HR Focus Africa, a subsidiary of L’AINE HR, announces the return of the HR Focus Africa Conference & Awards 2025, scheduled for Friday, October 17th, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana.

The premier continental HR gathering will convene over 1,000 HR professionals, business leaders, and policymakers both in-person and virtually across Africa.

This year’s conference theme, “Equity, Innovation & Impact: Reimagining Work and Talent in Africa’s Emerging Future,” positions Africa as a pioneer in global workplace transformation conversations. The 2024 edition successfully brought together over 600 top-tier HR professionals and business leaders, establishing the event as the continent’s definitive HR platform.

The comprehensive programme features cutting-edge panel discussions with industry thought leaders, immersive exhibitions showcasing HR technologies and solutions, interactive workshops on emerging HR practices, premium networking opportunities, and the prestigious HR Focus Africa Awards ceremony.

The biennial awards celebrate excellence across multiple categories including Sector Awards recognising outstanding HR management in Banking and Finance, Insurance, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Oil and Gas, and Construction sectors, Function Awards honouring excellence in Learning and Development, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Compensation & Benefits, Personality Awards including HR Manager of the Year, HR Practitioner of the Year, and HR Rising Star of the Year, and Innovation Awards for organisations leading in Sustainable HR Management and Flexible & Remote Work arrangements.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated: “Every year, our focus is to push the boundaries of innovation by creating a platform for shared learning and people development. For thirteen years, we have remained committed to this mission — and we have no intention of stopping now.”

Managing Director of L’AINE HR, James Laar commented: “Over the years, our conferences have grown to become reference points for key decisions shaping the world of work in both the private and public sectors. The conversations that take place and the connections forged during the conference continue to drive sustainable growth in businesses and across the African ecosystem. This is an event the leadership of L’AINE HR is truly proud of.”

The conference delivers substantial benefits to Africa’s HR industry by facilitating knowledge transfer across continental markets, fostering innovation through collaborative dialogue, establishing professional networks spanning multiple economies, and accelerating the adoption of best practices in HR management. The awards programme elevates professional standards by recognising excellence, encouraging innovation in HR practices, promoting ethical leadership, and showcasing African HR talent on the global stage.

As an award-winning and innovative HR organisation, L’AINE HR continues to innovate and lead the way for ethical HR practice across Africa. The company’s commitment to advancing professional standards through the HR Focus platform shows its dedication to continental HR development.

The event offers exceptional value through direct access to over 1,000 senior HR professionals, brand visibility across multiple channels, thought leadership positioning, and association with Africa’s most prestigious HR event. Exhibition spaces remain available for organisations seeking to showcase HR solutions to this influential audience.

Registration opens with tiered pricing options: VIP tickets at GHS 2,100, Standard tickets at GHS 1,100, complimentary Changemakers tickets for HR Directors, and discounted Universe member tickets at GHS 660 for HR professionals who are members of HR Focus Universe. Virtual participation enables continental-wide engagement for remote attendees. Limited exhibition and sponsorship opportunities remain available.

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.

Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over Ghana’s decision to participate in a deportee arrangement with the United States.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on September 24, the legislator argued that his South Tongue counterpart’s handling of the matter shows a worrying lack of depth.

“In my humble opinion, I think the minister has taken a very simplistic view of this matter, and it is quite worrying,” the lawyer said.

Read also: Cabinet approves U.S. deportees MoU, it’s not a full agreement – Ablakwa clarifies

Read also: Six West Africans deported to Ghana from US sent to Togo despite legal fight

The Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah, has stated that the fight against illegal gold mining, popularly known as galamsey, cannot succeed without the active involvement of traditional leaders.

His comments come amid mounting pressure from civil society groups and other stakeholders urging the government to declare a state of emergency in mining hotspots to confront the menace.

Speaking during a fireside chat organised by the School of Communications Studies at the University of Wisconsin in Accra, the renowned businessman noted that the problem is not the absence of legislation but the failure of authorities to enforce existing laws.

