CoQOA has raised concerns over the encroachment of its sites by unauthorised settlers

The Commercial Quarry Operators Association (CoQOA) has declared encroachment on quarry lands a national emergency, warning of severe risks to public safety and national development.

In a press release issued on June 11, 2025, CoQOA stated, “The alarming scale of encroachment on quarry lands across the country, particularly in areas such as Buoho, Ablekuma, Nsawam, and Budumburam, is causing rising threats to public safety and national development due to unauthorised occupation of quarry lands and buffer zones.”

The association highlighted that unauthorised structures are being erected in close proximity to active blasting sites, in blatant violation of Regulation 176 of the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), which mandates a 500-meter safety buffer between blasting zones and human settlements.

CoQOA clarified that “it is not licensed quarry operators violating safety protocols, but rather unauthorised settlers breaching legally protected zones,” some of whom “issue threats, incite unrest, and manipulate public sentiment through the media.”

CoQOA warned that unchecked encroachment endangers lives, threatens jobs, disrupts infrastructure projects, and causes significant revenue losses to the state.

The association appealed to the media to refrain from sensational coverage that fuels fear and misrepresents the facts and urged government bodies, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to act decisively.

The association also demanded actions, including “immediate demolition of all unauthorised structures within protected buffer zones,” prosecution of those involved in illegal land sales, disconnection of utility services to settlers, and expedited legal action on encroachment cases.

CoQOA further called for “formal government recognition of its association as a strategic partner in safeguarding quarry zones.”

The association warned that it will be compelled to suspend its operations if its concerns are not addressed. “Should these urgent issues continue to go unaddressed, CoQOA and its members may be compelled to suspend quarry operations nationwide to protect lives, equipment, and lawful concessions,” the statement added.

GA

By Joyce Danso

Accra, June 12, GNA- Six persons who were busted and arraigned over alleged fake one million dollars at Abokobi, have been discharged by an Accra Circuit Court.  

The trial Judge, Mrs Susan Eduful, discharged the accused because the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter.  

The accused are Abdel Razak Djidonou, a 44 -year-old Consultant, Simon Mbillam, a property agent, Mohammed Ibrahim, a 62-year-old contractor, Prince Pius, a 44-year-old businessman, George Bonsu, a 64-year-old driver and Chief Toni Silas, a 53-year-old businessman.  

One Dr Jamal, another suspect, is at large.   

The accused charged with conspiracy to commit crime and forgery, uttering or possession of forged notes had their pleas preserved because investigations were ongoing.  

Accused persons’ counsel, Mr Andrew Vortia, prayed for bail for the accused persons after recounting to the court how his clients had been subjected to facial and body injuries.   

The facts before the court are that complainant is a Ukrainian businessman.  

On June 8, 2025, the Police received information that some National Security Operatives had arrested the accused persons for possessing one green trunk and a “Ghana must go” bag with forged dollars.  

The accused persons were handed over to the Police together with the exhibits (forged dollar notes).  

During investigations, it was found out that the accused persons conspired and lured the complainant from Germany to Ghana under the pretext of offering the forged dollar notes which they claimed amounted to one million dollars for the complainant to airlift to Austria for investment.  

The accused persons are alleged to have charged and received payment of $10,000 as “appointment fee” from the complainant.  

After receiving the money, the accused persons convened a meeting at their warehouse at Abokobi with the complainant.  

Luck eluded them when the National Security Operatives arrested them.  

GNA  

Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong   

Emmanuel Mensah is the Head of Trade and Working Capital at Absa Bank Ghana

The Head of Trade and Working Capital at Absa Bank Ghana, Emmanuel Mensah, has expressed disappointment with what he described as Ghana’s slow response to the ongoing US-China trade war.

Speaking at the Citi Business Forum, he emphasised the need for urgent reforms in monitoring and responding to global economic trends.

Mensah noted that Ghana lacks a coherent and timely strategy to address the far-reaching implications of escalating global trade tensions, which could impact the country’s economic recovery.

