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Tag: Ahafo Region

  • Attack on NAIMOS: Asutifi North MP to be questioned by CID today

    Attack on NAIMOS: Asutifi North MP to be questioned by CID today

    The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service is expected to interrogate the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, today, Tuesday, November 4.


    Ebenezer Kwaku Addo is to provide answers regarding a violent confrontation between thugs at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region and the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The MP has been accused of conspiring with some of his constituents to attack officials and obstruct the operations of the NAIMOS team. However, Mr. Addo has debunked these allegations, emphasizing that he only found himself at the center of the recent confrontation between residents of his constituency because he decided to intervene to calm tensions.


    On Saturday, November 1, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS and his team narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. The officials came under violent attack while carrying out their day-to-day activities as part of efforts to crack down on illegal mining in the region.


    Exhibits retrieved from the scene include a side-hand bag containing one (1) Smith & Wesson pistol, two (2) pistol magazines, twenty-one (21) rounds of 9mm ammunition, an unregistered Range Rover vehicle, an unregistered Toyota RAV4 vehicle, and several mobile phones. The operation also resulted in the arrest of several miners, including a Burkinabe national.


    However, locals were seen in a video that has since gone viral confronting the anti-mining task force and calling for the release of those arrested during the operation. Speaking to the media, NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” adding, “It was a huge surprise that the locals became agitated, demanding the release of those arrested, and then began attacking the NAIMOS team.”


    On Monday, November 3, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered an investigation into the incident.


    “The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over investigations into the attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team by thugs at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, who is alleged to have incited the mob and obstructed the NAIMOS team, has been invited to assist in the ongoing investigation into the incident,” part of the statement read.


    The John Dramani Mahama-led government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat in July as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country.

    Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat would act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.


    “To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.


    The Secretariat’s responsibility is to collaborate with other key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of its mandate.

    This collaboration is expected to ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment entering the country are not diverted for illegal mining activities.


    “In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.


    Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.


    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that scientific tests are being carried out on new chemicals that could help restore polluted water bodies and rivers affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.


    Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on galamsey in Accra on Friday, October 3, with members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said, “There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back.”


    He has asked Ghanaians to exercise patience regarding the longstanding battle against illegal mining (galamsey) activities. During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said declaring a state of emergency will not end the menace.


    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    Additionally, the President pledged to honor the calls of many Ghanaians by declaring a state of emergency when his advisors give him the nod to do so.


    President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops and invests additional resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle seems to be a long one, but his administration is committed to ending it.


    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

  • Road crashes in Ahafo Region declined by 9.38% in first half of 2024

    Road crashes in Ahafo Region declined by 9.38% in first half of 2024

    The Ahafo Region has seen a notable reduction in road crashes during the first half of 2024, with a 9.38% decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Ahafo Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Miss Indira Apronti.

    Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Goaso, the regional capital, Ms. Apronti revealed that the region recorded 58 road crash incidents between January and June 2024. This marks a decrease from the 64 cases reported in the first half of 2023.

    This reduction in crashes has also led to fewer fatalities, with 15 people losing their lives in 2024, down from 23 deaths during the same period in 2023—a significant 35% reduction.

    “Despite the decrease in crashes, we cannot overlook the sharp increase in pedestrian knockdowns,” Ms. Apronti noted.

    The region saw a worrying rise in pedestrian-related incidents, with 20 reported cases in the first half of 2024, compared to eight cases in 2023, representing a 150% surge.

    Additionally, the number of injuries resulting from crashes rose slightly. In the first half of 2024, 103 individuals were injured, up from 96 injuries recorded during the same period in 2023, a 7% increase. Ms. Apronti pointed out that 87 vehicles, including commercial, private, and motorcycles, were involved in this year’s accidents, compared to 101 vehicles involved in the previous year’s crashes.

    To address these ongoing issues, the NRSA has ramped up its road safety education efforts. “We have intensified road safety education outreaches in schools, churches, bus terminals, and local communities to raise awareness as part of the ‘Stay Alive’ campaign,” Ms. Apronti explained. This initiative aims to educate the public on road safety and encourage responsible behavior on the roads.

    Moreover, the NRSA has established District Road Committees across the Ahafo Region to further extend its outreach and safety education efforts at the district level.

  • Ola Girls SHS readies for new staff bungalow at sod-cutting ceremony by Asutifi North MP

    Ola Girls SHS readies for new staff bungalow at sod-cutting ceremony by Asutifi North MP

    Member of Parliament for Asutifi North in the Ahafo Region, Patrick Banor, has initiated the construction of a headmistress bungalow at Ola Girls Senior High School in Kenyasi No. 2.

    This project aims to resolve the long-standing accommodation issues faced by the school’s headmistress.

    At the sod-cutting ceremony, District Chief Executive (DCE) Anthony Mensah, representing the MP, mentioned that the school management had highlighted the urgent need for a residential facility for the headmistress.

    In response, Banor decided to support the school by funding a three-bedroom self-contained bungalow.

    DCE Mensah stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s six-month completion timeline and urged the contractor to ensure timely delivery to alleviate the stress experienced by the headmistress and the school community.

    Reverend Sister Antoinette Abiwu, the headmistress of Ola Girls SHS, expressed her deep gratitude to the MP for his support.

