TIG Post

Tag: Western Region

  • Western Region accounts for 71% of confirmed Mpox cases – Report

    Western Region accounts for 71% of confirmed Mpox cases – Report

    The Western Region is experiencing a sharp rise in Monkeypox (Mpox) infections, according to the Regional Health Director.

    Addressing attendees at a Regional Development Retreat at Western Region, Essipong on Saturday, June 21, Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng revealed that the area makes up for 71% of all confirmed Monkeypox infections nationwide.

    “Monkeypox is also in the country, and currently, the Western Region is number one; we have taken over. 71% of the cases in the country are coming from the Western Region. As it stands, we have 187 suspected cases and 43 confirmed cases,” Mr Apenteng stated, highlighting the dramatic shift in the geographical distribution of the disease within Ghana.

    Ghana recorded the first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, and by November 2023, health authorities had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Despite the increase in cases, Ghana has not recorded any Mpox-related deaths.

    Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact.

    To reduce your risk, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain proper hand hygiene, and refrain from sharing personal items.

    Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported seven new cases of monkeypox (Mpox), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 98 as of June 16.

    In a circular on Wednesday, June 18, the Service indicated that all patients had been discharged, with no individuals remaining hospitalized.

    As of June 12, the number of confirmed cases rose to 91 from 79 reported as of June 6, with no reports of fatalities.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service has assured that the country will soon experience relief in response to the surging cases.

    The government is engaging international organizations for assistance in procuring vaccines to be able to curb the surging number of cases being reported.

    Speaking to the media on Saturday, June 7, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe, stated, “We’re engaging WHO and the Africa CDC so that we get the vaccines. Somewhere last year, Ghana didn’t have any established human-to-human transmission, so we do not qualify. Now that we have human-to-human transmission. The idea is that we will be able to identify a clear group who will benefit from the vaccine.”

    The Government of Ghana has assured its commitment to safeguarding public health by implementing appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents.”

  • 14-year-old boy allegedly commits suicide at Abuesi

    14-year-old boy allegedly commits suicide at Abuesi

    Residents of Abuesi, located in the Shama District of the Western Region, are in disbelief following the suspected suicide of 14-year-old John Yawson, who was found hanging in his father’s incomplete structure.

    The young boy, a fifth-grade student at Alliance International School, was discovered on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

    According to local sources, John’s mother reportedly denied him food the day before the incident, a dispute that some believe could have played a role in his tragic decision.

    The area’s Assembly Member, Enoch Arthur, confirmed the news to JoyNews on Monday evening, stating that neighbors initially attempted to save him.

    “I was informed of the incident yesterday [Monday]. I quickly stopped all that I was doing and rushed to the place. Upon arrival, I was told some people tried saving the boy because per their assessment he wasn’t dead but he gave up the ghost while he was being rushed to the hospital”.

    The Shama District Police have begun an investigation into the matter, and the body has been sent to the St. Edwards Morgue for a post-mortem examination.

  • Cholera deaths in Western Region climb to 14

    Cholera deaths in Western Region climb to 14

    The Western Region Director of Health Services, Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah, has reported 14 fatalities linked to the ongoing cholera outbreak, with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality identified as the main areas of concern.

    In an interview with Citi News in Takoradi, Dr. Yeboah explained that despite increased public health campaigns and measures such as prohibiting the sale of vegetables by food vendors, residents must remain vigilant and adhere to all preventive guidelines to curb the spread of the disease.

    “Currently, about 8 districts have reported cholera cases and I must say that up till now, the facilities within these 8 districts, have managed over 800 cases and that is a lot.

    “We have lost 14 people so far, currently, the epicentre is Sekondi-Takoradi and adjoining districts, Shama and Ahanta West. We’re appealing to everybody to take the basic precautions. It’s so important if we don’t do that we’re going to lose more people, so please personal hygiene is very important, we must wash our hands, and the food we eat must be warm. As soon as anybody gets these symptoms, he/she must report to the nearest health facility.”

    Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah reassured the public that cholera treatment is provided at no cost and that health facilities are fully equipped to manage cases. He stressed the importance of reporting any suspected cases quickly to healthcare providers to help contain the outbreak.

    The Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Gifty Amugi, also emphasized the availability of free cholera vaccines for children aged one and older. She encouraged parents to make sure their children receive the vaccine as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

  • How Kojo Trip’s family influenced his music career

    How Kojo Trip’s family influenced his music career

    Ghanaian rapper and songwriter Kojo Trip, who hails from Takoradi in the Western Region, has revealed how coming from a deeply musical background has played a role in his music career.

    According to the rising artist, both of his parents are passionate music lovers. In a yet-to-be aired interview with The Independent Ghana’s Sebastian Akaho-Tay, the artiste shared that he grew up in a home filled with the sounds of classics from artists like Alpha Blondy and C.K. Mann, among others. This environment, he believes, shaped his passion for music.

    “I come from a musical background, my parents love music. My uncle also loves music. I remember those days when they used to play songs by C.K. Mann, Alpha Blondy, and the rest,” Kojo Trip stated.

    He went on to explain that his passion for music wasn’t just influenced by his family but also driven by a personal creative urge to pursue a career in the art form.

    He described his desire as a push to create something beautiful on his own. In addition, Kojo Trip credits the musical greats from Takoradi for playing a significant role in shaping his craftsmanship.

    Kojo Trip is a Ghanaian rapper/song writer who hails from Takoradi in the Western Region.

    His debut project Lifes’ A Trip (LAT), released in March 2019 garnered attention making him one of the promising young acts to look out for.

    He went on to release his second project The LUMBERJACK LP in December of the same year and two joint EP’s, Far From Wavy and FANTE FANTE with cohorts Chief Kellz & A-Clipse & Skerie B4DMON & Cousin Mauve respectively in 2020.

    He has worked with some of the finest and seasoned artists from Ghana including Rapper & Producer Jayso of Skillions fame and Pappy Kojo.

    He has also been on a number of international platforms including TeamBackPack’s World Emcee Cyphers amongst others.

    Watch video below:

  • Four arrested for illegally mining in Subri Forest Reserve

    Four arrested for illegally mining in Subri Forest Reserve

    The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team has executed a successful operation against an illegal mining camp in the Subri Forest Reserve, located near Benso in the Western Region.

    The raid resulted in the arrest of four armed Ghanaians involved in unauthorized mining activities.

    During the operation, the team seized five pump-action guns, 77 rounds of ammunition, and destroyed three excavators.

    The equipment and other items discovered on-site have been transferred to the Takoradi police for further investigation.

    The suspects Innussah Yussif, Issah Seidu, Shadrack Yowson, and Emmanuel Adawusu are suspected to have received backing from influential figures, which enabled their illegal mining and caused extensive damage to the forest in pursuit of gold.

    This action is part of a broader initiative in the Takoradi Forest District to address the growing threat of illegal mining, which has led to significant degradation of Ghana’s forest reserves.

  • Enchi-Asankrangwa road destroyed due to activities of illegal mining – Report

    Enchi-Asankrangwa road destroyed due to activities of illegal mining – Report

    The Enchi-Asankrangwa road in Ghana‘s Western Region has reportedly been severely damaged due to activities of illegal mining.

    According to a report by Channel One TV, illegal miners have used the road for their operations, causing the destruction of one-third of its length.

    The damage has rendered a significant portion of the road unusable, leaving only one stretch open for use.

    Concrete barriers designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road have also been destroyed, contributing to the road’s deteriorated state.

    The situation has made commuting difficult, even for local chiefs who frequently use the route.

    The road, originally reconstructed in 2008 at a cost of GHC152 billion during the Kufuor administration, was designed to last for fifteen years.

    It was built by the Chinese company Top International Engineering Corporation Ghana Limited and features a two-lane single carriageway stretching 56 kilometers.

    The project included a double-sealed bituminous surface, improved road geometry, bus bays, taxi stopping lanes, drainage structures, crash barriers, and speed-calming measures.

    Illegal mining activities have compromised the road, underscoring the need for urgent action to stop further destruction.

    Watch video below:

  • Company linked to NPP’s Jauben PC illegally acquired two active mining leases – Report

    Company linked to NPP’s Jauben PC illegally acquired two active mining leases – Report

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for the Juaben Constituency in the Ashanti Region for the 2024 elections, Francis Owusu-Akyaw, has come under scrutiny following revelations about his connections to Unipower Mining Company Limited.