‘We have had such tensions in the past, but as a country, we are too late in time in strategising and trying to navigate this maze of geopolitics,” he stated.

He called for a more proactive approach to navigating these challenges and developing effective strategies to mitigate potential risks and capitalise on opportunities.

Mensah further pointed out the need for Ghana to develop a coherent and timely strategy to address the implications of the trade war.

The country’s slow response has since raised concerns about its ability to navigate the complex global economic landscape and capitalise on opportunities arising from the trade tensions.

DR/EB

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You need deep roots, not deep pockets, to stand firm. This truth defined this year’s World Health Assembly, where the focus shifted from grand posturing to real change: ownership, inclusion and trust.

In a world of spectacle, that quiet honesty made the World Health Assembly historic.

The truth was clear: the era of ever- expanding global health budgets is over. Even the WHO cut evening sessions to save money. But this wasn’t an Assembly of despair – it was one of reinvention.

I attended the World Health Assembly – my second in 25 years – with a conviction: Africa is not too poor to deliver health care. What it needs are deep roots – ownership, inclusion & trust.

By ownership, I mean leadership and political commitment. Inclusion ensures no one is left out. And trust is built through credible partnerships to deliver on promises. This belief echoed through the sessions.

There was criticism. Some predictable, others profound. The US Health Secretary, in a recorded message, called the WHO outdated and proposed a new framework. U.S. abstained from the first pandemic agreement, backed by 124 nations.

The voices for change came from within. Do we need so many global health agencies? Can the WHO become smaller and leaner, as Thailand’s Suwit Wibulpolprasert asked? Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark called it a moment for reinvention.

That spirit turned into action. China pledged $500 million – now the WHO’s top state donor. Angola’s $8 million pledge signaled that Africa is stepping up. Novo Nordisk Foundation, CIFF, Nippon Foundation, Switzerland, Sweden, Qatar, and others added over $170 million.

The tone had changed: less posturing, more pragmatism.

Innovation and data are no longer buzzwords. They’re seen as vital tools for all countries – rich and poor – to guide investment, improve quality & rebuild trust.

Ghana, Egypt and Rwanda, among others, showcased health insurance schemes rooted in sovereignty, not dependency.

Pharma and big firms showed up in smaller forums that they once ignored – not to market products, but to discuss sustainability and trust.

NCDs – now causing 74% of global deaths – got deserved attention. HIV pooled procurement has cut ARV prices from $10,400 to $40. Could the same be done to make insulin and hypertensive medicines affordable?

Malaria, TB, maternal health and neglected diseases sessions echoed a shared truth. We don’t suffer from ignorance, but from the failure to deliver what we already know.

The workforce crisis was reframed. It’s not just a migration issue. It’s about systems that fail to absorb and empower talent. Wasted capacity is a policy failure.

The cracks in global health are visible – but they’re also seen as entry points for real reforms.

I left Geneva with hope, not hype.

Money is tight. But the resolve for impact felt real.

By Kwasi Boahene, Director of Health Systems, PharmAccess

Moroccan High Comissioner to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil (left) and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco without a visa following the implementation of a new visa-free travel agreement between the two countries.

In a statement shared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on X on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the minister announced that the Moroccan Embassy in Accra has officially commenced the ‘No Visa Policy’ for Ghanaian passport holders.

“The Moroccan Embassy in Accra confirms it has commenced the ‘No Visa Policy’ for holders of Ghanaian ordinary passport following the recent agreement I initiated,” he stated.

The Moroccan High Commissioner to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil via her X page welcomed Ghanaians to Morocco in Ghanaian Twi dialect: “Medofo Bra Morocco!” meaning “My friend, come to Morocco.”

The visa waiver marks a major step toward enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and business opportunities between Ghana and Morocco.

It also aligns with the broader vision of a borderless Africa, as promoted by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The policy is a direct result of high-level diplomatic engagement and reflects a broader push for greater mobility and integration across the African continent.

Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to enjoy their travel to “beautiful Morocco” and emphasised the symbolic importance of the deal, stating; “Let’s build a borderless Africa. For God and Country.”

Now we can officially say :

Medofo Bra Morocco 🇲🇦! https://t.co/EDejdrjXBc

— imane ouaadil (@ImaneOuaadil) June 12, 2025

The Moroccan Embassy in Accra confirms it has commenced the No Visa Policy for holders of Ghanaian Ordinary Passports following the recent agreement I initiated.

You all enjoy your trips to beautiful Morocco.

Let’s build a borderless Africa.

For God and Country 🇬🇭 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/NjhLBOe14f

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 12, 2025

SP/VPO

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana’s development hinges on building a “productive economy”, with horticulture playing a central role in that vision.

Speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 11, 2025, President Mahama called for a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector, urging bold investments, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships.

“Our goal is not just food security but economic security through agriculture… seek ye first the productive economy. Let us grow Ghana one fruit, one field, and one future at a time.”

The president outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalise the horticulture sector, beginning with the renewal of the Feed Ghana initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2028.

The programme includes targeted interventions such as the ‘Yeridua’ (We Are Planting) Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics to support young agripreneurs with skills training, funding, and mentorship.

He emphasised the moral and economic urgency of the reforms, describing the struggles of farmers as not only technical challenges but also national ethical concerns.

“Can a nation prosper if the very hands that feed it remain its most neglected?” he asked.

The expo, themed “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector”, brought together key stakeholders from across Africa, including government officials, exporters, financial institutions, and agribusiness leaders.

The event aimed to reposition horticulture as a viable engine of economic diversification, job creation, and export growth.

Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), echoed the president’s call for action, describing the expo as “a grand orchestra of ideas and enterprise”.

He pointed to the untapped potential of Ghana’s agro-ecological resources and challenged stakeholders to act boldly.

“Post-harvest losses still exceed 30%, and yields for crops like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts remain below global standards,” Korboe said.

“Yet the global horticulture market is projected to reach over $320 billion by 2030. Ghana must claim its share.”

He also highlighted the transformative potential of the 24-Hour Economy policy, describing it as a game-changer for horticulture.

“Imagine cold storage running through the night, agro-processing plants operating in shifts, and exports moving without delay. This is not a fantasy; it’s a vision within reach,” he noted.

Korboe took aim at rigid banking practices, calling on financial institutions to support innovation over collateral.

“Banking must go beyond vaults and spreadsheets. Let’s bank on ideas, nurture businesses, and grow together,” he stated.

Chairperson of the Expo and Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks, Dr Prince Kofi Kludjeson, called for equity reforms to strengthen private sector participation in agriculture.

“We cannot transform Ghana’s economy if farmers remain disadvantaged in ownership and investment,” he said.

He also advocated for local grocery franchises and smart agriculture systems to meet domestic and international demands.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) announced a new Youth in Export Programme, aimed at engaging young people in export-led horticulture, particularly in underserved communities.

“The horticultural sector holds immense promise for us as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

“The Ghana Export Promotion Authority is working in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters and other stakeholders to roll out the Youth in Export Programme, targeting young people in communities across the country.”

Kwaku Boateng, the Vice President of the Coconut Federation Ghana, called for collaboration between the government and stakeholders to drive the developmental agenda in the agricultural sector.

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.

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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.

KIA to get a modern air traffic control tower

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has noted that ongoing projects at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) will soon be completed.

According to him, the government is putting measures in place to uplift the status of the airport to a business and air traffic centre in West Africa.

He noted that these measures include the construction of a modern air traffic control tower centre.

“The construction of the modern air traffic control tower centre will transform our airspace management systems, boosting radar surveillance, communication efficiency, and safety protocols. All these projects are very much on course,” he said.

He added that the project will be completed by the end of 2025.