    She noted the numerous challenges faced due to the lack of suitable accommodation, including the necessity of using hotels to host staff from the Ghana Education Service (GES).

    The new bungalow is expected to greatly enhance her ability to perform her duties effectively and bring dignity to the school.

  • Most NDC executives hail from Ahafo Region yet their chief is endorsing Bawumia – Koku Anyidoho

    Most NDC executives hail from Ahafo Region yet their chief is endorsing Bawumia – Koku Anyidoho

    A former member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Ayindoho, has predicted doom for the party if it fails to intensify efforts prior to December 7 polls.

    He expressed on the X platform that just as the party has faith in the people of the Volta and Oti regions due to the strong foundations laid, the same energy and strategies must also prevail among the people of the Ahafo and Brong regions.

    His prediction comes after the President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Ansah Adu Baah, called on all and sundry to rally behind the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his quest to become the president of Ghana.

    Nana Ansah Adu Baah added that “Dr. Bawumia’s humility and policies are good for the country and the next generation. I have no doubt in my mind that Bawumia means well for Ghana”.

    But, according to Koku Ayindoho, it is worrying that Bawumia is gaining support from the same region where the NDC’s National Chairman, Aseidu Nketia, and some of the party’s National Executives hail form.

    He added that, this should be a wake up call to the party as the Ahafo and Brong regions are like the Volta and Oti regions.

    Mr Koku Ayindoho’s post on the X platform read “Is Mosquito not from this part of Ghana where this chief is endorsing Dr. Bawumia? Is the wife of the NDC Flagbearer too not from this area? Are some NDC National Executives not from this area? As for me I still consider Ahafo & Brong as one Region like Volta & Oti.

  • Pragya Drivers in the Ahafo Region express worry over decline in sales due to teachers strike

    Pragya Drivers in the Ahafo Region express worry over decline in sales due to teachers strike

    Pragya drivers in the Ahafo Region expressed concern over a notable drop in sales following the ongoing teacher strike.

    Drivers in Goaso highlight the significant impact of transporting school children during peak hours on their income.

    The President of the National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, and the Vice President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) Jacob Anaba, on Monday, March 25, took on the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) over the ongoing nationwide strike by public school teachers.

    While appearing as guests on JoyNews’ PM Express, the two reps from the two major teacher unions expressed their dissatisfaction with comments made by Mr Ben Arthur which they considered to be an attack on them for embarking on an industrial action.

    On March 20, the three teacher unions namely, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH) declared a strike due to unsatisfactory conditions of service.

    According to the unions, the government had failed to renew its collective agreement, among other concerns, following its expiration in 2023.

    They argued that since all efforts to get the government to the negotiation table have proven futile, laying down their tools was their last resort.

    However, the strike has led to a sharp decrease in sales as parents and children are absent from the roads.

    Drivers urged the government to address the strike issues promptly for teachers to resume classes, which they believe will boost sales and enhance their livelihoods.

  • Kenyasi: Suspect flees cells after biting police officer

    Kenyasi: Suspect flees cells after biting police officer

    A suspect, Kwabena Dennis, remanded into police custody in Kenyasi, Asutifi North District, Ahafo Region, managed to escape from police cells.

    Scheduled to appear at the Kenyasi Circuit Court on January 17, 2024, for charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, stealing, causing damage, unlawful entry, stealing, and possession of a firearm without authority, Dennis escaped before his court appearance.

    Reportedly, Dennis threatened officers with a machete and bit an officer on the cheek while attempting to prevent his escape.

    Charging towards the police station exit with a cutlass, he eluded Sergeant Kusi Michael’s pursuit, who attempted to physically restrain him.

    Details reveal negligence on the part of the police officers in charge, Sergeant Kusi Michael and Constable Victoria Antwi, for failing to inspect the facility thoroughly and properly secure all doors.

    They now face a ten-day deadline to produce the escaped prisoner or be subject to disciplinary action, alongside ongoing investigations.

  • 21-year-old imprisoned for killing his grandmother in Ahafo Region

    21-year-old imprisoned for killing his grandmother in Ahafo Region

    A 21-year-old man accused of murdering his grandmother has been detained by the Akrodie Police Command.

    The alleged incident occurred in Tweneboah, a suburb in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

    The suspect, identified as Hamidu and commonly known as ‘Sim 2,’ was reportedly apprehended by neighbors after attempting to flee into hiding following the alleged crime.

    According to reports, the suspect had, on multiple occasions, expressed intentions to harm his grandmother for reasons known only to himself.

    ‘Sim 2’ is currently in custody as authorities conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

  • Letter reveals GHS95.4m payment made for Hwediem-Kenyasi road in 2022

    Letter reveals GHS95.4m payment made for Hwediem-Kenyasi road in 2022

    A document sighted by the media discloses a payment of GH₵95.4 million for the renovation of the Hwediem-Kenyasi road in the Ahafo Region during the previous year.

    This payment was made by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited as part of a cooperative arrangement with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to address the road’s infrastructure needs.

    It is one of several bad roads in the region that caused the Goasomanhene to cry when former President John Mahama paid him a visit.

    The road is highlighted by Nana Yaw Gyimah, who visited the Ahafo Region as part of the “Building Ghana Tour.”

    The Goaso Chief, Nana Kwasi Bosompra, wept on Wednesday as she discussed the state of the roads in the area.

