The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced that government is on course to train 2,000 Blue Water Guards by the close of 2025 to help protect the country’s rivers and water bodies from the impact of illegal mining.

During his presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, explained that the Blue Water Initiative remains a key strategy in government’s fight against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

The Government Accountability Series is an initiative by the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with civil society organisations, aimed at keeping public officials accountable to the people they serve.

Mr. Kofi Buah noted that over 450 Blue Water Guards had already completed training and were actively working in various parts of the country.

He revealed that a second group of 530 personnel is expected to graduate on Friday, July 25.

“These officers are not armed but are trained to act as environmental intelligence agents. Their job is to monitor activities, engage communities, and promote awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and the need to protect our natural resources” he stated.

He highlighted that the presence of the guards is already having a positive impact in some mining areas, with residents becoming more aware of the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.

The minister revealed that the second phase of the Blue Water Initiative will focus on restoring polluted rivers by removing harmful chemicals and returning water bodies to their natural state.

“Feasibility studies for this phase are currently underway,” he remarked.

Mr. Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.

By Jacob Aggrey

Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders say new directive would enhance transparency at ports

The Chamber of Freight Forwarders and Traders has welcomed a new directive from the Bank of Ghana requiring all port service providers to publicly display the exchange rates they use when billing clients.

Describing the move as timely and necessary, the Chamber believes it will enhance transparency at Ghana’s ports and help reduce the cost of doing business.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Chamber’s President, Dennis Amfo Sefa, praised the central bank for responding to long-standing concerns raised by industry players.

He said the measure directly addresses calls for accountability from freight forwarders and traders.

“We’ve pushed for this kind of openness for years. If the government truly wants to ease the burden on businesses, then it’s essential for shipping lines, terminal operators, and other port actors to be transparent,” he said.

Sefa added that the government’s efforts to control exchange rate fluctuations should be reflected in the charges importers and exporters face at the ports.

According to him, applying official rates in billing will ensure that businesses benefit from broader economic reforms.

Under the new rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other port-related service providers must display their exchange rates daily.

These rates must be published on websites, clearly posted at physical offices, and communicated to customers before any invoices are issued.

The directive forms part of revised foreign exchange guidelines for the maritime and shipping sector, aimed at promoting fair trade practices and eliminating inconsistent billing, an issue that has long affected importers and exporters.

DR/MA

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Accra, July 23, GNA-Ghana is in the process of establishing a National Metrology Institute to bolster the country’s status as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has said.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra, the Minister said the country was building a metrology system that would not only support domestic manufacturing but also integrate seamlessly with global standards.

She said the move was critical to the success of the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which is expected to help create over 1.7 million jobs.

“In a world increasingly driven by precision and data, accurate measurements are the currency of trust. They ensure that goods are safe, services are reliable, and trade is fair,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.

She said with support from the German government, and through strategic cooperation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), GSA was undertaking a bold transformation of the national measurement
infrastructure.

She said GSA was spearheading efforts to upgrade its metrology capabilities to position the country as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement.

“Already, significant strides have been made. We are expanding our capabilities in temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring that these critical domains meet international standards and are traceable to the SI units,” the Minister added.

These upgrades will not only serve Ghana’s industries and consumers but will also support the broader ECOWAS region with highquality, internationally recognized metrological services.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to AFRIMETS, saying through it the continent was building a uniquely African metrology system that would support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhance competitiveness, and safeguard public health and safety.

“AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation, harmonizing measurement systems, facilitating trade, and building technical capacity across Africa. Its work is essential to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063, and Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” the Minister said.

President of AFRIMETS, Dr. Henry
Rotich, said the 2025 General Assembly was a testament to the collective commitment to advancing metrology and fostering collaboration across the African continent.

He said over the past year remarkable progress had been made to enhance measurement standards and practices.

“Our efforts have not only strengthened our regional capabilities but have also positioned Africa as a key player in the global metrology community,”Dr Rotich added.

“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he noted.

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Hudu Mogtari, called for the building of robust measurement systems to support the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“In this context, metrology is not a peripheral concern; it is a strategic enabler. It is the invisible architecture that supports quality assurance, competitiveness, and trust in our markets,” he said.

“Together, let us build a metrology ecosystem that is not only technically sound, but strategically bold. One that reflects Africa’s aspirations, amplifies its voice, and secures its place in the global standards landscape,” Mr Mogtari added.
Acting CEO of the GSA, Clifford Frimpong, said the event was a reaffirmation of the commitment to advancing metrology for sustainable
development across Africa.

“Your presence here today is a testament to the growing importance of metrology in shaping Africa’s industrialization, trade, and innovation agenda,” he said.

The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly on the theme: “150 Years of the Metre Convention: Prospects for Metrology within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” is a week-long programme of technical meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at harmonising Africa’s measurement systems and advancing the continent’s metrology agenda.

AFRIMETS was founded to harmonize metrology across Africa and is supported by NEPAD, PTB, NMISA, and others.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

Accra — Ghana plans to shorten mining licence durations and mandate direct revenue-sharing with local communities in its most sweeping mining law reforms in nearly two decades, details of which were announced by a government minister on Wednesday.

The planned overhaul reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are rewriting mining codes to capture more value from rising commodity prices.

Ghanaian lands & natural resources minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said the changes, which include scrapping automatic renewal of some licences, will apply only to future contracts, a departure from the stance in Mali and Burkina Faso where military-led governments have applied reforms retroactively,

“In Ghana, we don’t do retrospective laws,” Buah said at a presentation in the capital, Accra. “Existing agreements are sanctified and will be respected.”

He added that the overhaul of the Minerals and Mining Act and mining policy was 85% complete after extensive stakeholder consultations.

