GhanaWeb’s “The Gold Market That Fuels Galamsey” documentary, which revealed a thriving black market operating outside official oversight, has generated intense conversations and reactions, including from the John Dramani Mahama government.

Following the broadcast of the exposé, which highlighted the proliferation of unlicensed gold shops in Wassa Akropong in the Western Region, the government has cracked down on illegal gold traders in the area.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which oversees Ghana’s gold trade, in a coordinated operation with National Security, arrested 10 foreign nationals suspected of participating in illegal gold trading in Asankragua in the Western Region.

The suspects were apprehended at a private residence where they were trading without valid licences. Authorities seized 1.3 kg of gold (valued at nearly GH¢1.4 million), an equivalent amount in cash, a pump-action gun, and several alleged money-laundering casino cards.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after the bust, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, stated that the 10 foreigners arrested would be arraigned before court on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

“By tomorrow, they will be arraigned before court. We will be praying the court remands them into custody for further investigations, and it is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome,” he said.

He stated that all persons, including foreigners, caught engaging in illegal gold trade would face full prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s laws.

“We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free.

“The grace period is over, and we have given countless warnings upon warnings. And so when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation,” he said.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Ranking Member for the Economy and Development Committee also referenced President Mahama’s recent announcement during his tour of the Bono Region that over 2,000 Ghanaians had been selected to travel abroad for work.

“He said they’ve signed a contract to help more than 2,000 Ghanaians travel and work abroad. That’s fine. But where is the document? Parliament hasn’t seen anything to understand the processes involved,” he said.

He said while such initiatives may appear promising, Parliament must be allowed to perform its oversight role.

“You can’t keep launching programmes and avoid accountability. After every launch, bring the document to Parliament. Let’s evaluate it, ask questions, and monitor progress. That’s how governance works,” he added.

Touching specifically on the 24-hour economy policy, which has now been officially launched, Mr. Nkrumah warned that failure to submit the full policy framework to Parliament could lead to doubts about the government’s transparency.

“This 24-hour economy is very important. But without bringing the full document for monitoring, how can we hold them accountable? They want to avoid scrutiny, and that’s not right,” he said.

He claimed the NDC has so far launched about six key policies since assuming office, but only one has been submitted to Parliament for review.

“They passed the E-Levy at night—no public engagement. They launched the programme and still haven’t brought even a single page explaining what it entails. The National Apprenticeship Programme, the AGRAC Economic Transformation Agenda—same story. Where are the documents?” he queried.

Meanwhile, the newly launched 24-hour economy policy spans 283 pages and provides detailed plans for implementation and funding. It also signals a shift in focus—from merely keeping businesses open around the clock to addressing broader structural challenges in Ghana’s economy.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah concluded by urging the government not to repeat past mistakes.

“We’re not saying don’t implement your programmes. Just do the right thing and bring them to Parliament. Let’s all work together in the interest of accountability and transparency,” he stressed.

Samuel Atta Akyea (L) is the lawyer embattled former NSB boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene (R)

Lawyer for Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the embattled former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Samuel Atta Akyea, has criticised the High Court’s dismissal of a request to access operational account details of National Security Coordinators dating back to 1992.

Speaking to the media after the court’s ruling on July 3, 2025, Atta Akyea, a former Member of Ghana’s Parliament, stated he could not comprehend the court’s decision.

He accused the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, of pressuring the court into making the ruling.

“What is going on in the court is bizarre. As if the Attorney General is dictating to the judge. It’s bizarre. I’ve been here for 32 years. I’ve not seen a situation in which there’s a stampede of a judge,” Atta Akyea fumed.

He elaborated on his accusation, saying, “A judge said, ‘I’m going to give a decision on the 21st’, then the Attorney General in his mood… said, ‘No, let’s come today’. And then it’s very obvious that the judge is not ready. So they tease out something and say that, well, the decision is not ready. The judge actually intimated that he will need time to write a reasoned decision… as if we are doing the Attorney General’s pleasure.”

The former legislator vowed to challenge the court’s ruling, stating, “When I get it (the ruling), I’ll challenge it. That decision is an aberration of justice.”

He also indicated that he would reject any decision for the court to hear his client’s case on a daily basis.

Adu-Boahene and the other accused persons, through their lawyer, had argued that the release of these extensive account details was crucial to ensuring a fair trial.

Their formal request, filed by lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, specifically demanded “the various National Security Coordinators’ operational accounts” for all governments from 1992 to date, including those of Presidents Rawlings, Kufuor, Atta Mills, Mahama, and Akufo-Addo.