    Despite having been awarded on contract, the main road that connects Mim to the township has been abandoned for a long time.

    “Because of the dusty nature of the road, I have now developed a health condition. What is our crime? Ahafo Region, what have we done wrong?” he asked in tears.

    After wiping his tears, the traditional leader continued, “the road in front of the palace was awarded to Kofi Job by the NDC and he mobilized his equipment to the site. But all contractors on Ahafo Roads were stopped immediately after the Nana Akufo-Addo government took over”.

  • Thousands of cocoa farmers in Ahafo Region lament over unpaid premiums

    Thousands of cocoa farmers in Ahafo Region lament over unpaid premiums

    More than 1,000 cocoa farmers in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region, are upset with a company called Touton-Eliho Ghana Limited because they haven’t been paid their bonuses. So, they want the government to get involved in the situation.

    Sampson Awal Mohammed, who leads the group, said at a press conference in Hwidiem that the company has not paid them bonuses totaling GH₵470,000. 00 or GH₵47 billion, as they had agreed. The group says not getting paid is causing problems for their lives and cocoa farms.

    “COBOBOD and other trusted groups said we should sell our cocoa to this company because it’s trustworthy and follows the rules.

    Nana Yaw Marfo, a cocoa farmer, said that if they don’t get their extra money soon, they will take the company to court.

    Adom News Reporter, Sammy Asare, talked to the company managers who agreed they owed the farmers money but said they will explain their side of the story later.

  • Guards deployed nationwide to check indiscriminate waste disposal

    Guards deployed nationwide to check indiscriminate waste disposal

    The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has initiated the deployment of sanitation guards across the country to address the issue of indiscriminate plastic waste and refuse disposal.

    Initially, these sanitation guards have been stationed in major cities and urban centers, including Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale.

    Individuals caught littering or improperly disposing of plastic waste and polythene bags will be required to pick up their trash, pay an on-the-spot fine, or face prosecution.

    The Minister of the sector, Dr. Freda Prempeh, announced these measures during her media interaction after inspecting the evacuation of 10 refuse dumps in communities within the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.

    The Ministry is collaborating with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a private waste management and sanitation company, to clear longstanding refuse dumps from these communities.

    The initiative includes constructing toilet facilities in underserved areas to improve sanitation.

    Dr. Prempeh, also the Member of Parliament for Tano North, highlighted the importance of promoting environmental cleanliness to control the spread of communicable diseases.

    She expressed concern about the negative attitude of some Ghanaians toward environmental protection and hoped that this exercise would not only maintain a clean environment but also alter these behaviors.

    The Ministry is actively working on waste segregation and recycling efforts. The public is encouraged to separate plastic and other waste materials. Cooperation from the public is sought to support these initiatives and redirect government expenditure on waste management to other development projects.

    Mr. Sampson Akwettey, Acting Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation at the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of addressing poor sanitation practices to combat the outbreak of communicable diseases like cholera and typhoid. He cautioned against haphazard waste disposal.

    The Ahafo Regional Coordinator of Zoomlion, Mr. Edward Ziddah, revealed that the company is working on clearing 33 refuse dumps across the entire region.

    Residents, like Mrs. Clara Adu Sarpong in Nsesreso, expressed their gratitude for the evacuation of refuse dumps.

    The removal of these dumps, which used to attract rodents and mosquitoes, is seen as a positive step in improving the community’s sanitary conditions.

  • Ahafo Region : 10 maternal deaths recorded in the first half of 2023

    Ahafo Region : 10 maternal deaths recorded in the first half of 2023

    The number of maternal death cases reported in the Ahafo region during the first half of 2023 has alarmed Ahafo Regional Minister George Boakye.

    He has urged the Regional Health Directorate to exert greater effort in combating this alarming trend.

    During the Goaso-based Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s 2023 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting, the Minister expressed his worries.

    He pointed out that despite the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers, the region has seen a significant rise in maternal deaths compared to the same period last year, which is deeply troubling.

    Mr Boakye emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting that the reported figures for maternal deaths in the first half of this year are alarming.

    He urged the Regional Health Directorate to strengthen its strategies and interventions to effectively curb this rise in maternal mortality.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Kwabena Boakye Boateng, the Ahafo Director for the Ghana Health Service, echoed the Minister’s concerns.

    In an interview with Adom News, he acknowledged that maternal deaths remain a critical issue in the Ahafo Region, despite the efforts of healthcare staff.

    Dr Boateng disclosed that while the region recorded three cases of maternal deaths within the first six months last year, the number has risen to ten cases for the same period this year.

    He revealed that the Directorate is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying causes of this increase and to develop targeted strategies for its prevention.

    The Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue is evident as they work to ensure that every mother in the region receives quality healthcare and experiences safe pregnancies and childbirth.

  • Ahafo Police launch investigation into mysterious death of colleague

    Ahafo Police launch investigation into mysterious death of colleague

    The Ahafo Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service has initiated an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a fellow officer stationed at a checkpoint in the Bia-Tano Forest of the Ahafo Region.

    According to a Newspaper Report by the Ghanaian Times dated July 18, 2023, the investigation will clarify the cause of death of the police officer.