    The Fourth Estate has uncovered that this company, linked to Mr Owusu-Akyaw, has obtained two active mining leases under questionable circumstances.

    Mr Owusu-Akyaw was a member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Small-Scale Mining, established by President Akufo-Addo to combat illegal mining and propose reforms in the sector.

    According to the Fourth Estate the former Secretary to the Committee, Charles Bissue, revealed that Mr Owusu-Akyaw was dismissed from the committee after allegedly suggesting they exploit their positions to become involved in small-scale mining.

    “The then Secretary to the Committee, Charles Bissue, confirmed to The Fourth Estate that he was sacked from the committee. This was because he (Owusu-Akyaw) had allegedly suggested to him( Bissue ) that they could take advantage of their positions on the committee to get involved in small-scale mining. A search through the Minerals Commission’s database revealed that Mr Owusu-Akyaw is the contact person for at least 15 mining companies,” Fourth Estate revealed.

    Further investigation by The Fourth Estate revealed that Owusu-Akyaw is listed as the contact person for at least 15 mining companies.

    Among these is Unipower Mining Company Limited, which was registered on August 22, 2019.

    The company, which lists two Chinese directors, Liu Dingfeng and Liu Renxiu, as shareholders, was initially set up to provide mining services.

    A former Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Tony Aubyn, explained that Unipower’s registration only permits it to provide mining services rather than own mining concessions.

    Despite this, The Fourth Estate discovered that Unipower applied for mining leases in forest reserves on November 25, 2022—the same day the LI2462 regulation came into force.

    “Another one of Mr Owusu-Akyaw’s clients is Unipower Mining Company Limited, which has two Chinese directors as shareholders – Liu Dingfeng and Liu Renxiu (named beneficial owner). The company was registered on August 22, 2019. From the ORC’s records, the company was registered to provide mining services.

    “A former Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Tony Aubyn, explained to The Fourth Estate that this categorization means that the company cannot own concessions of its own but, can be hired by concession owners as a service provider. However, The Fourth Estate discovered that Unipower applied for mining leases in the forest reserves on November 25, 2022 – the day LI2462 came into force. The company currently has two active mining leases.

    “While one of these concessions is in the Boin Tano Forest Reserve in the Western Region, the other one is partially in the reserve by the Tano River. Seven other applications from Unipower are at various stages of consideration, the Minerals Commission’s database shows,” Fourth State added.

    The company currently holds two active mining leases: one in the Boin Tano Forest Reserve in the Western Region and another partially in the reserve by the Tano River.

    The Minerals Commission’s database also indicates that Unipower has seven additional applications at various stages of consideration.

  • Naana Jane begins 3-day campaign tour of Western Region today  

    Naana Jane begins 3-day campaign tour of Western Region today  

    The 2024 vice-presidential candidate Naana Jane begins alongside former President John Dramani Mahama, are beginning 3 three-day campaign tour of the Western Region today Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

    This tour is a key component of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) strategy to connect with crucial stakeholders and voters in anticipation of the December general elections.

    Throughout the tour, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang will conduct market visits, engage with local chiefs, and interact with other significant figures in various constituencies within the region.

    On the first day, she will visit Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ahanta West, and Mpohor.

    The second day will feature visits to the Shama and Essikadu-Ketan constituencies, concluding in Sekondi.

    The final day will see her tour Takoradi, Effia, and Kwesimintsim.

    Accompanied by her campaign team, regional party leaders, and notable personalities from the Western Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang aims to enhance her profile and garner support for the NDC as the elections approach.

    This information was shared in a statement issued by Richard Kirk-Mensah, the NDC’s Western Regional Communication Officer.

  • Police in Western Region arrests 6 for burning 60-year-old to death

    Police in Western Region arrests 6 for burning 60-year-old to death

    The Ahanta West Municipal Police Command in the Western Region has apprehended six individuals on suspicion of murdering 60-year-old Isaac Ansah.

    Reports indicate that the victim was allegedly set on fire in Achonwa, a community where he had resided for more than two years.

    The arrests came after a disturbing incident on Thursday, June 27, 2024, when a mob acted based on allegations made by a local fetish priest.

    According to the priest, Ansah had purportedly provided the names of 14 community members for sacrificial killing.

    Mr. Frank Eshun, Ansah’s nephew, informed the media that the suspects include prominent community figures such as Nana Ojandi, the Caretaker Chief, Godfred Cudjoe, the Assemblyman, the Fetish Priest, the Chief Fisherman, and two others.

    Violence erupted following an unsuccessful meeting between Ansah and the village elders. Enraged youth from the community seized Ansah, bound him, pelted him with stones, and ultimately burned him alive using car tires and gasoline.

    Eshun expressed the family’s devastation over the loss and called for justice.

    He shared that the sight of animals scavenging on his uncle’s remains has deeply disturbed him.

    Isaac Ansah’s body has been transferred to the morgue for an autopsy.

    Despite their grief, the family hopes for a peaceful final resting place for their beloved relative.

  • 16 injured in premix fuel explosion at Essikadu Ketan constituency

    16 injured in premix fuel explosion at Essikadu Ketan constituency

    The number of people seriously injured in the premix fuel explosion at Ngyirasia, a community in the Essikadu Ketan Constituency of the Western Region, has risen to sixteen.

    Three of the victims are currently at the Saint Benedict Hospital, Inchaban, while thirteen, including children, are at the Effiankwanta Regional Hospital receiving treatment.

    The incident, which occurred around 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, also affected two stationary vehicles: a completely burnt Range Rover and an Opel Astra taxi.

    Eyewitnesses told the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, that fishermen in the community had gone to buy premix fuel for fishing and were transporting it to the beach when the drum suddenly fell.

    The spilled fuel came into contact with fire from nearby fishmongers, resulting in an explosion.

    “The drum fell and the fuel started to spill. It unfortunately went to where fishmongers smoke fish in the community. The spilled fuel got into contact with the fire and caught fire. Those who were closer, including children, got badly injured and were rushed to the Effiankwanta Regional Hospital for treatment,” an eyewitness, Kwesi, indicated.

    Fire personnel from the Western Region Headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly and brought the fire under control.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for Sekondi Takoradi, Abdul Mumin Issah, has since visited the scene and the injured to assess the extent of the damage.

    Police have begun investigations to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

    See pictures below:

  • GWCL notifies of water supply disruption in the Western Region

    GWCL notifies of water supply disruption in the Western Region

    Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Western Region has announced a disruption in water supply, affecting the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

    According to a statement issued by GWCL on Thursday, April 25, the interruption is caused by a power outage at the Inchaban and Daboase Water Treatment Plants.

    GWCL clarified that the interruption directly results from the power outage, which has impacted the plants’ ability to treat and supply water to the affected areas.

    In response to the situation, GWCL has been in communication with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which has assured them of efforts to promptly resolve the power issue.

    The company has further assured its customers that water supply will resume immediately upon the restoration of power to the treatment plants.

    “Management of Ghana Water Ltd in the Western Region wishes to inform the public that due to a power outage at the Inchaban and Daboase Water Treatment Plants, water supply to the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has been interrupted.

    Engineers of Electricity Company of Ghana Limited have assured us that they are working around the clock to resolve the problem and restore power supply.”

    “Management assures our cherished customers that as soon as power supply is restored to the plants, water supply to the metropolis will resume. We apologize unreservedly for any inconvenience this supply interruption may have caused,” it stated.

  • 500 hectares of cocoa farms destroyed to make way for galamsey in the Western Region

    500 hectares of cocoa farms destroyed to make way for galamsey in the Western Region

    A staggering 500 hectares of cocoa farms lie in ruins at Oppong Valley in the Western Region, once a stronghold of cocoa cultivation now reduced to a state of devastation.

    What was once a thriving hub for cocoa production has now transformed into a mining zone, leaving local citizens deeply concerned about the environmental and economic impacts.

    In a recent interview with United Television (UTV), Kofi Agyekum, a concerned resident, detailed the tragic turn of events that led to this catastrophe.

    “Oppong Valley used to be untouched by galamsey activities, a beautiful landscape dotted with flourishing cocoa farms owned by families yielding abundant harvests,” lamented Agyekum. “Unfortunately, the arrival of galamsey operators brought destruction through the use of harmful chemicals, rendering Kwame Nkrumah’s once-recognizable land unrecognizable.”