“The laws are there; don’t mine in forest reserves, and when you do, you have to clean it up. So, it is not that we need more laws; it is the case that we need more enforcement.

“You can only enforce when there is an important element that is missing in all of it, which is the involvement of traditional leaders and the community,” he said.

Mahama gov’t credibility dented by failed galamsey promises – Barker-Vormawor

Donald Trump has demanded an investigation into what he called a “triple sabotage” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.

In a post on social media, the US president referred to an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on, a teleprompter malfunctioning during his speech, and an audio issue in the auditorium.

A UN official said the sound system was designed to allow people to hear translated speeches through earpieces.

The UN previously said a safety mechanism might have been triggered by Trump’s videographer who had been travelling backwards up the escalator while the teleprompter belonged to the US delegation.

Trump criticised the incidents on Truth Social and said he was sending a letter to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, demanding an immediate probe.

“A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday – Not one, not two, but three very sinister events!” he wrote.

“This wasn’t a coincidence; this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.”

He also called for the arrest of the people responsible for the escalator incident, referencing an article in the Sunday Times that said UN workers joked about turning off the escalators.

“This was absolutely sabotage… All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved,” Trump added.

Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the UN, echoed the president’s call for an official probe, saying the incidents were “unacceptable”.

“The United States will not tolerate threats to our security or dignity at international forums. We expect swift cooperation and decisive action,” he wrote on X.

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt raised concerns that someone deliberately stopped the escalator.

“If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately,” she wrote on X after the incident.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, said Trump’s videographer “may have inadvertently triggered the safety function” while filming the couple.

After the escalator mishap, Trump ran into more technical difficulties when he said the teleprompter was not working – although it was restored towards the end of his address.

“I can only say that whoever’s operating this teleprompter is in big trouble,” he said.

A UN official later told the BBC the White House was operating the teleprompter at the time, bringing their own laptops and plugging them into the UN’s system.

Trump also referred to audio issues in his lengthy post, saying “the sound was completely off in the Auditorium”.

“World Leaders, unless they used the interpreters’ earpieces, couldn’t hear a thing,” he added.

In response to Trump’s comments, a UN official said: ”The sound system was designed to allow people at their seats to hear speeches being translated into six different languages through earpieces.”

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.

While electricity tariffs will go up, the PURC confirmed that water tariffs will remain unchanged

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 1.14 percent upward adjustment in electricity tariffs for all consumer categories, effective October 1, 2025.

In its latest review, the Commission said the adjustment was necessary to ensure the sustainability of power supply and to balance the interests of consumers and utility service providers.

While electricity tariffs will go up, the PURC confirmed that water tariffs will remain unchanged for the same period.

The Commission assured the public that it remains committed to protecting consumers while ensuring that utility providers recover costs required to maintain and improve essential services.

President John Dramani Mahama

Peace Watch Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against the widespread issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

According to Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, the menace of illegal mining is severely damaging Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves and the environment at large.

She expressed deep concern over a recent study that revealed the presence of toxins in local produce such as cocoyam leaves (kontomire), fish and other vegetables. Madam Daniels warned that failure to address illegal mining could lead to a serious public health crisis.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, she called for the implementation of drastic measures that would send a strong signal to those engaged in illegal mining.

She emphasized that the fight against galamsey is a collective responsibility and encouraged advocacy groups to sustain their efforts.

“We have a collective responsibility as Ghanaians to support government efforts in addressing this challenge,” she stated.

“We know the government is doing its best, but we can do far better.”

Addressing the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) call for a demonstration against the government, she questioned its effectiveness, asking, “Will a demonstration solve the problem?” She advocated instead for unified support, urging all to “join forces in fighting galamsey, which is now a dangerous disease destroying the country.”

She clarified that the organisation is not against mining itself but insists that the sector must be properly regulated, with strict enforcement of the law against violators.

Madam Daniels further advised the government to collaborate with individuals outside the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the government.

“Let’s think about Ghana first,” she urged, calling on President Mahama to invite skilled and knowledgeable personalities to assist in the fight against illegal mining, regardless of political affiliation.

