the petition is submitted, the president proceeds to remove anybody. In fact, the president does not have the power to do so,” he said.

He added that if the Council of State advises that the petition should proceed, a committee will be set up in accordance with Article 146 of the Constitution. 

That committee must include at least two justices of the Supreme Court, which, according to Mr Ofosu Kwakye, underscores the independence and seriousness of the process.

Addressing concerns about transparency, he said the process remains grounded in constitutional provisions designed to ensure fairness, even if not all details are made public at the outset.

Responding to criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Ofosu Kwakye said past administrations had handled similar matters without objections from the same critics.

“The NPP is in no position to offer any lectures to government on this matter, given the very things that they did,” he remarked.

Mr Charles, a member of the government delegation handling related constitutional matters, is also said to have been involved in internal briefings, although he did not speak publicly.

The government has not provided a timeline for when the Council of State is expected to conclude its review. 

According to Mr Ofosu Kwakye, the timing is entirely at the discretion of the Council, and the President will act based on their advice.

A Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its final report on Ghana’s 2024 general elections, which saw John Dramani Mahama return as the country’s 14th president.

Led by the former President of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the COG concluded that the elections were transparent, credible, and peaceful. In addition, the observers made some recommendations to further strengthen the electoral process and institutions of democracy. 

The 16-member independent and multi-disciplinary team was deployed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. 

Commenting on the final report, Secretary-General Scotland said: 

“Ghana’s peaceful and credible elections are a testament to the country’s maturing democracy. The Commonwealth Observer Group has made a detailed assessment of the election, noting areas of significant strength and identifying opportunities for improvement, including the need for enhanced transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process.  

“I thank the members of the Commonwealth Observer group for their exceptional work, and I urge the national institutions in Ghana to implement the recommendations they have made. Above all, I thank and congratulate the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy.”   

The report commended the people of Ghana for maintaining an atmosphere of calm throughout the elections. The observers praised the professionalism displayed by polling staff and security agents as well as the diligence of party agents. The members of the COG also noted the statesmanship demonstrated by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his early concession to President John Dramani Mahama. 

The report noted that the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) had established additional polling stations and employed temporary polling staff to support the conduct of the elections. The increased number of polling stations and the capping of the number of voters per polling station were positive steps in the management of the elections, ensuring shorter queues and quicker voting times. 

Recalling recommendations made by previous COGs, this report reiterates the need for the development of an effective regulatory framework for campaign financing to prevent corruption and increase transparency. These rules would help to avoid opening the political system to the monetisation of politics and the commercialisation of elections. 

The COG also noted the delay in announcing results from some constituencies created some uncertainty and speculation. They recommended that the EC should address this issue in the future to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. 

The report builds upon the interim statement issued by Commonwealth observers in the days following the election, which was completed and signed by all members of the COG prior to their departure from Ghana.  

The final COG report has been distributed to the Government of Ghana, political parties, the Electoral Commission and all relevant stakeholders. 

Media contact

• Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat

• M: +44 7436 032707  |  Email

President Mahama with members of the Cocoa, Coffee & Sheanut Farmers Association

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the leadership of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to embrace innovation by adopting modern technology and best agronomic practices to enhance yields without expanding farm sizes.

He emphasised the need to move beyond traditional farming methods to ensure increased productivity and sustainability in the cocoa sector.

President Mahama made these remarks when the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey, led members of the Cocoa, Coffee & Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) to pay a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House in Accra.

He expressed gratitude to the farmers for their continued pragmatic investments, which have sustained the cocoa, coffee, and shea sectors.

Addressing financial challenges in the cocoa sector, President Mahama acknowledged that COCOBOD is saddled with significant debts accrued over the years.

However, he expressed optimism that the GH¢32 billion debt could be managed through fiscal discipline under the new leadership.

On environmental protection, President Mahama underscored the need for legal measures to safeguard cocoa farms from destruction.

He stated, “We will pass laws to protect cocoa trees and ensure they are not cut down for mining. This way, we will improve the sector and save the environment.”

He emphasised that preserving cocoa farmlands is crucial for the sustainability of the industry and the well-being of future generations.

The President pledged to revamp the cocoa sector, which is plagued by challenges such as illegal mining, smuggling, and inadequate input supply for farmers.

Additionally, he hinted at plans to diversify the sector, revealing that Ghana and Colombia are in discussions about collaborating on coffee production.

He also expressed confidence in ongoing negotiations with Sahel states to lift the ban on shea fruit exports for processing—an initiative that could significantly augment Ghana’s annual production, currently at about 70,000 metric tonnes.

In a speech read on his behalf, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, the National President of COCOSHE, highlighted the importance of the shea sector, which, like cocoa, contributes to foreign revenue generation.

However, he lamented the adverse effects of the collapse of the Buipe Shea Processing Plant, which has led to job losses.

Alhaji Bukari expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to revamping the Buipe Shea Factory so that it can play its rightful role in Ghana’s economy.

He reiterated COCOSHE’s call for the government to prioritise farmers’ welfare as an incentive to boost production.

He also urged the government to implement stringent measures to curb cocoa smuggling, which is detrimental to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings.

“Ghana is losing significant volumes of cocoa to this illicit activity, benefiting our neighbours by increasing their production levels while reducing ours. Illegal mining is also encroaching on the lands of our cocoa farmers, leaving many of them helpless,” he bemoaned.