    Agyekum went further to highlight the complicity of both local and high-ranking government officials in facilitating these illegal activities.

    “Behind the scenes, there are influential individuals directing and supporting these illegal miners, making it a daunting challenge to put an end to this destructive cycle,” he emphasised, underscoring the magnitude of the issue that now plagues Oppong Valley and its inhabitants.

    Watch video below:

  • VIDEO: Youth clash with illegal miners at Sefwi Akontombra in the Western Region

    VIDEO: Youth clash with illegal miners at Sefwi Akontombra in the Western Region

    Youth of Sefwi Akontombra in the Western Region took to the streets in protest, targeting Chinese-led mining activities that have plagued their community.

    The situation escalated as protesters set fire to mining equipment and structures on-site, venting their frustration over environmental degradation and water pollution they attribute to these activities.

    The protest, which initially started peacefully, quickly turned chaotic as tensions mounted.

    Reports indicate that six gunshots were fired, leading to the injury of three individuals involved in the demonstration.

    The injured were swiftly taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, with their conditions reported as stable.

    The youth’s anger stems from the extensive damage caused by illegal mining activities, particularly by foreign operators.

    They argue that the land degradation and pollution of water bodies not only harm the environment but also endanger the well-being and future prospects of the community.

    Local authorities have been urged to intervene and address the grievances raised by the youth, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to curb illegal mining practices while safeguarding the community’s interests and environment.

    The incident has sparked discussions about the regulation and oversight of mining activities, highlighting the challenges faced in balancing economic development with environmental conservation in resource-rich regions.

    Watch video below:

  • Video: “Apart from Accra, there is no Ghana” – Half-naked man protests at premises of parliament

    Video: “Apart from Accra, there is no Ghana” – Half-naked man protests at premises of parliament


    An unidentified man passionately expressed his frustration over the glaring disparities in development across Ghana, singling out the capital city, Accra, as the sole recipient of recognition.

    Dressed in tattered shorts and half-naked, the impassioned young man bemoaned the lack of development in regions outside Accra.

    He emphasized that other areas, such as Prestea in the Western Region, known for its gold resources, are noticeably deprived of essential development.

    The unnamed individual argued for a more equitable distribution of development, urging authorities to address the imbalance and ensure that progress reaches all corners of the nation.

    As the video gained traction online, it sparked discussions on social media about the need for inclusive and widespread development strategies in Ghana.

    “A place like Prestea in the Western Region which boasts of Gold lacks development.”

    Watch video below:

  • Man found dead in abandoned quarry pit in Western Region

    Man found dead in abandoned quarry pit in Western Region

    The lifeless body of a 27-year-old man, Emmanuel Mensah, has been retrieved from an abandoned quarry pit at Mpintsin Kojokrom.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), it received a distress call on Saturday, October 14, reporting a drowning incident at Mpintsin near SDA Church in the Western Region.

    Upon arrival, the crew, with the assistance of a diver after scene assessment, discovered the deceased, who passed away on October 13, in the company of his friends.

    According to the GNFS, investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances leading to the death of Emmanuel Mensah.

  • Gold buyer gruesomely murdered by armed robbers at Subriso

    In the vicinity of Benso, situated in the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality of the Western Region, two armed robbers have fatally stabbed a gold buyer, identified as Alhaji.

    The tragic event occurred at Subriso, where Alhaji was on his way to work around 4:30 a.m.

    CCTV footage captured the incident, revealing the robbers approaching Alhaji and mercilessly stabbing him multiple times.

    Afterward, the assailants fled the scene, but vigilant locals managed to apprehend one of them.

    In response to their anger and frustration, the residents administered their own form of justice, leading to the death of the captured robber.

    The other perpetrator remains at large.

    Subsequently, the police have initiated a manhunt to locate the second robber.

    The incident has instilled a sense of fear and distress among the community’s inhabitants, who are urgently urging the police to enhance security measures in the area.

  • Dilapidated Anyinase Health Centre to undergo reconstruction

    Dilapidated Anyinase Health Centre to undergo reconstruction

    Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) and Quantum Terminals (QT) have jointly launched the reconstruction of Anyinase Health Centre into a 20-bed facility which will cost $2 million.

    The move addresses the deteriorating state of the health center and its limited services for over a quarter of Ellembelle District’s population in the Western Region.

    Despite its importance to residents and GNGC workers due to its proximity to the company’s headquarters, the center had suffered decay and offered only outpatient services.

    The Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Manager at GNGC, Stephen Donkoh, stated that the 12-month upgrade aligns with the company’s health support policy for the community.

    “How do we give back to the community? We have five thematic areas– provision of educational infrastructure, health, sports, water and sanitation and skills building. Today is the first time we are fulfilling our policy on health delivery, so far as Ellembelle District is concerned, in appreciation of the support that the people have given to the company. Upon completion, it will enable the Ayinase health centre to offer 80 percent of services offered by the Ekwe District Hospital”, he added.

    QT’s Brands and Communication Manager, Samuel Bonuedie, highlighted their commitment to community welfare, emphasizing the positive impact of their operations.

    The health center’s revitalization is a shared goal between QT and Ghana Gas, aimed at enhancing healthcare standards.

    Ellembelle District Health Director, Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoakoh, praised GNGC and QT for enabling the health center to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric care and extended in-patient services.

    MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, and District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzoh, lauded GNGC and QT as responsible corporate entities in Ellembelle.

  • Wassa Nkyirifi: Uncle kills niece for rituals

    Wassa Nkyirifi: Uncle kills niece for rituals

    In the farming community in Wassa Nkyirifi, Western Region, residents woke up to a chilling incident on Friday morning, August 4.

    A seven-year-old girl named Sandy Manu has been murdered by her uncle, allegedly as part of a ritualistic act for monetary gain.

    The prime suspect, identified solely as Augustine, a 37-year-old farmer, initially reported to the police that his niece had gone missing.

    He claimed that she had disappeared, prompting concerns from the community. Augustine even took the step of making public appeals on radio for assistance in locating the young girl.

    However, law enforcement in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal area became suspicious due to Augustine’s peculiar behavior and responses during questioning.

    His intense anxiety and eventual emotional breakdown raised red flags. Subsequently, during intensive police interrogation, Augustine broke down and confessed to the heinous crime.

    According to information from a police source, Augustine revealed that his motive for the murder was rooted in a desire to escape poverty.

    He disclosed that he had confided in an elderly individual within the Wassa Nkyirifi community about his financial struggles. Shockingly, this person advised him to engage in a ritualistic act involving one of his nieces to acquire wealth.

    Driven by this advice, Augustine sought out a spiritualist the following day, seeking guidance for the money ritual.

    The spiritualist allegedly instructed him to obtain a human head, specifically that of one of his nieces, to proceed with the ritual. Augustine then targeted Sandy, his own niece, and carried out the gruesome act.

    Following the murder and decapitation, Augustine buried the headless body in a nearby forest and concealed the severed head for the ritual.

    Under police custody, Augustine led authorities to the site where the body was buried, leading to the exhumation of the headless remains. Additionally, the head itself was recovered from another location.

    The victim’s body has been transported to a morgue, and Augustine is currently in police custody facing charges related to the heinous crime.

    Disturbing footage of the exhumation was shared on social media by members of the community, further highlighting the shocking and tragic nature of the incident.

  • Boyfriend murders lover at Dunkwa-on-Offin

    Boyfriend murders lover at Dunkwa-on-Offin

    Residents in Dunkwa-on-Offin, in the Upper Denkyira East District, has witnessed a tragic event where a 30-year-old man, identified as Samuel Mensah, has ended the life of his girlfriend, Gifty.

    The horrifying act occurred amidst a heated argument between the couple, during which Gifty expressed her desire to terminate the relationship.

    Both Samuel and Gifty hailed from Wassa in the Western Region and had been cohabiting in Dunkwa-on-Offin as partners for several years.

    Regrettably, the altercation culminated in a fatal outcome when Samuel allegedly lured Gifty into an unfinished building and mercilessly attacked her with a cutlass, causing injuries that proved fatal.

    The shocking scene was discovered by concerned residents, who acted swiftly to apprehend Samuel. He currently remains in Police custody, pending further investigation and legal procedures.