“Galamsey is a threat to human life. The dangers will not affect just one person. Our local foods and vegetables have been contaminated, and it is time for us to take bold action by working together and setting aside our political differences,” she said.

In a specific recommendation, she urged the Minister for Lands to consult Professor Frimpong Boateng, citing his expertise and experience in combating galamsey.

The roundtable, set to attract American investors and Ghanaian business leaders

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, made a symbolic appearance at the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York ahead of a high-level U.S.-Ghana Executive Business Roundtable organised by the U S Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The roundtable, set to attract American investors and Ghanaian business leaders, is designed to strengthen trade ties, highlight Ghana’s investment opportunities, and deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

President Mahama’s presence at NASDAQ underscored Ghana’s commitment to positioning itself as a competitive investment destination, while also signalling the growing relevance of Africa’s emerging markets to the global financial ecosystem.

The event comes at a time when U S -Africa economic engagement is gaining momentum, with Ghana seeking to leverage its status as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to attract long-term foreign direct investment.

Business leaders from energy, finance, agriculture and technology sectors are expected to participate in the discussions, which aim to create new pathways for private sector partnerships between the two countries.

Ghana has pledged to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, joining 16 other African nations in endorsing National Energy Compacts under the World Bank and African Development Bank-led Mission 300 initiative.

Speaking at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, President John Mahama said energy is central to Ghana’s development goals.

“Ghana believes universal energy access is key to empowering businesses, reducing poverty, and creating equal opportunities.

“This goal can only be achieved through strong government–private sector partnerships, supported by an enabling environment for sustainable investment.”

Mission 300 seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

Since its launch, 30 million people have already gained access, with another 100 million connections in the pipeline.

The Energy Compacts provide practical blueprints for investment, reform, and policy innovation.

Ghana’s commitment mirrors a wave of ambitious pledges across the continent.

Botswana’s President Duma Boko said their compact would ensure “accessible, reliable and affordable energy as a basic human need” to drive job creation and economic transformation.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya promised reforms to promote renewable energy and build a low-carbon future.

The Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso highlighted his country’s vast hydro potential of 27,000 MW, saying it could not only achieve universal access but also export surplus power to cover more than one-third of Africa’s electricity needs.

Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie underscored a push to unlock renewable resources and expand regional power integration.

The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow described electricity access as central to scaling renewables, improving infrastructure, and transforming governance in the sector.

Other countries pledged bold reforms. Kenya’s President William Ruto said clean power access was a cornerstone of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo spoke of positioning his country as a regional energy powerhouse.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio called their compact “the most ambitious energy infrastructure initiative ever developed” for the country.

World Bank President Ajay Banga framed Mission 300 as a historic opportunity.

“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. That’s why Mission 300 is more than a target—it is forging enduring reforms that slash costs, strengthen utilities, and draw in private investment.”

African Development Bank President Dr Sidi Ould Tah added: “Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industrial value-addition. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck.”

With Ghana and its peers backing the Energy Compacts, the World Bank and AfDB say Africa is advancing on the most ambitious electricity expansion drive in history.

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.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has issued a strong warning to the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), threatening to resist the planned resumption of train services on the Tema-Mpakadan corridor if outstanding labour issues are not resolved.

The warning comes in direct response to an announcement by the Chief Executive Officer of the GRDA, Dr. Frederick Appoh, on Wednesday, that passenger services would resume on October 1, 2025.

Dr. Appoh stated that initial challenges, including infrastructure defects and land encroachment, have been resolved.

Afienya-Tema, Afienya-Adome train services to be rolled out from October 1

However, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, speaking at a press conference in Accra the same day, highlighted a critical unresolved issue: workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) have not been paid for 12 months.

“This press conference is about Ghana Railway Company Limited, a company wholly owned by the government of Ghana. As you may already be aware, it’s been 12 solid months since the workers of the company were paid. Just imagine the situation of a worker and their families in today’s Ghana without a salary for 12 calendar months,” he said.