“It is expected that by the end of next year, the modern air traffic control centre will be completed. The forthcoming implementation, I must say, (sic) is more than 80% complete. The infrastructural part of it is 100% complete,” he was quoted in a report by myjoyonline.com on June 12, 2025.

Rev Wilfred said the GCAA is also working to broaden its data system to coordinate and harmonise flight activities at the airport.

According to him, the advanced passenger information system will improve security by receiving all passenger data at a central point to be analysed by the state security agencies when needed.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) will then be able to identify persons entering Ghana’s airspace before they land at any airport in the country.

“What exactly am I referring to? I am referring to the advanced passenger information system and the passenger name record system that is long overdue to be implemented in Ghana,” he said.

SSD/VPO

play videoSamuel Nartey George is the Minister for Communication Digital Technology and Innovation

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, is addressing Parliament on the closure of 64 media houses.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) directed the immediate suspension of operations of 64 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including Wontumi FM and Asaase Radio, for failing to comply with broadcasting regulations.

The statement by the NCA indicated that out of 62 media houses that were shut down, 28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations, while 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, breaching the regulatory timelines.

Thirteen (13) are operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.

The remaining seven (7) stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation is pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations.

Watch a livestream of the sitting below:

BAI/

Watch as ongoing GRNMA strike disrupts healthcare, leaves patients stranded

Meanwhile, BECE 2025 kicks off across Ghana as over 600,000 candidates sit exams

President John Dramani Mahama has called for the immediate restoration of broadcast services to 62 radio stations shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for regulatory breaches.

In a directive to the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, President Mahama requested a collaboration between the ministry and the NCA to ensure the affected stations resume broadcasting without delay.

This was contained in a release by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, today, a few hours after the NCA shut down the stations.

The statement explained that President Mahama believes in the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with media freedom.

Read Also:Happy FM, Asaase Radio, Wontumi FM and 59 others shut down for ‘regulatory breaches’

Hence, “requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could limit the space for expressing such freedoms.”

The release stressed that media outlets play a vital role in democratic societies and should be supported in fulfilling that role.

To that end, the President has also directed the Minister to engage the NCA in setting “a reasonable timeframe within which the affected stations should regularise their authorisation”.

The affected stations include Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA said the enforcement action targets stations that have failed to comply with key provisions of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), specifically Regulations 54 and 56, as well as the terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorisations.

The crackdown followed a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, instructing the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.

According to the NCA, the enforcement is being rolled out in phases, beginning with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions identified in the first phase include:

1. Twenty-eight (28) FM stations operating with expired authorisations, despite prior orders issued in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These stations remain on air in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
2. Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although they have since requested inspections, various lapses have stalled the process — yet these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.
3. Thirteen (13) FM stations with Provisional Authorisations who have not settled the requisite fees in full, and therefore lack valid authorisations to operate. This again breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.
4. Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of Regulation 54 requirements.

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.

Actor Adjetey Anang receives awards at the Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards

The highly anticipated Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards took place on Saturday, June 7th, at the Conference Centre Arena, bringing together the nation’s most influential personalities, top celebrities, companies, and organizations.

The event celebrated individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to various fields, driving positive change and impacting lives in Ghana.

Themed around recognizing and honoring impact, the awards ceremony showcased the best of Ghana’s creative, business, and social sectors. Awardees were recognized for their outstanding achievements in categories ranging from Impact in Sustainable Agribusiness, Food Security, and Women Empowerment to Impact in Quality Management and Leadership, among others.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees and awardees alike praising the organizers for their efforts in highlighting the importance of impact and responsible leadership. The Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards has cemented its place as a premier event in Ghana’s awards calendar, providing a platform for influencers and change-makers to shine.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable work and contributions to Ghana’s development. The Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards looks forward to continuing to celebrate and recognize the nation’s most impactful individuals and organizations in the years to come.

The event was hosted by one of Ghana’s finest comedians, Foster Romanus.