The lawyer had contended that “the production of these documents is vital to the constitutional right of the accused to a fair trial, particularly in a case where questions about financial oversight and accountability lie at the heart of the allegations.”

The Office of the Attorney General has charged Kwabena Adu-Boahene; his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng; their associate, Mildred Boateng; and Advantage Solutions Limited, a company jointly owned by Adu-Boahene and his wife, with 11 charges.

They are accused of allegedly transferring GH¢49 million (approximately $7 million) from the bureau’s account to Adu-Boahene’s personal account.

BAI/VPO

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has cautioned the Minority in Parliament against politicising the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency.

His comments follow criticism from the Minority, who have described the EC’s decision as unfair and unjust. The Minority is also calling for the EC to be summoned before Parliament to explain the basis for the rerun.

The EC has cited disputes over the authenticity of the December 7, 2024, election results as the reason for its decision.

Addressing the House on Thursday, July 3, Mr. Ayariga called for calm and objectivity in handling the matter.

“I don’t know why you’re afraid. Why are you afraid? Let us not try to politicise this and say that just because a National Chairman of a political party [Asiedu Nketia] made a statement, the EC is intimidated,” he advised.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to seek legal redress to restrain the Electoral Commission from conducting the rerun in the affected polling stations in Ablekuma North.

…..

President John Dramani Mahama has reminded the seven newly sworn-in justices that their commitment to fairness and integrity in dispensing justice will be judged by history, underscoring the immense responsibility they bear in shaping Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama described the occasion as more than a ceremonial function. “It is a beacon of hope in a time where many Ghanaians are yearning for direction and renewal,” he said.

He explained that the event signals a significant reset in Ghana’s governance and institutions, “not only in words, but also in action.” This reset aims to build a nation where institutions function effectively, leadership listens, merit is rewarded, and justice remains impartial.

“We’re building a new Ghana, one where our institutions work, leadership listens, merit is rewarded, and justice is blind—not to truth, but blind to bias,” Mahama said, highlighting the essential role of fairness in sustaining public trust and national stability.

Acknowledging the challenges Ghana faces, he urged courage, competence, conviction, and character as the tools necessary to overcome them. He also called on all Ghanaians, whether in public office or private enterprise, the media or marketplace, courtroom or classroom, to contribute to the country’s progress.

Addressing the justices directly, Mahama said: “The people of Ghana believe in you. The nation stands with you. History will be your judge on how fairly you have dispensed justice and on the firmness of your resolve as you swear your solemn oath today.”

He stressed that their service must be driven by conscience and guided by the Constitution, not by status or popularity. “Let your conscience be your compass. Let the Constitution be your guide, and let the people of Ghana be a constant reminder to you of the power and purpose of the law.”

President Mahama called for justice to prevail in Ghana, invoking blessings on the justices, the judiciary, and the nation. “Let justice reign. May God bless you. May God bless our judiciary, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.”

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.

Afia Schwarzeneggar swipe at some prominent pastors in Ghana

Popular Ghanaian media personality, Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, popularly known as Afia Schwarzenegger, has taken a swipe at some prominent pastors in Ghana.

She has labelled these individuals as fake and unnecessarily involved in politics instead of genuinely preaching the word of God.

In a video shared online, Afia claimed that certain famous pastors in the country misuse their influence to do more harm than good.

According to her, these pastors do not properly preach the gospel but rather exploit their status for personal or political agendas.

However, she praised a few of them whom she described as true men of God.

She specifically mentioned Rev. OB, the head pastor of MOGPA Church, and Prophet Ogyaba as examples of religious leaders who focus solely on their spiritual duties.

Afia further commended the Muslim community, particularly Imams, stating that they are consistent in speaking the truth and do not deceive people.

She concluded her statement by advising pastors in Ghana to stay away from politics if they want to earn the respect of the public.

According to her, their primary duty should be preaching the word of God, not meddling in political affairs.

PA/EB

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GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

A young man has been dismissed from his job for complaining about poor monthly salary

A young man who went online to criticise his employers for alleged poor working conditions has reportedly been dismissed from his job after the video of him complaining about his GHc3,000 monthly salary went viral online.

The man who did not state his name in both videos shared his experience, sparking widespread discussions about fair wages and workplace dynamics in Ghana.

This information has been circulating widely, with the story originating from EDHUB’s X account on July 3, 2025.