The TUC accused the government of attempting to sideline the legitimate operator, the GRCL, which is wholly government-owned. Ansah cautioned the Ministry and the GRDA to “desist from the unholy attempt to run the trains without the operator.”

“The TUC would like to caution the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Development Authority to desist from the unholy attempt to run the trains without the operator. The Ghana Railway Company Limited, which is the operator, the ministry can’t purport to run the Mpakadan rail line and other lines without the operator. We will resist any attempt to sideline the Ghana Railway Company Limited,” he added.

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Martin Amidu breaks silence on removal of Gertrude Torkornoo

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Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has served a stern warning to criminals, saying the Police is coming after them.

“To the criminals out there, always remember that you may run and hide, but we will surely get you arrested to face the full rigours of the law; we are coming for you.”

COP Donkor said this during a press briefing on the arrest of 10 suspects behind rural bank robberies in the country.

Three accomplices of the 10 suspects have been shot dead during a shootout, while the Police are making frantic efforts to nab the other absconding suspects

COP Donkor said the 10 suspects include Akwesi Agyei aka Cobra, Ibrahim Alhassan, Samuel Appiah aka Akwasi Mugu, Francis Acquah aka Preman, David Obuobi, aka Wasty and Martin Akansina aka One Billion.

The rest are Nana Yaw Frimpong aka Mystical, Kojo Atingwo aka Borga, Samuel Akwasi Gyan and Stephen Sey.

According to her, the suspects between April 10, 2025, to September 14, 2025, attacked the Adansi Rural Bank in Fomea, Lower Pra Rural Bank in Takoradi Inchaban, Asokore Rural Bank in Asokwa, Ahafo Kukuom Rural Community Bank, Nwabiagya Rural Bank in Ofinso, Bosumtwi Rural Bank at Suntreso Kakum Rural Bank in Elimina, MRB Bank in Winneba, South Birim Rural Bank in Akim Asene, Ecobank in the Ahafo Kenyasi branch and the St Martin De Porres Cooperative Credit Union in Atonsu.

COP Donkor said following the arrest of the suspects, the Police had retrieved three AK-47 assault rifles, a single-barreled gun with one AA ammunition, seven pump-action guns and 96 rounds of AAA ammunition, three Bruni Pistols with 40 rounds of ammunition and a M&P pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

Again, the CID Boss said cash of GHC18,845, 104 dollars, 190 Liberian Dollars, 5,800 Niara, 31,000 CFA and a quantity of assorted Ghanaian coins have been retrieved.

COP Donkor said the Police also impounded six vehicles, four motorbikes, assorted mobile phones and jewellery.

COP Donkor noted that one of the AK-47 rifles marked by the Police was retrieved from the gang.

The rifle was issued to General Lance Corporal Francis Yaw Adu, who was stationed at Tepa District Police headquarters.

According to COP Donkor, General Lance Corporal Adu was attacked by armed robbers and killed on the Bibiani-Goaso Highway on November 29, 2024, while returning from official duty.

“The other two AK-47 rifles, also Service weapons, were snatched from officers who were on duty at Ecobank Ahafo Kenyasi when they were attacked by a gang of armed robbers on September 8, 2025.

She said a critical analysis of the robberies between November 2024 and September 2025 revealed that those robberies led to “similar modus operandi” employed by the robbers.

“Their modus was that the gang armed with pump action guns attack a bank, hold the security guards hostage, snatch their weapons and use industrial cutting machines to break into the vault of the bank.

COP Donkor said intelligence gathering across the affected regions led the Police to one of the suspects, one Kwabena Owusu Ansah aka Kobby, an ex-convict who was believed to be the mastermind, recruiting several others for the robbery expedition.

She said based on intelligence, a team of officers proceeded to the house of Akwasi Agyei, aka Cobra, the leader of the gang, at his hideout at Esereso Adagya and two AK-47 rifles with a magazine loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack and same were buried in a pond of water.