    A witness who recounted the incident to the media stated that, “The tragic incident took place in an uncompleted building. I was at home when I noticed Samuel persuading his girlfriend to follow him there. Soon after, I heard cries of distress, prompting me to rush to the location, only to find the young woman lying in a pool of blood.”

    “At first, I thought it was a botched robbery, but to my dismay, I later learned that it was the girlfriend’s own partner who committed the heinous act. I tried to apprehend him, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find anyone willing to assist. However, I explained the situation to other members of the community, who eventually took action and apprehended the suspect.”

    This tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning, grappling with the loss of a young life and the brutality of the crime that took place among a couple who were known to live together.

  • Western Region: Road crashes increase to 374 in first half of 2023

    Western Region: Road crashes increase to 374 in first half of 2023

    The Western Region has experienced a rise in road traffic crashes during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

    A total of 374 crashes were recorded this year, with 51 being fatal, 148 serious, and 175 minor cases.

    In contrast, the corresponding period in 2022 saw 354 crashes, with 43 being fatal, 150 serious, and 161 minor cases.

    Tragically, there were 62 deaths and 380 injuries this year, compared to 54 deaths and 317 injuries in 2022. The report, signed by Nana Akua Ansaah, Western Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), was shared with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.

    The data indicated that 55 males below the age of 18 and 48 males above the age of 18 lost their lives this year, while 45 males below 18 and 41 males above 18 died in 2022. As for females, seven below the age of 18 and three above the age of 18 died this year, whereas eight below 18 and three above 18 died in 2022.

    The report also revealed that 246 commercial vehicles, 229 private vehicles, and 203 motorcycles were involved in crashes in the first half of 2023, compared to 224 commercial vehicles, 226 private vehicles, and 175 motorcycles during the same period last year.

    Nana Akua Ansaah called on the media and other stakeholders to continue supporting the NRSA’s efforts by promoting best road safety practices to protect the citizens from road traffic-related incidents in the Western Region and the entire country.

  • 200 teachers provided in-service training to be more efficient

    200 teachers provided in-service training to be more efficient

    A collaborative effort between the GNAT-Canada Teachers Federation and the FCE, has provided approximately 200 teachers from the Western and Western North Regions the opportunity to complete an in-service training programme.

    The aim of the training was to enhance their abilities to deliver more effectively within the classroom setting.

    During the training, the teachers received instruction in various subject areas, including class management, gender and culture, technology education, and inclusiveness.

    The program coordinator, Mr. Ernest Asamoah, highlighted the longstanding partnership between GNAT-Canada, spanning an impressive 63 years of successful engagement and knowledge exchange.

    He urged all teachers to utilize the acquired knowledge and share it with their colleagues, thereby contributing to the enhancement of quality education in their schools.

    Furthermore, Mr. Asamoah emphasized that the training would provide the participating teachers with two additional points in their yearly assessment program, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development.

    The Team Lead for Canada, Ms. Julia Degirolamo, recognized the significance of international projects as valuable tools for exchanging ideas and furthering global education objectives.

    She, therefore, entreated the participants to use the new skills acquired to innovate change in the classroom…” leadership roles must well be seen from now”.

    Mrs Sally Nelly Coleman, the Metro Director of Education praised GNAT for such projects and programmes which equipped the teacher to live up to his or her best. 

    She noted how the GNAT had contributed to her professional development and growth and encouraged the teachers to effectively take part in all its activities to improve their course. 

  • Tarkwa Municipal Hospital calls on govt for NICU

    Tarkwa Municipal Hospital calls on govt for NICU

    Authorities at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital in the Western Region has urged government to provide the hospital with a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in order to provide adequate care for newborn babies in the municipality and beyond.

    The current NICU, established in 2014, is unable to cope with the increasing number of newborns, leading to challenges in providing neonatal care.

    Dr. Joseph Benjamin Baidoo, Assistant-in-Charge of the NICU, disclosed this during a donation event by the Tarkwa ‘February Borns Family’ (TFBF). The group contributed 200 bags of cement worth GH¢22,000 towards the construction of a new NICU block at the hospital.

    Neonatal care is crucial for premature or sick infants, and the NICU offers specialized care for babies within the first 28 days of life.

    Dr. Baidoo explained that the unit currently accommodates about four babies per cot, and the daily admission rate has increased from eight to approximately 20 newborns. However, there is only one incubator and one phototherapy machine available.

    The planned construction project includes various sections such as a ward for babies, a preterm ward for premature infants, a neonatal ward, a breast milk expression room, a mothers’ hostel, a nurses’ rest area, consulting rooms, the head of department’s office, and a conference room.

    Dr. Baidoo emphasized that neonatal babies often face heart, stomach, or oxygen-related issues, requiring specialized care in the NICU. The new facility is expected to enhance neonatal care and provide better accommodation for mothers, fostering a conducive environment for breastfeeding.

    “We need to save new born babies from dying. The vision is not about new babies alone, it’s a whole menu of care we provide here at the unit,” he explained.

    Dr. Baidoo expressed concern over the current situation where one cot is responsible for accommodating two to four neonatal babies, highlighting the potential risks of infections and increased mortality rates in the NICU.

    He emphasized the crucial role of incubators in providing necessary heat for preterm babies in the unit.

    In line with the goal of enhancing neonatal care, the hospital established a project committee in November of the previous year, chaired by Nana Twum of Brenu Akyenem. The committee, which includes members such as the Apinto queen mother, Nana Abena Boaduwaa II, and other staff, aims to construct a new NICU facility in Tarkwa.

    Mr. Stephen Affum, Senior Administrator of TFBF, commended the efforts to promote neonatal care in Tarkwa and encouraged all stakeholders and philanthropists to support this worthy cause.

    “We are happy that a land had been secured for this noble NICU projects. Let’s support this worthy course for the future of neonatal care in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and be­yond,” he added.

  • Fishers in New Takoradi observe closed fishing season

    Fishers in New Takoradi observe closed fishing season

    In adherence to the regulations for the closed fishing season, fishermen in New Takoradi, located in the Western Region, have diligently stored away their canoes and fishing gear. The closed fishing season, which applies to inshore and artisanal fishers, spans from July 1 to August 31 this year.

    The month-long closed fishing season directives by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, under Section 84 of the Fisheries Act, 2022 (Act 625) formed part of strategic measures aimed at reducing overexploitation and ensuring fish stock replenishment in the country’s marine waters. 

    The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed during a visit to the shores of the community that, some of the fishers idled around, others were busily mending their nets, with some servicing and repairing their outboard motors, while the rest worked on their canoes to put them in good shape ahead of the restart of the fishing season. 

    While expressing varied views, some fishermen lamented the negative impact of the directives on their livelihoods and others believed it was necessary as it would help replenish the depleted fish stock. 

    Mr John Arthur, a fisherman, appealed to the government and other relevant stakeholders to develop alternative interventions to help reduce the impact of the closed fishing season on their livelihoods within that period. 

    He said: “Fishing has been our only source of livelihoods and during this period of closed fishing season, we find it very difficult to cope with its impact on our daily upkeep and so we are appealing to the government to do something about it for us.” 

    He called on authorities to put in place efficient measures to empower them economically to be resilient against the impact of the closed season, saying; the government should provide them with soft loans with affordable repayment terms after end of the period. 

    Mr Ekow Yawda, another fisherman, said though they were complying with the closed fishing season directives, that was not the sole solution to replenish the depleted fish stock. 

    He noted that illegal mining activities (galamsey), activities of pair trawlers and the use of unorthodox fishing methods posed danger to fish stock and urged the government to deepen efforts to eradicate the menace to help restore fish stock in the long run. 

    Madam Esther Essinieku, a fishmonger at the New Takoradi shores, expressed worry about the closed fishing season directives, saying it affected the businesses of mongers as there were not enough fish to serve their customers. 

    “During this season our businesses become slow because fishermen do not go fishing and that means we are not able to serve our customers adequately which in turn, affect our daily income,” she indicated. 

    The situation was not different for food vendors along the shores of the community, as the GNA observed that there was low patronage of food and other items as at the time of the visit. 

  • 30 polling station coordinators receive motorcycles from Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP

    30 polling station coordinators receive motorcycles from Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, has handed over a number of motorcycles to 30 polling station coordinators in the Western Region.


