News
Yellow Army and Alliance for Revolutionary Change call for emergency action against Galamsey
The Yellow Army of the Movement for Change and Alliance for Revolutionary Change have called for an immediate end to the escalating destruction of the country’s environment and communities due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
“We are also deeply disturbed by recent statements made by political leaders in the NPP and NDC that trivialize this national crisis,” they added.
In a press statement signed by the National Youth Leader, Duke Aaron Sasu Esq. noted that ‘Galamsey’ has become a widespread issue, with illegal mining operations wreaking havoc on our water bodies, farmlands and ecosystems.
“Rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim have been severely polluted, threatening our environment and public health. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) faces increasing challenges in purifying water, with treatment costs rising by 60%. GWCL has announced the impending shutdown of 2 of the 10 treatment plants in the Ashanti
Region, while areas such as the Central Region is also on the brink of a water
shortage crisis,” he added.
He further disclosed that the colour of the White Volta is reported to be changing, affirming reports of its contamination by ‘Galamsey’ activities.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
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