During interrogation, COP Donkor said Kwasi Agyei aka Cobra, admitted committing the robberies and mentioned Kwabena Owusu-Ansah aka Kobby, David Obuobi, Francis Acquah, Stephen Sey, Martin Akansina, Kweku Peprah, Nana Yaw Frimpong, Atingawo, Alhassan Ibrahim, Samuel Appiah, Samuel Akwasi Gyan, Natty Bongo, one Boozin and one Albert as his accomplices.

COP Donkor said investigations conducted so far, she could report that the suspects, during interrogation, had confessed to their involvement in the robberies

She said the suspects also confirmed that they were present at the various crime scenes, and some victims had identified them during an identification parade.

The CID Boss said the suspects, currently in custody, would be put before court while efforts were being intensified to arrest those at large.

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.

Ato Forson (L) pictured with UK’s Trade Commissioner to Africa (R)

Ghana has signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with the UK with the hope to unlock funding to finance “The Big Push”, and other government programmes.

The deal was signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and the UK Export Finance, and the UK’s Trade Commissioner to Africa, John Humphrey in Accra as part of an official visit to Ghana.

According to Ato Forson, the agreement sends a strong signal to other members of the committee to also quickly sign the official agreement.

The agreement will see the resumption of five key projects identified as priorities by government with infrastructure investment of about 2.8 billion cedis for Ghana.

Government, BADEA sign MoU to boost 24-Hour Economy and export development

The debt agreement is expected to reduce financing pressures on the government to focus on some initiatives in the 2025 National Budget and economic programmes.

Dr Ato Forson added that the development will restore the country to debt sustainability.

“Today we’re going to sign the third of the many bilateral agreements as we signed the first one with France and the second with the Exim Bank of China. We taking steps to restructure debt in excess of 256 million dollars and this will unlock five major projects namely; the Bolgatanga Road, Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange phase 2, Kejetia Market phase 2, Tema Aflao road project and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity project in Kumasi. We believe that after the signing, the projects will begin, ” he noted.

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John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former government spokesperson on governance and security, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately appoint a substantive Defence Minister.

In an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, Dr Boakye-Danquah argued that the delay in replacing the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah poses a significant threat to national security.

He acknowledged the tragic passing of the former minister but stressed the urgency of filling the position, given the current security climate in Ghana.

“I am urging President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Defence Minister,” Dr Boakye-Danquah stated.

“The current chaos and insecurity are one too many. Since January 15, we have witnessed numerous violent incidents, including the Gbenyiri conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 34 people and displaced over 48,000, who are now refugees.”

He asserted that the present security situation represents a decline from the state of the nation when former President Akufo-Addo handed over power.

“Akufo-Addo left Mahama a secure country and a stable economy. The security of the country is not currently being managed well,” he remarked.

Dr Boakye-Danquah strongly believes that appointing a substantive minister would be instrumental in addressing the ongoing insecurity.

He described the decision to have Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson act as Defence Minister as an “unwise security decision,” arguing that Dr. Forson is already “overwhelmed with issues of the economy.”

He further urged the President to recall Parliament’s Appointments Committee to vet the new appointee without delay.

Dr Boakye-Danquah also offered an alternative suggestion, stating that the President could assume the role of Defence Minister himself, noting that such a precedent had been set before.

“I know he is out of the country for the UN General Assembly, but this is an equally important issue the President ought to address,” he concluded. “He must act immediately to ensure that we preserve the stability of the country.”

King Charles III of the United Kingdom

A letter has surfaced showing how the King of England, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, expressed his condolences to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over the passing of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa of the Ashanti Kingdom.

In an official letter from Buckingham Palace dated August 14, 2025, the British monarch conveyed his “deepest sympathy” to his friend, the Asantehene, and the entire Asante nation.

Gathering of Mystical Powers: Watch display of Ewe culture at Asantehemaa’s funeral

King Charles praised the late Queen Mother’s lifelong dedication to her people, noting her “deep devotion to preserving the traditions and unity of the Ashanti.”

“Her Royal Majesty demonstrated a deep devotion to preserving the traditions and unity of the Ashanti throughout her life and served as an exemplar of wise, fair and gracious judgement and counsel,” the letter said.