The caption that accompanied the video by EDHUB read, “My company has dismissed me from my job after a video of me complaining about my GHc3,000 monthly salary went viral.”

The video, which quickly gained traction, showed the man expressing dissatisfaction with his compensation and working conditions.

Following the viral spread of the video, he claims the company he works for has reportedly taken action against him.

In his subsequent video, he stated that his contract had been terminated by his employer.

This development has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the company’s decision and others condemning it as a potential violation of free speech.

Watch video below:

“My company has dismissed me from my job after a video of me complaining about my GHS3,000 monthly salary went viral.”

– Corporate worker who complained about his GHS3,000 salary. pic.twitter.com/dJedA7UExU

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) July 3, 2025

NAD/VPO

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GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Dr. Moses K. Atinga, a former NPP First Vice Chairman in the Upper East Region and aspirant for the party’s regional chairmanship, has announced the suspension of all his campaign activities on social media platforms.

This decision comes in solidarity with Hon. Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, the former Buffer Stock CEO, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for over a week.

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President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghana’s newly sworn-in Supreme Court justices to uphold justice with integrity, principle, and independence, emphasising that their true impact must be felt not in personal opinions, but in the strength of their rulings and the trust they build in the judiciary.

Speaking at the official swearing-in ceremony for seven new justices in Accra, the President reminded the judiciary of its vital role in safeguarding democracy, stability, and public confidence.

“Show leadership through principle, not preference,” he charged. “Let your legacy be measured in volumes of law reports, the lives you touched, the precedents you set, and the public trust that you preserved.”

The President also looked ahead to the upcoming report of Constitutional Review Committee, expected in August, and expressed optimism that its findings will offer bold and practical reforms aimed at making the judiciary more effective and resilient.

“History teaches us that where the judiciary is strong, society is stable. Where the judiciary is impartial, citizens feel secure. And where the judiciary is respected, democracy flourishes,” he said.

He warned against threats that could undermine judicial independence, including political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation. According to him, the courts must remain sacred institutions, free from undue influence.

“An independent judiciary is not a threat to government. It is a partner in nation-building,” President Mahama stressed. “We need justices who are not swayed by popularity or pressure, but are anchored in the Constitution and driven by a genuine desire to uphold justice without fear or favour.”

He emphasised that a predictable, principled legal system is not just the foundation of democracy but also essential for attracting investment, driving economic growth, and maintaining national cohesion.

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 Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called on the NDC government to submit all newly launched policies, including the 24-hour economy initiative, to Parliament for scrutiny, monitoring, and evaluation.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, the former Information Minister expressed worry over what he described as a growing trend of the government launching major programmes without presenting the necessary documentation to Parliament.

He said it is not the first time the NDC has launched a policy and failed to provide the details to Parliament, citing the instance of the One Million Coders programme, which he accused them of launching without bringing any document to parliament.

The Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee also referenced President Mahama’s recent announcement during his tour of the Bono Region that over 2,000 Ghanaians had been selected to travel abroad for work.

He said the president claimed the government had signed a contract to help more than 2,000 Ghanaians travel and work abroad, which he (Oppong Nkrumah) described as fine, but demanded that parliament must see the paperwork to understand the processes involved.

Oppong Nkrumah said while such initiatives may appear promising, Parliament must be allowed to perform its oversight role, explaining that one cannot keep launching programmes and avoid accountability.

After every launch, bring the document to Parliament. Let’s evaluate it, ask questions, and monitor progress. That’s how governance works, he added.

Touching specifically on the 24-hour Economy policy, which has now been officially launched, Mr. Nkrumah warned that failure to submit the full policy framework to Parliament could lead to doubts about the government’s transparency.

This 24-hour economy is very important. But without bringing the full document for monitoring, how can we hold them accountable? They want to avoid scrutiny, and that’s not right, he said.

He claimed the NDC has so far launched about six key policies since assuming office, but only one has been submitted to Parliament for review.

They passed the E-Levy at night—no public engagement. They launched the Adwumawura programme and still haven’t brought even a single page explaining what it entails. The National Apprenticeship Programme, the AGRAC Economic Transformation Agenda—same story. Where are the documents? he queried.

Meanwhile, the newly launched 24-hour Economy policy spans 283 pages and provides detailed plans for implementation and funding. It also signals a shift in focus—from merely keeping businesses open around the clock to addressing broader structural challenges in Ghana’s economy.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah urged the government not to repeat past mistakes.