    During the presentation, Mr. Duker emphasized the importance of a strong political party and urged the coordinators to work diligently, re-energize their skills, and support the NPP’s vision and programs leading up to the 2024 elections.


    He highlighted the critical role of polling station coordinators in shaping the NPP’s image and conducting effective political campaigns aligned with the party’s development agenda.


    Mr. Duker stressed the NPP’s commitment to promoting Ghana’s development and highlighted key initiatives such as the provision of ambulances, one-constituency projects, free SHS education, and the ongoing dualization of the Takoradi-Tarkwa road.


    As Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Duker emphasized the need for a strong political machinery and organization to fulfill the party’s mandate.

    He encouraged the coordinators to advocate for and spread the positive achievements of the NPP.


    Mr. Duker also shared his own contributions to the constituency, including improvements in NPP’s organization in the 1990s, achievements in the health and education sectors as an MP, and his support for Medeama SC in winning the league trophy in sports.


    “We need to enhance our lobbying skills and reach out to the people. Yes, we need an effective and mobile coordinator. This bike is not for your personal use, it’s for serious political campaigns for the NPP in Tark­wa-Nsuaem.

  • Security of ‘illegal’ Chinese miners allegedly shoots man to death

    Security of ‘illegal’ Chinese miners allegedly shoots man to death

    Alleged shooting by Chinese illegal miners has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man in Hiawa, Western Region.

    The incident has led to protests among the local youth. According to reports, the victim was shot after being found on the premises of the Chinese miners in the early hours of Thursday, June 29.

    While the purpose of his presence remains unclear, it is speculated that he intended to steal black sand containing raw gold from the miners.

    “They fired multiple shots at him. They first shot his leg, he was not dead and started begging for mercy but they went ahead to shoot his head, back and chest. He was quickly rushed to the clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival,” a resident in the community narrated.

    After committing the crime, the suspect fled the community. In response to the shooting incident, enraged youth took to the streets, protesting the death of the young man.

    They targeted the residences of Chinese illegal miners in the community, seeking answers regarding their colleague’s death.

    Reports suggest that properties belonging to the Chinese nationals were damaged during the protests. One protester expressed discontent, stating that the police are pursuing the protesters while protecting the Chinese miners who continue their operations.

    The protesters allege that no efforts have been made by the district police to apprehend the security officer responsible for the shooting, instead leading to the arrest of some of the protesters.

    “We were only protesting the death of our friend. We needed answers on why he was shot when he had not stolen anything as they claim. The police have instead been arresting the protesters. Some of our colleagues have been arrested and the police are on manhunt for the rest of us. So most of us are fleeing the community as I speak because we are afraid they will come after us. The Chinese illegal miners are still working with their macho men whilst we are fleeing,” one of the protesters, Nana Amoa, indicated.


    Residents of the community have reported enduring years of torment due to the actions of Chinese illegal miners and their enforcers.

    “The macho men have been parading the community with pump action guns without any fear. They have been protecting the Chinese illegal miners all day and night. They hold the pump action guns on the streets every day and nobody dare say anything to them,” another resident, Kwaku Takyi, indicated.

    The assembly member of the community, Ebenezer Obimpeh, has said that the situation is now under control.

    He confirmed that community members who were arrested during the protests have been released on bail after appearing in court.

    Attempts to reach Mr. Patrick H. Amponteng, the Amenfi Central District Chief Executive, have been unsuccessful as calls and text messages to his mobile phone have gone unanswered.

  • Pregnant women miscarrying because of bad roads – Shama residents protest

    Pregnant women miscarrying because of bad roads – Shama residents protest

    Residents of Nyankrom, Abuesi, and Shama in the Shama District of the Western region took to the streets, today July 3, to demand better road infrastructure.

    The protest caused traffic congestion as the demonstrators blocked main entrance roads. They expressed frustration over unkept promises to fix the roads, emphasizing the negative impact on important industries in the area.

    The Queen mother of Nyankrom highlighted the dire consequences of the poor road conditions, including cases of miscarriages among pregnant women.

    According to her, “Pregnant women get miscarriages, why are you reducing our numbers, and when it is time for elections, you want numbers but you are reducing our numbers”.

  • 3 SHS students drown in Subri River

    Two first year students of the Daboase Senior High Technical School in the Western Region have lost their lives after drowning in the Subri River.

    The body of one other student has since not been retrieved from the river.

    The victims, all first year students had sneaked out from the dormitory to swim in the Subri River which has overflown its banks due to the incessant rain on Saturday afternoon, June 23, 2023.

    The DCE for Wassa East, Emmanuel Boakye who confirmed this sad news to the media indicated that the three were in the company of four others who went to swim.

    Two of the bodies have since been retrieved by a combined team of Police and Fire personnel in the district.

    The bodies have been deposited at the Effia Nkwanta Hospital Morgue while a search continues for the other missing victim.

    “Seven students sneaked to swim in the river. Three of them drowned and two have been retrieved remaining one. We have since deposited the two bodies at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital whilst search is still on to retrieve the other one dead or alive. We have since informed their parents”, he indicated.

  • Tipper truck collides with sprinter bus; leaves scores injured

    Tipper truck collides with sprinter bus; leaves scores injured

    About 30 people have been injured in an accident at Beahu in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

    The accident happened on Friday Morning May 19, 2023, around 9am at a Police Barrier when a tipper truck failed to stop after the police asked the driver to stop.

    According to an eyewitness, Simon Essel said, the tipper truck which was from Beahu after failing to stop run into a sprinter bus which subsequently run into other cars which had stopped at the barrier on the other side of the road injuring the passengers on board.

    He said some of the victims are in critical condition, while others had minor injuries.

    It is not clear whether the truck had a failed brake or not.

    The eyewitness, who is a driver said he picked some of the casualties in his car to the Kwesmintsim hospital for treatment, while the Ghana National Ambulance Service and other cars also picked the rest of the victims who are currently receiving treatment.

  • Pay us or face our wrath – Rotational nurses to govt

    Pay us or face our wrath – Rotational nurses to govt

    The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association has asked the government to pay allowances due them or face their wrath.

    The group says the failure of the government to pay their allowances is causing severe hardship for its members.

    According to the group, the hardship has led to the demise of one of its members Paul Dodzi.

    The deceased Rotational Nurse is reported to have allegedly taken his own life at Asankragua in the Western Region because of hardship.

    According to the association, its members are yet to receive their allowances since they began serving in July 2022, after being posted by the National Service Secretariat (NSS) in June 2022.

    In a statement, the group called on the government to immediately pay the rotational nurses their due allowances or face their wrath.

  • Soldier impersonating as Nat’l Security operative arrested

    Soldier impersonating as Nat’l Security operative arrested

    Police in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region have apprehended a man impersonating as a military officer under the service title WOII Samuel Owusu Dartey.

    The suspect, who according to victims always had a pistol and handcuff on him, is said to have been tormenting unsuspecting residents, sometimes even in military uniform.

    What blew the lid off was through an encounter with one Clifford Pablo Yakah, a private surveyor at Ntankoful in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis.

    The military imposter had been hired by a family to use his position to intimidate the surveyor who was working for a family head on a land issue.

    “I’m a private surveyor working on some documents for a family. I was there one day when the family introduced the suspect to me that he was a military officer (WOII Samuel Owusu Dartey) and also works with the Intelligence Unit of the National Security. They said he will be working with me on the land document,” the victim indicated.

    He adds that the suspect started tormenting him to release the land documents to him or face his anger.

    “He came to my house one early morning dressed in military uniform with a pistol and handcuff asking me to dress up and follow him. I obeyed and followed him to the Lands Commission but I was suspicious of his behavior so I called my in-law who is in the military. He was trailed and later arrested. Checks indicate he is not a military officer so he is currently at the Kwesimintsim Police Station assisting investigations,” he added.

    The victim was speaking in an interview with Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM‘s Omanbapa morning show.

    A pistol, military uniform, and a list containing names of people he had reportedly extorted money from to be recruited in the military were retrieved from him after a search.

    Sources indicate an identification parade will be arranged for other victims to identify him.

    Meanwhile, many victims are popping up day after day since his arrest to share their ordeal in his hands.

  • Govt deliberating on offering security to mining companies – Mireku Duker

    Govt deliberating on offering security to mining companies – Mireku Duker

    The deputy minister of lands and natural resources, George Mireku Duker, has made hints that the government may, if the necessity arises, consider offering protection for mining businesses that are recognized by law.