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, expects output to rise to 5.1-million ounces this year. Major miners in the country include Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin, Asante Gold and Perseus. It also exports bauxite and manganese with plans to start lithium production.

Shorter leases

Under the proposed law changes, prospecting licences would no longer be held indefinitely, and the maximum term for mining leases would be reduced from 30 years to a shorter period agreed by the government and firms. Companies failing to meet environmental, social or production obligations would lose the right to automatic licence renewal.

In a major shift, the government plans to abolish development agreements, in which companies send money to the central government.

Instead, companies will be required to sign agreements committing a fixed percentage of gross mineral sales revenue to fund local development projects as the government seeks to address long-standing grievances from communities that they have seen little benefit from mining operations.

The reforms also propose a three-tier mineral rights regime, introducing a new medium-scale licence category to bridge the gap between large multinational operators and small-scale artisanal miners.

Another key change under consideration is the reduction or abolition of stability agreements, which currently offer up to 15 years of tax and regulatory protection to large investors. Future agreements would be limited to capital recovery periods for major investments.

Reuters

In the early 2000s, his name echoed through Ghana’s music scene. Mr. Oduro, as he was then known, gave us hits like “Abiba” and “Meeri,” collaborating with KK Fosu and Yoggie Doggie. Then, just as he was rising, he disappeared from the spotlight.

Now reintroduced to the world as Dr. Oduro, the once-celebrated musician has resurfaced—not with a new track, but with a stethoscope, a doctorate in pharmacy, and a passion for public health.

In a recent conversation, he opened up about his transition from music to medicine, and how he’s using both passions to make a difference.

“I never stopped dreaming—my dreams just evolved.”

Dr. Oduro’s shift away from music wasn’t because of a scandal or burnout. Instead, he made a conscious decision to pursue something deeper.

“I loved music, and I still do,” he said. “But at a point, I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to help people in a different way.”

That desire led him into pharmacy. He began the journey at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he spent a semester at the School of Pharmacy. A proud Katanga Hall resident, he later moved to the United States and earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2017 from Buffalo, New York. He’s been practicing for eight years.

But his love for healthcare didn’t come out of nowhere.

“My uncle was a medical doctor. He opened a chemical shop and started giving me books on medications when I was about 12. That planted the seed.”

Music, Medicine, and Motivation

Though his career path changed, Dr. Oduro hasn’t left music behind. Instead, he says he now blends his artistic and scientific sides through motivational speaking and health advocacy.

“I’ve found a new stage. It’s not music performances anymore, but platforms where I speak to people about purpose, discipline, and health.”

He’s becoming a familiar face on social media, using his voice to motivate the youth, promote wellness, and inspire people to dream beyond limitations.

When asked what health advice he often gives, his answers are refreshingly simple:

“Sleep well, drink enough water, and exercise. These are small habits, but they make a big difference.”

And the secret to sticking with healthy habits?

“Discipline. Without discipline, nothing lasts.”

A Word to the Youth

Dr. Oduro is passionate about helping young people see beyond trends and temporary fame.

“Don’t be afraid to change direction. Don’t think giving up one dream means failure. Sometimes, it means you’ve found a bigger one.”

He encourages the youth to:

• Work hard at whatever they pursue
• Stay resilient through life’s challenges
• Use their stories to uplift others

What’s Next?

Dr. Oduro says he’s just getting started. Alongside his pharmacy practice, he plans to build a stronger online presence, focusing on health education, lifestyle tips, and motivational content.

“I want to bring creativity to health promotion. It doesn’t have to be boring. We can make it engaging, relatable, and even fun.”

For now, he invites everyone to connect with him on his social media platforms.

“Let’s grow together. Let’s live better.”

Ewurabena Aubynn is the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North

Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, has been appointed to the Board of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA).

Aubynn recently won the July 11, 2025, rerun parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.

Her victory increased the ruling National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) seat count in Parliament to 184, further strengthening its two-thirds majority.

She was officially sworn into office on Monday, July 22, 2025, in a ceremony marked by a walkout from the Minority Caucus moments before the oath was administered.

Her appointment to the GSA Board is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and stakeholder engagement in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

The 15-member Board is chaired by former Minister for Transport and former MP for Effutu, Mike Allen Hammah.

Other members include political science lecturer Professor Ransford Gyampo; Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Nathaniel Amonoo Wilson; Alex Mensah; Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono; Madam Adjoa Oboubia Darko-Opoku, among others.

Ewurabena Aubynn has pledged her commitment to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s mandate.

The Ghana Shippers Authority plays a central role in facilitating trade and protecting the interests of importers and exporters across the country.

DR/MA

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The Sarkin Zango Palace in Asawase has condemned the assassination of the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

In a statement issued by the Asawase Zongo Community Chief, Alhaji Shaibu Suleiman M. B., the Palace expressed deep sorrow over the killing, which occurred in Asawase on the night of Tuesday, July 22.

The Palace extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Kusasi community, and the wider Zongo population.

“We respectfully appeal to the entire Zongo community and the general public to remain calm and peaceful, and to allow the security agencies the necessary space and cooperation to conduct thorough investigations,” the statement read.

The Palace also called on residents to assist the police with credible information to help bring the perpetrators to justice and urged the security services to act swiftly and professionally to restore public confidence.

The statement acknowledged the swift intervention of Asawase Member of Parliament and Minister of Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mubarak, and Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassane, in managing the crisis.

Urging Zongo residents to shun violence, the Palace reminded all communities to honor the counsel of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, in maintaining peace and coexistence.

“Let us not allow this tragedy to sow seeds of division or unrest. The strength of our community lies in our unity, discipline, and adherence to the teachings of peace in Islam,” the chief stated.

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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.