News
GNASSM nat’l executives inaugurated.
A nine-member national executives of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), has been elected and sworn into office by the Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Kofi Akrowiah, in Kumasi.
Headed by Mr Philip Akufu as President, he polled 160 votes to beat Emmanuel Yirenkyi Antwi who managed to get 57 votes in a hot contest conducted in the 10 mining districts of GNASSM.
Sampson Kofi Wiredu went unopposed as vice president whilst Godwin Armah beat Stephen Baidoo massively to maintain the General Secretary position.
Alhaji Baba Ahmed was re-elected as the National Organiser by defeating Philip Kwabena Bawa with a wide margin while Razak Abdul Alhassan went unopposed to become the Director of Communication.
Former Communication Director, Francis Opoku is the new Financial Director following massive endorsement by delegates when he locked horns with one Nana Meisu Adu.
The rest of the elected executives are Joseph Blankson Aidoo, National Technical Director, Janet Esi Kusi, National Treasurer, and Victoria Adobea Guerrieri, National Women Coordinator.
Two hundred and twenty-six delegates participated in the election which was supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The election was initially scheduled for March 24, 2020, but it was delayed due to the emergence of COVID-19.
Mr Richard Kofi Afenu, a former Director of the Minerals Commission, in his keynote address stressed the importance of the GNASSM in the mining industry describing it as a key sector to the economy.
He reminded the association of the provisions of Act 933 which regulated the industry and urged members to monitor their own activities in order not to operate outside the law to sustain the industry.
Mr Afenu urged the members to ensure good mining practices as well as maintain peaceful co-existence with communities in which they operate.
The newly elected President of GNASSM hinted that he would work hard to rebrand the association, to re-position it to promote and regulate small scale mining as well as seek the welfare of members.
He assured that the new executives would work vigorously to avoid illegal mining and sustain the mining industry.
The national president said he would promote women in mining in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure gender balance as part of transformational measures to develop the fortunes of the GNASSM.
He said his administration would work to promote a responsible and sustainable small scale mining sector and promised an all-inclusive, transparent administration that would respect existing structures.
Mr Akufu, therefore, called for support of all members to enable the executives turn round the fortunes of the association.
The Chairman of GNASSM Election Transition Management Team (ETMT), Frank Osei, commended all members and urged members to support the national executives as they chart a new direction for the association for the needed change.
From Kingsley E.Hope, Kumasi
News
National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training
Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).
When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.
At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.
On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.
In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.
News
Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action.
They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations.
This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.
The GTA they said, remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