    His comments fall on the back of a recent destruction by some illegal miners at the Benso concession of Golden Star Wassa Limited in the Western Region.

    Illegal small-scale miners, on March 16, 2023, besieged the Benso concession of Golden Star Wassa Limited and set ablaze some properties owned by the mining company after a team of security men and the police warded them off a concession they had invaded to cart away mine dust to prospect for gold.

    The altercation that ensued left some illegal miners with various degrees of injuries.

    The miners in retaliation pursued employees within the precinct of the Benso mine and torched 12 vehicles, including excavators, ambulances and pick-ups.

    While on a visit to the facility by the Minerals Commission, the Deputy Minister said while government may consider providing security for mining companies, the companies should develop better relationship with their host communities to avoid the occurrence of such acts.

    On his part the Group Corporate Affairs Manager of Golden Star Wassa Mine, Mr Gerard Boakye noted they will take a cue from the concerns raised by the minister.

  • Adib Saani demands investigation into police intimidation by alleged unlicensed miners

    Adib Saani demands investigation into police intimidation by alleged unlicensed miners

    Adib Saani, a security expert, has questioned the Ghana Police Service’s narrative of what happened in the viral video that showed several police officers being ridiculed by some alleged illegal miners at Axim in the Western region.

    In the video the miners were heard accusing the police of extortion.

    However, in a statement said at least four people have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the attack on police personnel at Axim adding that the allegation of extortion is also being investigated.

    The police further added that efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.

    Speaking on Star Midday News with Naa Dedei Tetteh on Monday April 3, 2023, Mr. Saani requested that a holistic investigation be carried out into the incident.

    “Whether the perpetrators know each other or not but from my observation I can see there is some degree of familiarity and it appears as though they also know each other and have been doing business together. But what type of business I wouldn’t be able to tell.

    “That is why it is critical that we don’t constrict the investigation but we investigate the police as well to ascertain exactly what they were doing there and whether it was officially sanctioned and whether indeed they were given money or not,” Adib Saani stated.

    Meanwhile, a section of the public are also calling for an independent investigation rather than the police investigating the issue.

  • Renowned “galamsey” site robber shot dead

    Renowned “galamsey” site robber shot dead

    Unknown assailants have shot and killed the leader of a notorious gang that is accused of intimidating unlicensed miners in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality in the Western Region.

    Assembly member of Benso Electoral area Justin Afful confirmed this to the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa morning show Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson on Monday morning.

    According to him, the deceased, Agye Nyame Sulemana, A.K.A Sulley, was returning with his gang from their usual ‘operation’ when he was shot together with other members of the cartel.

    The Assemblyman explains that the modus operandi of this group is that they move from one galamsey site to the other armed with pistols, knives, cudgel, and other weapons robbing illegal miners of their gold and money.

    “He has a gang and they have been terrorizing residents in my electoral area. They mostly block roads and rob innocent people of their valuables. They come with guns, knives, and other ammunition. They came for one of such operations last Thursday evening and were returning with their booty when a bullet from an unknown location hit some of the members,” the Assembly member indicated.

    Reports indicate the gang leader, whose gunshot wounds were severe, was rushed to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Other gang members with minor injuries were also sent for treatment.

    The Assembly member further explained that a tip-off to the Ghana Police led to the arrest of the two other members of the gang who were also receiving treatment at the facility.

    They are currently in the custody of the Tarkwa Police Command.

    According to the Assembly member, the gang mostly targets miners.

    “Whenever the miners in my area are on break, these armed robbers will come around with their ammunition, threaten them and take all their gold and money. Anyone who refuses to comply would then be attacked. We still don’t know the person who shot them,” he indicated.

    The wife of Agye Nyame Sulemana has since refuted reports that her husband is an armed robber.

    According to Maame Rejoice, she has still not set eyes on the body of her late husband though she has heard of reports of his death.

  • Heavy rain destroys a part of Huni-Valley SHS

    Heavy rain destroys a part of Huni-Valley SHS

    The roof of the science block at the Huni-Valley Senior High School in the Western Region has been ripped off by a heavy rain that began at 3:40 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

    The block houses the school’s Biology, Chemistry, and Physics laboratories.

    The rainfall severely impacted the science block, which also houses five classrooms used by SHS 3 students.

    The incident occurred at a time when final-year students are eagerly awaiting the start of their first mock exams on Thursday, March 30.

    A source told Citi News, learning materials in laboratories and classrooms have been exposed to rain, while electricity poles in the school have been impacted.

    Some surrounding communities have been left in the dark.

    The violent rainstorm wreaked havoc on nearby communities such as Amoanda in the Prestea-Huni-Valley Municipality, as well as individual homes.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=FBX_lI822P4
  • Traitor MPs list fake – Mahama dispels

    Traitor MPs list fake – Mahama dispels

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged NDC supporters to disregard a list of Minority MPs claimed to have betrayed the party in the approval of ministerial appointees, on social media.

    Interacting with delegates at Kanokoare during his tour of the Ellembelle Constituency in the Western Region on Sunday (26 March), Mr Mahama described the list as “fake”.

    “And so, I am urging all NDC supporters to ignore it”, Mr Mahama said.

    The Minority caucus has been heavily criticised for breaking rank to pass all six ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo.

    Commenting on the issue Mr Mahama urged disgruntled NDC supporters to remain resolute ahead of the 2024 polls as there “are little battles we have to fight before we go into the main battle. And that is one of those we fought a few days ago”.

    “So, you don’t throw the baby away with the bathwater. I urge you all to remain calm because we need them at this crucial moment”, the former President said.

    Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:

    Parliament has approved all six ministerial nominees appointed by President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate on Thursday, March 24th, and a tense voting process on Friday, March 25th. Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more than the minimum of 138 votes required, as there were three absentees out of the 275 eligible voters.

    Below are the final figures for each nominee:

    Total eligible 275

    Absentees = 3 

    Total valid votes = 272

    Hon KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry

    Yes = 154 
    No = 116 
    Rejected = 1 
    Abstention = 1 

    Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture 

    Yes = 167
    No = 98 
    Rejected = 1 
    Abstention = 3

    Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs 

    Yes = 147
    No = 122 
    Abstention = 3

    Mohammed Amin 

    Yes = 152
    No = 117 
    Rejected = 1 
    Abstentions = 2

    Osei Bonsu Amoah 

    Yes = 149
    No = 120
    Abesmtion = 2

    Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry 

    Yes = 146
    No = 123 
    Abstentions = 3

    There is currently a debate on whether or not to take a vote on the remaining two Supreme Court justice nominees appointed by Akufo-Addo. Out of the four appointed, two have been approved, leaving George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.

  • Mahama to campaign in Western Region today

    Mahama to campaign in Western Region today

    Today, Friday March 24, John Dramani Mahama, an aspirant for the NDC presidential nomination, begins a three-day campaign tour in the Western Region.

    He will be interacting with branch and constituency executives from all seventeen (17) constituencies of the region to sell his message of growing the party and its structures beyond its present state, mobilising resources to help canvass aggressively for votes to win the 2024 elections and about his agenda to build the Ghana we want together.

    Mr. Mahama is entering the Western Region from Ashanti where he visited and interacted with executives from twenty (20) out of the forty-seven (47) constituencies in the region.

    The John Mahama Campaign was launched at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) near Ho, after which the aspiring presidential candidate proceeded to tour the Volta, Bono East, Ahafo and Bono Regions.

    Friday’s tour, according to Spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari, will start from Daboase in the Wassa East Constituency through Shama and Mpohor, ending the day in Kwesimintsim.

  • KT Hammond shares his accomplishments as the Deputy Energy Minister

    KT Hammond shares his accomplishments as the Deputy Energy Minister

    As deputy energy minister from 2001 to 2007, the minister-designate for trade and industry has boasted about one of his greatest accomplishments.

    According to him, his personal work was what led to the discovery of oil in the country by Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy in the western region of Ghana.

    His response comes after the minority chief whip asked what his achievements were after he served as deputy minister from 2001 to 2007, when he appeared before the committee for vetting.

    “…it was through the administration of J. A. Kufuor under the ministry of energy and myself. My minister at the time was Kan Dapaah. He gave me the portfolio of petroleum. GNPC was literally not in existence, it had collapsed. He gave me that responsibility to make sure GNPC was on its two feet to make sure that they entered into proper exploration and so to develop and make sure we find oil in this country.

    “I was mandated to travel all over the world to look for entrepreneurs, companies and to see if they could make sense of our potential. Mr Speaker it was I, KT Hammond, in May 2004 who signed [an] MOU which eventually led to KOSMOS discovering that oil in Ghana. That was the big achievement,” KT Hammond said.

    Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 20, 2023, started vetting ministers and deputy minister-nominees recently announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The nominees to appear before the committee include Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, the Minister-designate for Trade and Industry and the MP for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah (Sticka) who would be serving as his deputy.

    MP for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was also nominated as the Minister for Food and Agriculture while Stephen Asamoah Boateng is going to the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry as minister.

    Karaga MP, Mohammed Amin Adam, was named by the president as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry while Herbert Krapah was nominated deputy Minister for Energy.

  • Man imprisoned after accidentally killing brother while hunting

    Man imprisoned after accidentally killing brother while hunting

    Kofi Essoun, a young man in his late 40s, has been detained at the Manso Police Station for murdering his brother at Bowohomoden, a neighborhood close to Mampong in the Mpohor District of the Western Region.

    Nana Kwame, a resident told Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa morning show that the suspect is a known hunter in the community.

    According to him, he went on his normal hunting expedition and shot an animal.

    He went to the spot to pick up his animal only for him to see the lifeless body of his brother.

    “He came home and informed us that he has killed his brother. He went hunting alone last night without his brother. He saw an animal and shot it, he was going for the animal only for him to see the lifeless body of his brother lying at the same spot. He was shocked as to what his brother was doing at the place at that particular time in the night when he did not go hunting with him,” the man narrated.

    District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor Ignatius Asaah Mensah confirms the suspect has been arrested after reporting himself at the Manso Police station.

  • Mother abandons 3 month-old baby

    The police have reportedly detained a 21-year-old woman who is accused of dumping her three-month-old infant at Beahu in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

    Ama Tawiah allegedly abandoned the three months old baby boy on a footpath near a bush in the farming community of Beahu about two days ago.

    It was gathered that the mother, who does not hail from the farming community after committing the alleged crime boarded a car and left the area.

    According to sources, later in the same day, some women who were going to the bush to look for some firewood found the baby wrapped in a cloth crying in the scorching sun, and quickly went and rescued him.

    The case was subsequently reported to the police and the little baby was later handed over to the Department of Social Welfare.

    The Social Welfare Department made announcements at some radio stations about the baby and the need for the mother to report to the outfit.

    According to reports, the 21-year-old Ama Tawiah later reported herself and wanted to claim her baby.

    DGN learned that the woman confessed to abandoning the baby and explained that it was because the father refused to accept the pregnancy and her inability to take care of the baby.

    She has been detained by the police as investigation to determine whether Ama Tawiah is truly the mother of the baby commences.

  • Akyempim youth block road to Golden Star Wassa Mines for lack of employment

    The youth of Akyempim in the Wassa East District of the Western Region blocked the road this morning to prevent staff of Golden Star Wassa Mine from going to work.

    Unhappy about transparency in employment in the company, the youth on Monday, Dec 5, 2022, blocked the road leading to the company, burnt tyres, and fell trees to block the road.

    According to the youth, they are unhappy about the “unlawful” employment of outside into the company.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb in an interview with the Youth Chairman of the committee, Samuel Akomea noted that the company has been employing people “illegally” from elsewhere the knowledge of company which is unlawful.

    He noted that “recently, they have employed some geologists without the community knowing when we have some geologists in the community who need employment”.

    “We are not happy with the way Golden Star has been treating us. They go outside the community to employ people when we have some of the people they are looking for in the community”, he explained.

    He said, “when the company wants to employ, they place the advert internally and post the vacancy in the community a week later, so when community members apply, they do not get, that is why we blocked the road to express our grievances and the unfair treatment the company has been giving us”.

    Mr. Akomea stated that the Vice President & Managing Director at Golden Star Resources Ltd Mr. Shadrach Adjetey Sowah upon hearing their demonstration approached them and assured them of a meeting on Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022, to address their issues.

    Meanwhile, the road has been cleared for the free flow of traffic.

  • National Chief Iman pays historic visit to Axim

    The National Chief Iman, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has paid a historic visit to his ancestral home at Axim in the Nzema-East Municipality of the Western Region.

    The visit follows a befitting homecoming summit in honour of the-103-year old Spiritual Father of the Muslim Community in Ghana.

    The National Chief Iman was accompanied by the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Church of Cape Coast, Most Reverend Gabriel Palmer Buckle, also a native of Axim and personal friend of Dr Sharubutu, and his Spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu.

    Others were the Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Latif Abdulsalam, Secretary, Siddiq Tanko, the Western Regional Chief Imam (Alasunna), Sheikh Mozu and the Western Regional Chief Imam, Zulkifli Abdul Wahid among others.

    Dr Sharubutu was given a rousing welcome as school children, family, and guests ushered him into Axim with brass band music procession.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for Nzema-East, Madam Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah, welcomed him and his entourage to her residence and expressed her gratitude for the visit.

    She said the visit would cement the relationships between the office of the National Chief Iman and the Axim Community and Nzema Manle.

    She prayed that Sheikh Dr Nuhu Sharubutu would continue to visit home to cement his relationship with them.

    His Grace, Archbishop Gabriel Palmer Buckle, expressed great pleasure that he and the National Chief Iman hailed from Axim.

    He described Sheikh Dr Sharubutu as a pillar in Islam, a peace-loving person, unifier and a beacon of hope and development in the country and the world.

    He described the Chief Iman’s role in conflict resolution in parts of the country as giant strides to ensure peace.

    The Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Council, Awulae Attibrukusu, commended the National Chief Iman for making Axim and Nzema proud by occupying the highest office of Islam and contributing to the religious and socio-economic development of the country.

    He paid a glowing tribute to the Development Queenmother of Upper Axim, Obahyema Erza Ngonlomah, for spearheading the home-coming summit and to the planning committee for a good job done.

    The National Chief Iman, through his Spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw, thanked traditional rulers and the planning committee for making his visit a reality.

    He recalled some years back when he used to pay frequent visits home during which he spearheaded the building of a mosque in Axim and prayed to continue to visit home to be a blessing to Axim and Nzema Manle.

     

  • Bogoso accident leaves one dead, four injured

    One person has been confirmed dead with four others injured in an accident involving a Daf truck and five other vehicles at Bogoso in the Western Region on November 19, 2022.

    A police investigation has disclosed that the driver of the Daf truck, carrying logs from the Prestea end of the road, upon reaching Bogoso lost control while negotiating a curve. In the process, the logs fell on the five other vehicles.

    One person confirmed dead in Bogoso accident 

    Personnel of the MTTD are on the grounds and the road has since been opened to traffic.

    One person confirmed dead in Bogoso accident 

    The Ghana National Fire Service is assisting to rescue the victims believed to be trapped in the accident vehicles.

    Augustus Osei, driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident said the braking system of the Daf truck failed, which resulted in the accident.

    “I was coming from Boadie to Bogoso and we had bypassed the roundabout. The Daf truck had already climbed the hill but suddenly all we could see was the truck reversing by itself so I shouted for all my passengers to exit the vehicle.

    “Three of us in the vehicle managed to exit but one person could not exit so he died,” he narrated.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • We’ll together build a more formidable NDC for victory 2024 – Asiedu Nketia

    Aspiring National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has reiterated his pledge to build a more formidable NDC, which will become more attractive to win the 2024 elections convincingly.

    General Mosquito, as he is affectionately called, says the NDC, under his leadership as chairman, if he wins the December 17 national congress, will actively engage all elected executives and influential persons within the party to rejuvenate the grassroots base.

    Mr Nketia, who is currently on a campaign tour of the Western region, has been engaging footsoldiers, party influencers across the length and breadth of the country as well as delegates.

    He has also promised, among others, to revive the NDC Heroes Fund to serve as a sustainable means of supporting party functionaries, who suffer disabilities in the course of their duties or their dependents in the event of death.

    “My objective, at this stage in my political life and love for the NDC, is to colleague national executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to work hard and build the party into a more formidable, attractive, and modern organization”, he emphasised.