The King specifically acknowledged the Asantehemaa’s tireless work for charitable causes, which “touched the lives of so many mothers and children.”

“With her many years’ experience of guidance, leadership and tireless service to charitable causes, which touched the lives of so many mothers and children, Her Royal Majesty leaves a lasting legacy for your Kingdom. Her passing is an immense loss which I know will be keenly felt in the Ashanti community around the world,” the letter added.

The message concluded with personal thoughts for the Asantehene and his family, with King Charles stating, “My wife joins me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to all those who share in your mourning.”

See the letter below:

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Sep – 25 – 2025 , 00:07

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Environmental advocate Roger A. Agana has added his voice to escalating calls for President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining (galamsey), arguing that Ghana faces an “environmental apocalypse” requiring extraordinary constitutional measures.

In a strongly-worded editorial published on NewsGhana.com.gh on September 25, 2025, Agana declared that “the mounting environmental catastrophe demands extraordinary measures that only emergency powers can deliver” and that “the hour for half-measures has passed.”

The environmental advocate’s intervention comes amid intensifying pressure from multiple civil society organizations. The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has renewed demands for emergency declaration, citing over 7,000 excavators causing mass environmental destruction across the country, while the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, through Convenor Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has argued that the scale of destruction to Ghana’s environment warrants extraordinary action.

Agana’s editorial emphasizes the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, noting that “entire communities like Gomoa Buduburam have gone nearly a month without treated water flowing through their distribution networks” and describing the situation as “not just environmental degradation—it is a humanitarian crisis.”

The advocate argues that emergency declaration under Article 31 of the Constitution would enable rapid deployment of security forces to mining hotspots, immediate equipment seizures, and strict movement controls in devastated areas. He contends that conventional enforcement has “failed spectacularly” while environmental destruction continues unabated.

However, Agana’s position faces opposition from legal experts and political figures who question emergency powers’ effectiveness. Legal practitioner Musah Ahmed of Ahmed Legal Consult has cautioned that declaring a state of emergency would not automatically resolve the galamsey crisis, while former Vice President Bawumia aide Dennis Miracles Aboagye argues that government should invest in social mindset reorientation rather than emergency measures.

The debate occurs against a backdrop of documented environmental devastation. Agana cites Water Resources Commission data indicating that 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are now polluted, with illegal mining having degraded 40% of the country’s forests. He argues that mining operations release toxic chemicals including mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium into ecosystems, creating health hazards for future generations.

President Mahama has maintained a cautious stance on emergency declarations. At a media engagement on September 10, 2025, the President ruled out immediate state of emergency measures, insisting that existing laws provide sufficient framework for addressing illegal mining.

Constitutional expert Dr. Elvis Banoemuleng Botah has previously argued that the galamsey crisis warrants state of emergency declaration, joining voices calling for extraordinary presidential action. The constitutional debate centers on whether illegal mining meets Article 31 requirements for threats to national life, public safety, and territorial integrity.

Agana acknowledges concerns about emergency power abuse but argues that safeguards including clear timelines, judicial oversight, and transparent exit strategies can address such risks. He contends that emergency powers should target the most devastated zones while implementing fast-tracked legal reforms and environmental restoration initiatives.

The environmental advocate’s editorial represents the latest contribution to Ghana’s ongoing galamsey emergency debate, joining religious leaders, civil society coalitions, and policy analysts in demanding decisive presidential action. Recent civil society pressure has included appearances on television programs and sustained media campaigns highlighting environmental destruction statistics.

Economic implications feature prominently in Agana’s argument. He notes that water treatment costs have skyrocketed as companies struggle with increasingly polluted sources, while agricultural productivity has plummeted in former mining areas. The Ghana Water Company Limited has requested massive tariff increases, passing pollution costs to consumers facing economic hardship.

Agana concludes his editorial with a direct appeal to President Mahama, stating that “the choice facing President Mahama is stark: declare emergency powers to save Ghana’s environment or watch helplessly as illegal mining completes its destruction of our natural heritage.”