    Sergeant Titus Avoka Azasiyande, the deceased officer, was discovered dead on Friday, July 15, 2023, with gunshot wounds on his body at the police checkpoint in Bediako, a suburb of Goaso, situated on the Kasapin-Bibiani Highway in the Ahafo Region.

    At the time he was found, the deceased was lying by his Ak 47 rifle at the checkpoint with blood oozing from his lower abdomen.

    Sources say a timber truck driver, who was coming from Kasapin, on reaching the Bia-Tano Forest police checkpoint, found the policeman dead and reported to the Goaso Regional Police Command.

    It is unclear whether the deceased policeman committed suicide or was shot and killed by someone.

    According to the report, the body of Sergeant Titus Avoka Azasiyande has been deposited at the Goaso Government Hospital pending autopsy.

    The death of Sergeant Titus Avoka Azasivande adds to the number of service men and women who die while in the discharge of their duties.

    Again, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks that these law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.

  • Mysterious death of NPP polling station chairman sparks investigation by Ahafo Police

    Mysterious death of NPP polling station chairman sparks investigation by Ahafo Police

    The Police in Ahafo Region have begun investigation to unravel the mysterious death of Alex Gyabaah, the Chairman of the Pentecost Polling Station of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Duayaw-Nkwanta in the Tano North Municipality of the region.

    Residents woke up in the early hours of Saturday June 3, 2023, and found the lifeless body of Gyabaah, a carpenter hanging with a rope tied around his neck at his carpentry shop and the Police have since deposited the body at the Duayaw-Nkwanta St John of God Catholic Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

    A reliable Police source in an interview said Police investigations were on-going and appealed to the residents to remain calm.

    Some friends and relations said they were shocked and saddened about the death of Gyabaah, and suspected foul play, and appealed to the Police to be expeditious in their investigations.

    “He was a lovely person, and we still don’t know why somebody like Gyabaah should hang himself.

    “I think there is something suspicious because we were just with him on Thursday during the observance of the one-week funeral rite of the late Nana Boakye Tromo II, the paramount chief of Duayaw-Nkwanta,” a close friend and leading member of the NPP in the area stated.

    Meanwhile, the mysterious death of Gyabaah has since spread like wildfire in the town, as hundreds of mourners joined the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council to observe the one-week funeral rites of the late paramount chief who died somewhere in 2022.

    Dr Freda Prempeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North constituency together with some of the NPP constituency executives had since visited and sympathized with the bereaved family.

    The MP said she was also shocked about the death of Gyabaah, and urged the bereaved family and friends to take solace in God, assuring that the Party in the constituency was strongly behind them in their moment of grief and appealed to the Police to be swift with their investigations.

  • Dead baby found at Atekyem

    Dead baby found at Atekyem

    The body of a lifeless newborn baby has been found at a dump site in Atekyem, Bechem in the Tano South constituency of the Ahafo region.

    Prophet Robert Twum, of the Divine Prayers Ministry in an interview with the media said that he saw two ladies around the dump site at Atekyem on his way from church duties holding a child, upon approaching the ladies, he realised a newborn baby had been dumped into a bin.

    “When I was returning from church, I came by a dumping site and met two ladies carrying a child, when I enquired what they were doing, one of the ladies (a child), told me someone had dumped a child in the refuse dump,” he said

    According to him, he called on a midwife who stays with him in the same house to examine the condition of the neonate as to whether he is alive or dead but the nurse upon arrival confirmed the child was dead.

    “I called a midwife whom I share the same compound with but unfortunately, she said the new-born child was already dead,” he narrated

    The man of God pleaded with people living within and around to help unmask the wicked women behind this unfortunate incident for the laws of the country to take their course.

    Speaking with Obaahema Akua Adantewaa and Kwaku Mensah Abrampa, both of High Radio in Bechem, the Assembly Member of the Atekyem electoral area, Hon. Appiah Joseph gave an account of the incident to the media stating that he had a distress call concerning the incident, therefore, he reported it to Bechem police command and the police has since conveyed the body to Bechem, “we are now waiting for the report from the police for our next line of action,” he disclosed.

  • If I win the 2024 elections, I’ll finish initiatives that have been put on hold – Mahama

    If I win the 2024 elections, I’ll finish initiatives that have been put on hold – Mahama

    According to former president John Dramani Mahama, the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will finish off abandoned projects rather than start new ones.

    John Mahama asserts that the administration cannot wait to launch fresh initiatives due to the nation’s economic state.

    Speaking to delegates in the Tano North constituency as part of a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region, Mahama, a flagbearer aspirant of the NDC, said that when the party takes office, it will ensure that all abandoned infrastructural works are completed.

    “With the economic crisis that we currently have, by the time the NDC comes into power in 2025, we are still going to have a restricted fiscal space because of the economic difficulties. A new NDC will not be in a hurry to start new projects. What we will do is that the projects that have been ongoing and have been abandoned and uncompleted, we will take an inventory of all of them and with the little resources, we will dedicate it to finishing them.”

    Former President John Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of abandoning many of the projects started during his government’s tenure.

    The former President says he finds it disappointing that a number of the projects remain uncompleted since his administration left office in January 2017.

    According to him, schools and road projects among others initiated during his time as President have been left unattended to.

    John Dramani Mahama has been describing this situation with development projects as very unfortunate.

    The former president is campaigning to lead his party the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections.

    But the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama’s claims that government has abandoned several projects initiated by the previous NDC administration in the country.

  • Meet Charles Asiedu, Asiedu Nketiah’s son eyeing Tano South parliamentary seat

    Meet Charles Asiedu, Asiedu Nketiah’s son eyeing Tano South parliamentary seat

    A number of young people on both sides of the political divide, that is in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are eyeing seats in the legislature come 2024.

    The hurdle at this stage is to scale the party primaries before they go into real battle come December 2024 to secure a seat in Parliament.

    One such aspiring lawmaker is Charles Asiedu.

    On a good day, he will pass off as another young activist in the NDC who is seeking to replace the retiring MPs and or one seeking to wrestle a seat from the NPP for his party.

    Charles it so happens is the son of the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.

    Who is Charles Asiedu?

    a. Charles only recently declared his intention to contest in the party’s Tano South parliamentary primaries.

    b. He is a former organizer of the party in the Ahafo Region

    c. He is seeking to replace Hannah Bissue (current Women’s Organizer) who has been NDC’s candidate in the constituency since 2012, winning it once.

    d. Charles will come up against four other contenders according to information available to GhanaWeb.

    e. Prior to his regional organizer position, Charles served as two-term branch organizer before becoming a deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Organizer.

    f. He has a close relationship with Dr Hanna Bissiw’s serving as her campaign manager for the successful National Women’s Organizer bids in 2018 and 2022.

    Charles (arrowed) joined by Hanna Bissiw and other NDC activists during a protest in Techiman

    g. Charles holds a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership and Governance from the University of Ghana Business school. He is also a product of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).

    h. He has a certificate in Political Leadership and Party Organisation from the NDC’s Ghana Institute of Social Democracy (GISD).

    i. Charles Asiedu’s areas of expertise are communication, political marketing and branding, research, governance, strategic planning and human resource development.

    In an interview with Accra-based myxyzonline.com, the youth activist said “I am always here with the people and they know me to be a vibrant party person who has served them in different capacities.”

    Whether he scales the party primaries and makes it past the December 7, 2024 post, like they say, time will tell.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Time for Alan Kyerematen to shine is now – Omanhene Goaso

    Time for Alan Kyerematen to shine is now – Omanhene Goaso

    The New Patriotic Party should be led by Alan Kyerematen, according to Nana Akwasi Bosompra I, the paramount chief of Goaso Traditional Area of the Ahafo region (NPP).

    He said this because the former Trade and Industry Minister has served the party faithfully and diligently since 1992, proving through his work that he has the qualities to lead the country.

    Nana Bosompra, who presided over the Goaso Traditional Council when Kyerematen called on Nananom last Friday to announce his bid for the flagbearership of the NPP, noted that Ghanaians admire his competence, and the rich qualities he posses to lead the party.

    Nana Akwasi Bosompra extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Hon. Kyerematen, including his ability to churn out results for productivity, his humility, and patience, as making him capable of leading the party.

    As a result, Omanhene urged delegates to elect the former Trade and Industry Minister as their presidential candidate for 2024 as the Ghanaian electorate will willingly accept him.

    The Goasomanhene blessed the presidential hopeful and assured him of his support invoking the support of Asanteman and Nananom of Ahafo region, reiterating the backing of the Golden Stool for Alan’s candidature for the flagbearership of the NPP.

  • Peace restored after youth clash with police in Ahafo Region

    Relative calm has returned to Kenyasi No. 2 in the Ahafo Region following Tuesday’s distur­bances in which the police alleged­ly shot at some irate youth in the town, resulting in the death of one person and four others injured.

    One of the injured persons was still receiving treatment at Don­hart Hospital in Kenyasi after the other three were treated and discharged, while the dead had been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary, hospital sources had confirmed.

    Several vehicles and property belonging to a multi-national min­ing company, Newmont Ahafo Mines were damaged in the melee.

    The incident, which started as a peaceful protest by youth in the twin town against the company, degenerated into a full-blown con­frontation between the youth and the police, leading to the fatality and injuries, burning of lorry tyres, and destruction of property.

    The initial cause of the protest could not be authenticated by the Ghanaian Times.

    However, snippets gathered in the community indicated that Newmont had been allegedly pre­venting some of the youth from continuously engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) on the compa­ny’s concession in the area and this might have infuriated them.

    When the paper visited Ken­yasi yesterday morning, the street was empty with only a few shops open, while there was a heavy military-cum-police presence.

    The leader of the youth group, Abdul Karim Yeboah, who spoke to the Ghanaian Times, accused Newmont of using the police to molest them whenever they were arrested on their concession.

    He said they would stop at noth­ing if justice was not served to their departed colleague who had been killed by the police.

    The youth leader called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to cause an investiga­tion into the matter to bring about lasting peace to the area.

    Meanwhile, a statement issued by Newmont Ahafo Mines and signed by Mr. David Ebo Johnson, Director, Communications and External Relations, and copied to the Ghanaian Times confirmed the incident but could not confirm what brought about the distur­bances.

    The statement indicated that relevant regulatory authorities had been notified of the incident and that the company was cooperating with police investigations.

    “The company is also working closely with security personnel who have been deployed to the scene to keep the situation under control,” the statement stated.