We’re not saying don’t implement your programmes. Just do the right thing and bring them to Parliament. Let’s all work together in the interest of accountability and transparency, he stressed.

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.

Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader in Parliament

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has condemned the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to hold a rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election, describing the move as “unfair” and “unjust.”

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over the EC’s sudden and unexplained reversal on the electoral process.

“Yesterday, we woke up to a surprise announcement by the Electoral Commission. The Commission informed the nation that there would be a rerun of the elections on July 11, 2025 and they listed polling stations where these elections would take place,” he said.

The Minority Leader challenged the EC’s integrity, referencing the Commission’s own earlier statements.

“When the Mandamus order was granted by the courts and the EC was in the process of finalising the collation amid disturbances, they themselves issued a public statement and addressed the press, telling the people of Ghana that only three polling stations remained to finalise the collation process and enable them to declare the results,” he noted.

He also pointed out that the EC had previously requested police protection to complete the collation and questioned what had changed.

“Not long after that, they wrote to the Ghana Police Service requesting security. A member of this House filed an urgent question, which compelled the EC to appear before Parliament. The Deputy Chair, Dr Bossman, sitting in for his boss, told us that all they needed was security to finish collation at the three polling stations. I ask, what has changed? Mr. Speaker, we must be careful how we manage our democracy,” he remarked.

Recalling a previous electoral incident, he said, “Today, we have a member in this chamber from Dome/Kwabenya because, when only a few polling stations were left, the EC relied on tally cards. Michael Oquaye Jnr. protested, but he did so without violence. He did not storm the EC collation centre with his constituents. He expressed his disagreement in a civil manner.”

Afenyo-Markin further questioned the EC’s independence.

“It is unfair. It is unjust. Is it the case, and I don’t want to believe it is, that recent public comments by some senior politicians are forcing the EC to act to safeguard their positions? Are they succumbing to the whims and caprices of certain extremists or hardliners? It is not fair. Maybe today this decision benefits some people, but tomorrow it may not.”

He urged Parliament to hold the EC accountable.

“I would humbly plead with my colleague opposite to schedule the EC to appear before us. We just welcomed Prime Minister Modi, who commended us on our democratic strides. We must not take these democratic gains for granted. Many countries in our sub-region wish they were Ghana, but they lost their way because they failed to protect their institutions and now they are paying dearly for it.”

“Let’s not find ourselves saying ‘had I known.’ The EC must come to this House and brief us on why, despite their earlier clear position, they have now changed course. We must not allow this to pass without explanation. Mr. Speaker, I expect that next week, the EC will be scheduled to appear and provide answers.”

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the EC had stated that it was not yet at the point of declaring the election inconclusive.

“For Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we can say we do not have results. When we try and cannot obtain the results, then we will consider a rerun. A rerun is a last option,” the EC said at the time.

However, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the EC announced it would rerun the Ablekuma North parliamentary election in 19 out of 37 polling stations on Friday, July 11, 2025.

According to the Commission, the decision followed extensive consultations with the two major political parties.

The EC said this meeting was a follow-up to an earlier engagement held on June 12, where both parties presented their positions regarding the disputed parliamentary seat.

Both parties reportedly maintained their initial positions from the previous meeting.

The Ablekuma North seat is being contested by Ewurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

JKB/MA

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A middle-aged woman dragged into a vehicle by loan collectors over unpaid debt

A middle-aged woman was forcibly taken into a vehicle by loan collectors following a heated dispute over an unpaid debt.

This incident, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions, about the tactics employed by some debt collection agencies.

The story originated from EDHUB’s X account on July 3, 2025.

The post stated, “A loan collector grabbed a middle-aged woman by her cloth and struggled with her while demanding repayment of a loan, eventually, forcing her into their vehicle after she insisted she had no money to settle the debt.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation began when the loan collectors approached the woman, demanding immediate repayment.

When she asserted that she was unable to pay, the situation escalated dramatically.

One of the collectors reportedly grabbed her, initiating a physical struggle.

Despite her resistance, the collector ultimately overpowered her and forced her into their vehicle.

The incident has quickly gone viral, with many condemning the collector’s actions as excessive and potentially illegal.

Social media users are expressing their outrage and calling for authorities to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.

Watch the video below

A loan collector grabbed a middle-aged woman by her cloth and struggled with her while demanding repayment of a loan, eventually forcing her into their vehicle after she insisted she had no money to settle the debt. pic.twitter.com/1NbcIZGS6m

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) July 3, 2025

NAD/MA

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey