News
2 more bridges to be constructed at Buipe, Yapei
Two new bridges are to be constructed on the Bupei and Yapei sections of White and Black Volta rivers respectively on the Tamale-Kumasi highways.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako Atta who disclosed this to the press in Tamale yesterday, mentioned that the contractors had already moved to sites.
“As I speak to you now, the contractors have already mobilised and on site,” he stated.
Mr Amaoko Atta also indicated that Daboya Bridge would also be contracted alongside with the two new bridges.
The minister who was in the region to inspect progress of work on various roads in the area hinted that the President in the coming days would cut sod for official commencement of works on the bridges.
He explained that the construction of those bridges was meant to ease pressure on the old bridges.
The minister added that the construction would ameliorate the suffering of commuters, especially cargo trucks drivers who ply the highway.
He also said that it would open up the whole area to business since it was a major road linking Ghana to the neighboring countries.
Touching on the Tamale Interchange, Mr Atta was very impressed about the progress of works and commended contractors for the good job done so far.
According to him the Chinese contractors were on course, working assiduously to finish on schedule, adding that 40 per cent work on the interchange had been completed.
He reiterated President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo’s commitment to improving the road network in the country.
He assured the people of the region that efforts were being made to ensure that all projects started by the government were completed on schedule.
The minister mentioned 65 different roads projects currently ongoing in the region.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Saeed on his part commended the government for the numerous roads projects in the region.
He was very optimistic that the construction of the roads would help reduce poverty level as farmers would be able to transport their farm produce to available market centres without difficulties.
The Roads and Highways Minister was accompanied on the tour by various engineers under the ministry.
From: Yakubu Abdul-Majeed, Tamale.
News
Government takes further actions against illegal mining
Government in its continued efforts to clamp down on the long-standing menace of Illegal Small-Scale Mining, has concluded operational measures to intensify the ongoing “Operation Halt”.
This was contained in a statement issued by the ministry of Information on Wednesday October 9, 2024.
According to the government, the initiative is led by the Ghana Armed forces, to rid the river bodies of all forms of mining activities.
This phase of the operation will be done in conjunction with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana.
As part of the measures, the government has reasserted that river bodies and forest reserves remain red zones.
Additionally, the government has reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Breaking: Organised Labour suspends strike
Barely twenty-four hours to Organized Labour’s nationwide strike, its leadership have backtracked on their action by suspending the industrial action.
The strike, had garnered the backing of various unions, and aimed at pressuring the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing issues.
They arrived at this crucial decision during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action.
The decision to suspend the strike comes as a surprise to many, as unions had appeared resolute in their stance during previous meetings and public statements.
However, in the submission to union members, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, indicated that the President had directed the Lands Minister to submit a request to Parliament for the revocation of L.I. 2462.
He mentioned that this, along with the deployment of soldiers to assist in the fight and the establishment of 14 courts for the trial of all arrested illegal miners showed enough commitment on the government’s part.
This notwithstanding, he added that the Organised Labour would continue to monitor the implementation and government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining.
Organised Labour had initially planned the indefinite strike to compel the government to declare a state of emergency and ramp up efforts to address the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