    The police said they had opened investigations and anybody found culpable would be taken through the due process of the law.

  • Police investigate shooting incident at Kenyasi

    The Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region on November 15, 2022.

    The shooting resulted in the death of one person and injury to four others.

    Following the incident, some members of the community went on rampage in the town, causing destruction to two vehicles.

    Police have intensified law, order and security operations in the area and calm has since been restored.

    “Investigation continues and anybody found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law”, the police said.

  • One shot fatally in a clash between police and the youth at Kenyasi No. 2

    A bloody clash between the youth of Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region and the police in the area has led to the death of one person.

    The incident is said to have happened after the police officers reportedly stationed at Newmont Mining Limited clashed with the youth at Kenyasi Number 2 in the Ahafo Region.

    According to sources, a personnel from the Formed Police Unit and Counter-Terrorism Unit stationed with the Newmont company had an argument with a motor rider, an occurrence which led to the shooting of one person.

    His death precipitated an uprising which led to the shooting of four additional persons.

    Following  the incident, the indignant youth besieged a bridge between Kenyasi No.2 and Ntotroso road in protest.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service is yet to officially comment on the matter.

     

  • Ghastly accident in Tano North reportedly claims lives of 6 children, many critically injured

    It is being reported that some children on board a school bus with about 50 pupils in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region have died after a ghastly accident.

    According to a post made by a Facebook user, Andy Frimpong Manso, the fatal accident happened on the Terchire-Adrobaa Road.

    He said, in a caption accompanying a video, that several others have sustained critical injuries.

    “A School Bus boarding about 50 Pupils has been involved in a fatal accident on the Terchire~Adrobaa Road in the Tano North Municipality in the Ahafo Region.

    “6 Children confirmed dead, several others critically injured and few can’t be found,” he wrote.

    The Facebook user also indicated that the accident came about as a result of the bus driver over-speeding on a road that was still under construction.

    “I’m told the driver was driving on undeserving top speed, knowing very the road is under construction with first phase of surface dressing (Prima seal) being layed.

    “In such areas, drivers are being cautioned to drive carefully due to the nature of the chippings and how slippery it could be.

    “Sources say, he deified all cautions, even to that of the school pupils, asking him to slow down,” he added.

    It is unclear when exactly the incident happened, but the post was made by Andy Frimpong Manso on Friday, November 11, 2022.

    However, the police are yet to comment on the matter.

  • Dadiesoaba Nursing College shut down over fire outbreak

    Management of Dadiesoabo Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region has been shut down for two weeks following a fire outbreak that razed down a hostel in the school.

    Following the incident, students in the school have been asked to go home as management looks for alternative accommodation for them.

    The decision by management to shut down the school became necessary because it was becoming difficult to house the students.

    According to the Principal of the Dadiesoabo Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Marcelina Teni Kwose, they were forced to accommodate the students in classrooms for two days before eventually shutting down the school.

    “It has not been easy at all, I mean where to put the students is a problem. When the incident happened, we had to keep them in one of the big classrooms and that is where they were putting up for two days and then I sent them back home so that we can adjust,” she said.

    She stressed that in the interim, they will be converting the kitchen and dining into classrooms so that the students can use the classrooms as hostels when return.

    “We are trying to use the kitchen as a classroom right now and then our dining hall as a classroom so that we make way for the classrooms to be hostels for them to adjust to the situation until something is done,” she added.

    Meanwhile, some of the affected students have revealed that they were traumatised as a result of the incident because they lost all their belongings in the fire.

    A final year student, Dorothy Ofori, who will be writing her final examination in two months disclosed that she lost all her books in the inferno which is likely to affect her.

    “This incident has affected the students a lot. Our books, laptops, clothes, money everything got burnt in the fire. I am about to write my final exams in two weeks but I have lost all my handouts and how am I going to prepare.”

    A female hostel housing 208 students at the Dadiesoaba Nursing and Midwifery Training College was completely razed down by fire on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

    Though no casualty was recorded, the students lost all their properties.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • 6 districts, municipalities in Ahafo Region benefit from 1D1F

    The Tano South Municipality is among the six districts and municipalities in the Ahafo Region to benefit from the One District, One Factory (1D1F) project, Mr Collins Offinam Takyi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has disclosed.

    The rest are the Tano North Municipality, Asunafo South district, Asutifi South District, Asunafo North Municipality and Asutifi North District.

    Mr Takyi was addressing chiefs and people of Dwomoh in the Ahafo Region on Wednesday during an inspection of progress of work on an oil palm processing factory, under the 1D1F programme.

    The MCE again inaugurated a two-unit classroom block for Dwomoh Roman Catholic Primary, a six-unit classroom block for Achiase M/A Primary, and Police headquarters.

    He cut sod for the construction of a modern classroom block for the Ohianimguase District Assembly (D/A) Junior High School (JHS), and a modern abattoir in Bechem.

    Mr Takyi said the projects were funded by the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), and District Assembly Common Fund Responsive Factor Grant (DACF -RFF).

    The Ahafo Regional Minister, George Yaw Boakye, who was on a two -day official visit to the Tano South Municipality, commended the MCE for the extension of massive infrastructural projects to the area.

    Mr Boakye inspected progress of work on projects at Bechem Presbyterian Senior High School (SHS) and interacted with the students, especially the final years.