Here is the full list of winners for the Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024:

Most Impactful Ghanaian Award

Dr. Osei Kwame Despite

Impactful Female Celebrity Of The Year 2024

Oheneyere Gifty Anti

Impactful Male Celebrity Of The Year 2024

Adjetey Anang

Impact In Sustainable Agribusiness, Food Security And Women Empowerment

Dr. Mrs. Adlaide Araba Siaw Agyepong

Impact In Quality Management And Leadership

Professor Mrs. Goski Alabi

Impact In Ministry And Leadership

Dr. Mensa Otabil

Impact In Education Award

Mtn Ghana Foundation

Impact In Health Award

Telecel Ghana Foundation

Impact In Women Healthcare And Empowerment

Lordina Mahama Foundation

Impact In Banking And Finance

First Bank Ghana

Impact In Sustainable Banking

First National Bank Ghana

Impact In Tourism Growth And Development In Ghana

Ghana Tourism Authority

Impact In Sustainable Mining

Golden Star Wasa Mining Limited

Impact In Hospitality

Maame Efua Houadjeto

Ceo, Ghana Tourism Authority

Impact In Shipping And Trade Growth And Development

Ghana Shippers Authority

Impact In Journalism Growth And Development

Ghana Journalists Association

Impact On The Environment

Zoomlion Ghana

Impact In Agriculture

Amg Fertilizer Limited/Olam Ghana

Impact In Sustainable Real Estate

Gold Key Properties

Impact In Oil And Gas

Springfield Group/Ghana National Gas Company

Impact In Energy

Total Energies Ghana/Volta River Authority

Impact In Community Development

Kgl Foundation

Impact In Empowerment

Goil

Impact In Standardization And Quality Control Management

Ghana Standards Authority

Impactful Male Artiste Of The Year 2024

Nacee

Impactful Female Artiste Of The Year 2024

Empress Gifty

Impactful Actor Of The Year 2024

Adjetey Anang

Impactful Actress Of The Year 2024

Martha Ankomah

Impactful Socialite Of The Year 2024

Osebo The Zaraman

Impactful Tv Personality The Year 2024

Captain Smart

Impactful Radio Personality Of The Year 2024

Johnnie Hughes

Impactful Comedian Of The Year 2024

Foster Romanus

Impactful Celebrity Foundation Of The Year 2024

Akumaa Mama Zimbi Foundation

Impactful Mc Of The Year 2024

Nathaniel Attoh

Impactful Fashion Designer Of The Year 2024

Kofi Okyere Darko (Kod)

Impactful Movie Producer Of The Year 2024

Bill Asamoah

Impact on Youth in Sports

Sharaf Mahama

Professor Irene Egyir is the Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana

A renowned Agriculture Economist and Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, Professor Irene Egyir, has expressed disappointment with the slow pace of implementation of government agricultural initiatives.

Speaking in an interview as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Egyir acknowledged the good intentions behind these initiatives but criticised the lack of timely execution, which she believes is crucial in agriculture.

“Timing is crucial in agriculture, especially when we depend heavily on rainfall patterns. When inputs arrive late, farmers lose the opportunity to plant at the right time, which ultimately affects productivity and food security,” she said.

She pointed out the challenges farmers face in accessing government agricultural support programs.

She also noted that even farmers with their own resources who want to participate in community farming initiatives struggle to benefit from these programs due to administrative barriers.

“We have farmers who are willing to invest their own money, but they cannot access the support they need because of cumbersome processes,” she stated.

She urged the government to simplify and streamline agricultural support

programs, making them more accessible to farmers across the country.

“If we can make these programs farmer-friendly, we can boost productivity, reduce food imports, and ultimately improve food security,” she advised.

Her call comes at a time when food inflation remains a pressing concern, despite efforts to sustain Ghana’s current disinflation path.

By addressing the challenges in agricultural support programs, she believes that the country can make significant strides in improving agricultural productivity and reducing its reliance on food imports.

DR/EB

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