News
Akonta Mining rejects galamsey allegations by Lands Minister; demands fairness and justice
Akonta Mining Company Limited has issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as “reckless and baseless” accusations made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
In a press release issued by the company’s management, Akonta Mining rejected the claims and described them as “a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”
“The Honourable Minister’s decision to publicly link Akonta Mining to illegal mining activities and to call for the revocation of our mining license is not only unjust and premature, but also a clear case of seeking to hang the dog and give it a bad name,” the company stated.
Akonta Mining insisted that it holds valid leases and permits from the Minerals Commission and operates legally in Samreboi and Abokoase — not in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The company further clarified that it has never mined in the forest reserve, and that its request for access to the area was denied by both the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission in 2022.
Akonta Mining also dismissed claims that it accepted GH¢350,000 from illegal miners, calling the allegations “entirely false, defamatory, and mischievous,” and challenging anyone with evidence to come forward.
“We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with one Mr. Ayisi, who is falsely alleged to be linked to us,” the company added.
Highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility, Akonta Mining pointed to ongoing reclamation efforts, including the planting of over 18,000 coconut trees, with 32,000 more planned.
“Although this is estimated to cost the company hugely, we consider it as imperative to ensure a responsible mining project that will protect both the community and the environment,” the company said.
Akonta Mining concluded by reaffirming its willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation while urging the public and authorities to uphold principles of fairness and justice.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
News
Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.
The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the funeral Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valediction, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
The late Pope’s body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised,”Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.
News
Cake Tekniks holds 59th graduation ceremony
About 30 students on Sunday graduated from the 59th graduation ceremony of Cake Tekniks International, a privately-owned modern cake designing and sugar craft school in Accra.
During the ceremony, all graduates were presented with certificates while 13 of them also received professional diploma.
The founder of Cake Tekniks International, Mrs Jane Addo, said her outfit was dedicated to providing world standard skills, knowledge and hands-on training necessary for one to succeed worldwide in the culinary industry.
She encouraged the students to embrace the opportunities, challenges and experiences, mindful of the fact that they are well-equipped.
“Hold your heads up while you build a goodwill between your clients and yourselves,” she added.
Mrs Addo said the school was passionate about fostering the culture of creativity, motivation and excellence with the belief that every student had the potential to make a lasting impact in the culinary world.
The founder and leader of QA Consult, Mr Johnson Opoku-Boateng, said graduation was a witness to the unveiling of talents, passion and hard work and testament to months of dedication and hands-on-learning.
He urged the graduands to ensure that their cakes were safe and good for human health and that their success would be dependent on how well they serve, create and grow.
The event also saw the exhibition of cakes and pastries by the students.
receiving her certificate
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