    He also inspected ongoing roads infrastructure projects namely: Bechem Techimantia Akumadan street, Asuoso Derma Techimantia, and the phase two of Bechem town roads.

    The Regional Minister had earlier paid courtesy calls on the Paramount Chiefs of Bechem Traditional Council, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto, and Dwomoh Traditional Council, Nana Akoto Asamoah.

    Nana Adoma Akyerekuaa 1, the Queen Mother of Ohianimguase, thanked the MCE for extending numerous projects and programmes to her community.

    “My community has benefited from electricity supply, bore holes, classroom blocks, toilet facilities, among other projects. All these came under the ruling government,” she noted.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Police impound cocoa fertilizers allegedly diverted to Ashanti Region

    More than 500 bags of fertilizer intended for cocoa farmers were seized by police in the Ashanti Region.

    According to reports, the fertilizers were transported from Goaso in the Ahafo Region to the Ashanti Region.

    Citi News understands the consignment was seized by officers at the Kenyase District Police Command in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

    According to sources, police upon a tip-off on Friday, August 26, 2022 followed up and confiscated the items and kept them at a shop at Achiase-Jamasi near Kenyase.

    Information available to Citi News also indicates that one person whose name was given as Shaibu Amadu a 42-year-old was arrested by the police to assist in investigations.

    Sources claim that the suspect was later given a police inquiry bail and instructed to report to the police so they can continue their inquiries with him.

    The fertilizers are currently in the custody of the Kenyase District Police Command as investigations continue into the matter.

  • Construction of new infrastructure seen in Tano South

    The Tano South Municipality is one of the fastest developing and most vibrant municipalities in the newly-created Ahafo Region.

    Massive infrastructure improvements, particularly those involving educational facilities, have been made in the municipality throughout the years to make up for its infrastructure inadequacies.

    Therefore, when the Ahafo Region was established, it was not surprising that the municipality was chosen to house the Ahafo Regional Education Office to coordinate educational operations.

    These were discovered when George Yaw Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, visited the municipality for two days as part of his 12-day working tour of the region’s six districts and municipalities.

    Inauguration

    As part of the visit to the municipality, Mr Boakye inaugurated four different projects in the municipality, inspected projects and subsequently cut sods for the construction of new projects in the area.

    The inaugurated projects were a six-unit classroom block, ancillary facilities for the Achiase D/A Primary School and a six-unit classroom block for the Techimantia Presbyterian Primary “B” School.

    Others were a two-unit classroom block for the Dwomo R/C Kindergarten School and Techimantia District Police Headquarters at Techimantia to reduce crime in the area.

    New projects

    Mr Boakye also laid blocks for the construction of another three-unit classroom block with stores and offices for the Ohianimguase D/A Primary School and the construction of an abattoir at Bechem.

    In addition, the regional minister also inspected projects such as the Enable Youth One-District-One-Factory Palm Oil Processing Factory at Dwomo, the Regional Education Office project at Bechem and some abandoned projects at the Bechem Presbyterian Senior High School.

    Road projects

    Other projects Mr Boakye inspected were the 40.4-kilometre Bechem-Techimantia-Akumadan road and the rehabilitation of the 26-kilometre Techimantia-Derma-Asuoso road to facilitate movement in the area.

    He told journalists that the road project was dear to the hearts of the chiefs and people in the region and pledged the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council’s (RCC) support to the contractor for its completion on schedule.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of the 40.4-kilometre Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road in September 2020 which is being constructed at the cost of 50 million Euros.

    However, the actual construction began in September 2021 and is expected to be completed in August 2023.

    On the 26-kilometre Techimantia-Derma-Asuoso road, the Ahafo Regional Director of the Department of Feeder Roads, Edmund Koku Duodu, explained that the concrete works, filling and U-drains had been completed.

    He said the road was being funded by the Cocoa Roads Fund, adding that the projects were expected to be completed by the end of this year.

    Working visit

    As part of the visit, Mr Boakye paid a courtesy call to the Bechem Traditional Council, Dwomo Traditional Council and Derma Traditional Council to officially introduce himself to the chiefs and people in the areas.

    He was accompanied by the Tano South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Collins Offinam-Takyi, and some heads of departments in the newly created region.

    At the Bechem Regional Education Office, Mr Boakye said President Akufo-Addo would soon inaugurate the facility and officially hand it over to the Ministry of Education.

    He said despite the infrastructure deficit in the region, the various departments had given of their best for the progress of the region.

    Appeal

    He appealed to the people in the region to pay their taxes to improve the development of the region.

    At Dwomo, Mr Boakye appealed to the chiefs and people in the municipality to support the government to develop the region and encouraged the chiefs to continue to monitor government projects to ensure quality and timely completion.

    Mr Boakye urged the chiefs and people in the region to be patient, as the government was working hard to bring development to the region.

    Bechem town roads

    During the courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, the chief appealed to the regional minister to facilitate the completion of Bechem town roads.

    He said it was unfortunate that the contractor had abandoned the project after initial works which had deteriorated over time.

    Nana Akoto II also appealed for the provision of adequate infrastructure at the Bechem Municipal Hospital to enable it to serve the people better.

    He said the facility, which was constructed by the chiefs and people of the area, had never seen any infrastructure development by successive governments.

