News
Lands Ministry grants 55 small scale mining licences this month
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has, in this month, issued 55 small scale mining licences to beneficiaries of the Community Mining Scheme.
Twenty-two of them were at Nsiana and Manso-Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region, covering an area of 554 acres and 17 at Akoase in the Eastern Region covering 428 acres of land.
Also, seven licences have been issued at Mempehia in the Ahafo Region covering 176 acres, six at Tinga in the Savannah Region covering 151 acres and three at Abosso in the Western Region covering an area of 75 acres.
The scheme is a new mining model introduced by government to allow host mining communities engage in lawful mining and address underlying causes of illegal mining within mining areas across the country.
Launching the scheme at Nsania in the Amansie West District on June 3, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, said the scheme, was a novel intervention that encourages persons in mining communities to undertake meaningful mining ventures and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the beneficiaries.
“As provided for within the small scale mining, the scheme is reserved for only Ghanaian citizens but with an emphasis on host mining communities. Simply put, the scheme is of the people, by the people, for the people of the community,” he stated.
One key benefit of the scheme, he said, was the creation of 16,000 jobs which could positively impact local and rural economies.
The scheme would stimulate wealth creation and improve the local economy through the generation of value within local economies and further create horizontal, vertical as well as other linkages with other sectors of the Ghanaian economy, he added.
Additionally, the minister stated, that the scheme would enable community involvement in mining in response to the legitimate desire by host communities to participate in the mining industry value chain.
To ensure a successful implementation, Community Mining Oversight Committees have been formed while Small-Scale Miners Code of Practice have been adopted, he said.
He noted that the community miners would also be provided with support services to enable them work effectively.
Mr Asomah-Cheremeh urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the scheme improve their livelihoods and promote community development.
BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
News
Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after a clash during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred between Minority and Majority MPs, escalating tensions in Parliament. The disagreement reached a peak after the suspension of the four MPs, triggering a debate over whether the vetting should proceed on January 31, 2025.
Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out, leaving only the Majority to continue with the vetting of nominees, including that of MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had already undergone several hours of questioning by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The lifting of the suspension comes after a review of the incident. The four MPs – Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib and Alhassan Tampuli – are now expected to resume their parliamentary duties as normal. The move seeks to restore order in Parliament following the disruptions.
This was after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to lift the ban on the four MPs.
Alban Bagbin said, “So I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly and takes effect immediately. The affected Hon. Members are permitted now to enter the precincts of the house. I must say they actually complied with the orders.”
He assured that the investigations will continue, and the House will have the opportunity to make a decision.
He commended the security agencies for their support.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
