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Aisha Huang verdict shows we’re not serious with ‘galamsey’ fight – Inusah Fuseini
A former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, says the approach the country adopted in the fight against illegal mining shows that the country was not determined to end the illegal mining menace.
According to him, the sentence handed to a known illegal mining kingpin, Aisha Huang, shows that the country is not serious about ending the menace.
“I think the Aisha Huang case and the conviction and the sentence is another vivid demonstration of our lack of commitment in fighting this canker. The first arrest of Aisha Huang was under a legal regime that imposed or criminalised illegal mining and imposed a sentence that was higher than four and half years,” he said.
He made these comments at the “JoyNews National Dialogue of Illegal Mining” on December 4.
Mr Fuseini, who was once the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources was reacting to an Accra High Court verdict where the ‘galamsey queen’ was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, in addition to a fine of GH₵48,000.
The Chinese national, also known as En Huang, was standing trial for undertaking a mining operation without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in mining operations, the illegal employment of foreigners, and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
On the back of this, the former Minister stressed that during his time at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, it was realised that the sentencing regime was minimal and not deterrent enough. Therefore, something needed to do something about it, for which reason the law was amended.
Hence, the court’s decision to use the old mining regime was not a good signal, he argued.
“We seemed to be suggesting that this canker can be tolerated.”
Again, he added that globally environmental crimes are crimes against humanity and therefore cannot be justified based on the exploitation of minerals.
He justified his claim with a video of a woman who gave birth to a stillborn child due the negative impact of living in an illegal mining community.
Mr Fuseini emphasised that “we must all leave here [JoyNews National Dialogue] knowing and accepting that until something is done to bring a solution, we are all moving towards extinction.”
He said the canker was attacking our very existence and economy, as well as exposing the country to dangers that cannot be quantified.
The former legislator added that clearly, there was a bigger problem that must be confronted with the same determination other countries had demonstrated.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