    At Techimantia, the Krontihene of the Techimantia Traditional Area, Nana Ampong Kromantang, called on the government to reshape feeder roads in the area to facilitate the smooth transportation of farm produce to market centres.

    He again appealed to the minister to help provide accommodation facilities for the police in the area to check increasing crime incidents.

    Development

    Speaking to journalists after the two-day tour, Mr Boakye said he was impressed with the level of development in the municipality, commenting that “This means that the assembly is making good use of the little resources given to it”.

    On the Enable Youth One-District-One-Factory Palm Oil Processing Factory, he said the assembly had completed the physical infrastructure of the facility, while it was in the process of procuring machinery and other tools for their installation.

    Source:graphic.com

  • 6 hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has shut down 6 hotels and other hospitality facilities in Ahafo Region for operating without licences.

    The affected facilities included pubs, and catering services among others at Sankore, Mim, Mehame Nkwanta, Goaso, and Kenyasi.

    The Ahafo, Bono and Bono East Regional Director of Authority, Joseph Appiagyei who led the taskforce including the Ghana Police Service for the exercise explained that the facilities in question are operating without regulatory permits of the GTA.

    6 hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    He told Adom News that the GTA gave them countless notice to do the needful in accordance with the law.

    However, these cautions seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

    The Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the police subsequently moved in to close them down to safeguard those who patronize their goods and services.

    6 hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    To him, the said attitude by the owners and managers is not helping the country.

    According to Joseph Appiagyei, managers of the closed-down facilities in Ahafo Region have up to 7 working days to come to their office in Sunyani to prove compliance to avoid being processed for court.

    He further hinted that persons who breach the closure directive will be dealt with drastically.

  • Six hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has shut down six hotels and other hospitality facilities in the Ahafo Region for operating without licences.

    The affected facilities included pubs, and catering services among others at Sankore, Mim, Mehame Nkwanta, Goaso, and Kenyasi.

    The Ahafo, Bono and Bono East Regional Director of Authority, Joseph Appiagyei, who led the taskforce including the Ghana Police Service for the exercise, explained that the facilities in question are operating without regulatory permits of the GTA.

    6 hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    He told Adom News that the GTA gave them countless notices to do the needful in accordance with the law.

    However, these cautions seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

    The GTA, in collaboration with the police, subsequently moved in to close them down to safeguard those who patronise their goods and services.

    6 hotels, other hospitality facilities closed down in Ahafo Region

    To him, the said attitude by the owners and managers is not helping the country.

    According to Joseph Appiagyei, managers of the closed-down facilities in the Ahafo Region have up to seven working days to come to their office in Sunyani to prove compliance to avoid being processed for court.

    He further hinted that persons who breach the closure directive will be dealt with drastically.

     

    Source: Adom Online

     

  • Policeman dies while on election duties at Ahafo Region

    Detective Constable Kwarteng Abebrese Nantwi of Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters Operations in Accra currently on Election Duties at Ahafo Region is dead.

    MyNewsGh.com has confirmed from police sources that he fell sick and was rushed to Hwidiem Government Hospital but was discharged after treatment.

    Earlier today December 7, 2020, he fell unconscious in his room and was rushed back to the same hospital for further treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.

    His body has since been deposited at same Hospital morgue pending further action while the police administration has notified the immediate family of his unfortunate passing.

    Source: My News GH

  • Ahafo needs a military base to curb recurring political violence – Minister

    Evans Opoku-Bobie, the Ahafo Regional Minister has called for a military base to help stop the needless and uncontrolled recurring of political violence in the region, as the December 7, polls gathers pace.

    He noted the establishment of the military base at a strategic location in the region was to support the police handle security situation and pleaded with the Ministry of Interior and National Security to act swiftly and consider that.

    Mr Opoku-Bobie made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of the Ahafo Regional Peace held at Goaso, the regional capital.

    The 13-member Ahafo Regional Peace Council is made up of representatives from Catholic Bishop Conference, Ghana Pentecostal Council, Regional House of Chiefs, identifiable groups, Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, and the Muslim community.

    Mr Opoku-Bobie said peace as a critical development requirement was needed by the region for its development and called on particularly, the leaders of the NPP and the NDC to show true commitment towards the peace of the region by stopping what he described as “needless political game of violence equalization and polarization for power in the hotspot areas of the region”.

    The burden of political violence in the region, Mr Opoku-Bobie explained was already being felt at the various flashpoints in the district and municipalities of the region, saying a total of GH¢427,050.79 was spent by the affected district Assemblies as at mid-August this year.

    About 31 percent of the amount was in emergency crisis response, mainly on political-related violence in connection with the Election 2020, the regional minister stated.

    As the December 7, polls gathered momentum, Mr Opoku-Bobie also appealed for concerted efforts among all stakeholders to upholding and defending the prevailing peace in the region.

    “We must not allow our renewed commitment to eradicate Election violence to produce same recurrent old results, where thugs are used to intimidate and brutalize other citizens for the interest of some politicians,” he added.

    Nana Dufie I, the Mamponghemaa, and a Board Member of the NPC, who inaugurated the Council called on the members to offer selfless services towards strengthening the prevailing peace of the region.

    Justice Charles K. Acheampong, a Circuit Court Judge took the Council through the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy.

    Source: GNA