The growing chorus of emergency declaration advocates faces ongoing resistance from the presidency and legal experts who favor conventional enforcement mechanisms over extraordinary constitutional measures. The debate reflects broader tensions between environmental urgency and democratic governance principles in addressing Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.

President John Dramani Mahama must act decisively and declare a state of emergency to combat the galamsey crisis that threatens Ghana’s very survival. The mounting environmental catastrophe demands extraordinary measures that only emergency powers can deliver. The hour for half-measures has passed.

Ghana faces an environmental apocalypse. Illegal mining has degraded 40% of our forests and polluted 60% of our water bodies, while the Water Resources Commission confirms that about 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are now polluted, with many in critical condition. These are not mere statistics—they represent the systematic destruction of our nation’s life-support systems.

The urgency becomes clearer when we examine the scale of contamination. Mining operations release toxic chemicals including mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium into our ecosystems, creating health hazards that will plague generations of Ghanaians. Research shows that over 70% of community members express extreme concern about declining water quality and the drying up of streams and rivers due to galamsey.

Our water crisis has reached breaking point. Communities across Ghana struggle with access to clean water as treatment facilities shut down due to pollution levels that exceed processing capabilities. Entire communities like Gomoa Buduburam have gone nearly a month without treated water flowing through their distribution networks. This is not just environmental degradation—it is a humanitarian crisis.

The economic implications are equally devastating. Water treatment costs have skyrocketed as companies struggle to purify increasingly polluted sources. Agricultural productivity has plummeted in former mining areas, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The Ghana Water Company Limited has requested massive tariff increases, passing pollution costs to consumers already struggling with economic hardship.

Critics argue that emergency powers represent governmental overreach or that conventional measures remain sufficient. This perspective fundamentally misunderstands the crisis’s scope and urgency. Conventional enforcement has failed spectacularly. While bureaucrats debate procedural niceties, our rivers die and our forests disappear.

Emergency declaration under Article 31 of the Constitution would enable rapid deployment of security forces to mining hotspots, immediate equipment seizures, and strict movement controls in devastated areas. These measures could halt the most destructive mining operations within weeks rather than years.

More importantly, emergency powers would demonstrate political will that current rhetoric lacks. Galamsey operators and their political protectors must understand that Ghana’s government prioritizes environmental survival over short-term economic gains from illegal mining. Half-hearted enforcement signals acceptance of environmental destruction.

The presidency’s preference for gradual reforms ignores the crisis’s exponential nature. Every day of delay allows further contamination of water sources, deeper forest penetration, and expanded criminal networks. Permit-tracking systems and community agreements cannot match the urgency required when facing environmental collapse.

However, emergency declaration must include safeguards. Clear timelines, judicial oversight, and transparent exit strategies remain essential. Emergency powers should target the most devastated zones while implementing fast-tracked legal reforms, alternative livelihood programs, and environmental restoration initiatives.

Constitutional experts confirm that galamsey meets Article 31 requirements. When illegal activities threaten national life, public safety, and territorial integrity, emergency powers become not just permissible but necessary. Ghana’s environmental crisis satisfies these constitutional thresholds.

International precedents support emergency environmental responses. When faced with existential threats, responsible governments deploy available constitutional tools. Ghana’s failure to act decisively while possessing legal mechanisms for emergency response would represent governmental negligence.

The choice facing President Mahama is stark: declare emergency powers to save Ghana’s environment or watch helplessly as illegal mining completes its destruction of our natural heritage. Political caution in the face of environmental catastrophe amounts to complicity.

Our children deserve better. They deserve rivers that run clear, forests that thrive, and agricultural lands that produce food rather than toxic waste. They deserve leadership with courage to use available powers when facing existential threats.

President Mahama has the constitutional authority, moral obligation, and popular support necessary for emergency declaration. The environmental data justifies extraordinary measures. The legal framework permits decisive action. The only missing element is political will.

The time for emergency action against galamsey is now. Ghana’s survival depends on it.

Roger A. Agana is an environmental advocate and concerned Ghanaian citizen.