    He said: “The NDC, I am optimistic will be the party of choice, especially the youth, women, the vulnerable in society and people from all walks of life and background.”

    Speaking to delegates in various constituencies in the Western Region, Mr Asiedu Nketia assured the party executives that he will do more than before and will join them in their constituencies to sell the good message of the NDC, come 2024.

    He said the NDC has no choice than to present former President John Dramani Mahama as its leader for the next elections and, therefore, called for hard work from all supporters, sympathisers, and executives of the party.

    Mr. Asiedu Nketia, who has already toured the regions of the north, is receiving overwhelming responses from party members, some of whom wait deep into the night to engage him directly.

  • Western Region gets 4 ports – Regional Minister

    The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah has heaped praises on President Akufo-Addo for the massive development of port infrastructure in his region.

    According to the Regional Minister, the construction of the ports is opening the region up to several economic opportunities and creating more job opportunities for the teeming youth of the region.

    “Under President Akufo-Addo, we have been able to construct 4 ports in the Western Region. This is very unprecedented. You all know that under Dr Kwame Nkrumah, he did for us the Sekondi Naval Base and you know the British in 1928 did the Takoradi Port. Under President Akufo-Addo we have done another port inside the Takoradi Harbor which is the Atlantic Port Service with a private sector Ibistek.

    “It is like the MPS we have in Tema. We also have another port which is a fishing port in Dixcove and another one in Axim and we are now developing what we call the fuel operating base like the naval base at Ezinlibo close to our oil fields,” he said.

    He said this when he took his turn at the State of Region Report, a media engagement platform put together by the Ministry of Information to regularly update the media on developments in their regions on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

    Touching on related infrastructure projects, the Minister stated that work on the railways, Takoradi market, the Paa Grant road interchange, the Agenda 111 among other state interventions were on course to restore hope to the people of the region.

    On roads, he said 252.37 kilometres of roads have been completed in the region. He said the road projects spanning urban, feeder roads and highways include the emergency rehabilitation of the Ahwetieso to Tarkwa road, Bogoso Junction and Assembly Office in Tarkwa, regravelling of Sankor to Cape Three Points road, reconstruction of Tarkwa to Darmang road and the construction of Agona Nkwanta to Tarkwa trunk road.

    He said the construction of the roads coupled with the numerous developmental projects in the region will help boost socio-economic activities, particularly when the region plays a critical role in the country’s development.

  • Why use misreported data IMF rejected? – Egyapa Mercer to Minority

    The NPP MP for Sekondi Constituency in the Western Region, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, has said that the Minority in Parliament is rehashing old and debunked allegations against the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    Mr Mercer said the allegations of misreporting were first raised in May 2020, and rejected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as being untrue.

    He, therefore, wondered why the Minority would use the same issues as bases for a motion of censure against Mr Ofori-Atta.

    The MP made the statement at the first hearing of the Ad Hoc Committee on the motion of censure brought against the Finance Minister.

    Egyapa Mercer’s claim was also in response to Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s presentation which was centred on the misreporting of the fiscal deficit, fiscal treatment of expenditures above or below the line and general public sector accounting.

    The MP said the past Country Representative of the IMF, Dr Albert Touna Mama, had debunked the allegations on Joy News File in May when he was called to respond to them when first raised by Dr Forson.

    “Indeed, the said Dr Touna Mama was the Country Representative of the IMF. He was called to respond to allegations on misreporting of figures that the Finance Ministry had presented to IMF and he said all the figures were known by the IMF and therefore it was untrue that there was misreporting,” Mr Mercer said.

    Meanwhile, in May 2020, Dr Touna Mama said that whilst his outfit tried “as much as possible to stay out of debates” they felt compelled to clarify statements made by Fact Check Ghana concerning the $1 billion IMF COVID-19 relief fund to the government.

    Fact Check Ghana, an affiliate of the Media Foundation for West Africa, through its website, stated that government of Ghana presented data to the IMF which was different from figures in the annual budgets for 2018 and 2019.

    But speaking on Joy FM’s News File Programme in May 2020, the IMF Country Representative to Ghana, Dr. Albert Touna Mama suggested that Fact Check Ghana misrepresented the facts because the government was not the one that presented the figures that the IMF published in its statements as Fact Check Ghana reported.

    The IMF Country Director explained that the difference in figures was as a result of a difference in the methodology of calculation, adding that the figure in fiscal deficit in their statement was a figure they generated themselves from the data government presented to them, having added financial and energy sector payments in line with their methodology, which is different from government’s methodology.

    Earlier, Mr Ofori-Atta, asked the committee for a fair hearing.

    He asked that he be furnished with the documents that they intended to rely upon, to execute the motion of censure initiated against him.

    The minister’s lawyer, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, said the rules of natural justice and fair hearing required that the accused was not only heard but also necessarily be furnished with the documents that formed the bases of the allegations made against him.

     

     

  • Plot to crucify Ghana Gas CEO backfires

    An attempt by unknown people to crucify the Ghana National Gas Company Limited CEO Dr. Ben K. D. Asante has started to fall flat as the internal wrangling within the New Patriotic Party in the Western Region heightens.

    Plot

    The faceless group, according to sources familiar with this development contracted some New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth to lead a demonstration against Dr. Asante, accusing him of failing to give them jobs at the state agency.

    The party members, some of whom were wielding placards nearly marred the celebration of the Kundum Festival at Atoabo on Sunday (October 30) as they attempted to express their grievances over internal matters within the Ellembelle Constituency, the source said.

    What appeared more worrying, the source said was the grave disrespect these youth showed to Awulae Amihere Kpayinli II, the paramount chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, Hon Kennedy Agyapong, the Board Chairman of Ghana Gas, Hon Freddy Blay, Board Chairman of GNPC, Hon Catherine Afeku, MMDCEs, and at the climax of the most revered festival in Nzemaland.

    Intervention

    But it appears that the plot backfired as the intervention of the rank and file of the party at the time avoided what had been described as a very embarrassing situation. The conduct by the youth group has since been condemned.

    “Although the incident was unfortunate, the few party members were trying to make a point concerning continuous discrimination against them based on internal party differences by some officers of Ghana National Gas Company Limited whose responsibility is to ensure access to job opportunities by qualified persons without any discrimination”, a statement released by the NPP in the Ellembelle Constituency read.

    “We wish to assure the aggrieved persons that their issues have been discussed with the Board Chair and CEO of the Company and are being addressed accordingly. The Party in Ellembelle Constituency is therefore calling on aggrieved members to stop calling for the removal of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited with immediate effect since he cannot be blamed for rather the party officers within ellembele who are equally officers of the Ghana National Gas Company in the Western Region.”

    Apology

    “By this release, we are rendering an unqualified apology to the CEO of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Dr. Ben Asante, who has contributed to the development of the Ellembele District since taking office in 2017 for the attempt by the aggrieved persons to drag his name into disrepute.

    We also wish to use this medium to apologize to Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, the Paramount Chief of Eastern Nzema Traditional Area as well as the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh for disregarding his intervention to stop the unfortunate incident. It is our strongest conviction that the Party will overcome the challenges and even emerge stronger to capture the Ellembelle Constituency Parliamentary seat for the New Patriotic in the 2024 General Election”, the statement concluded.

  • Takoradi teacher invents a humanoid robot for teaching and learning

    Augustine Owusu Mensah, a science teacher at St. Matthias R/C JHS, New Takoradi, has invented a humanoid robot to enhance teaching and learning in his community.

    St. Matthias R/C JHS is located in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in the Western Region of Ghana.

    Augustine used ordinary materials such as pieces of wood, metals, and some parts of spoiled computers and wires to build this human-like robot. He gathered these materials with his students and built the machine in three weeks. This is interesting and smart.

    The most astounding part is that the robot can answer any question provided the question is answerable. It can be used to solve mathematical problems, science, English, Social Studies and many more. Also, it can be used in quiz competitions such as spelling bees, Mathematics, Science and the like. It is highly powerful.

    With this, teachers, professors, scientists, students, companies, sports analysts, doctors etc can use the robot in their research. The robot is able to communicate with humans perfectly and also solve vital problems.

    Augustine uses this intelligent robot to teach. This makes his lessons very enthusiastic and captivating. Indeed, this science teacher is taking Ghana education to a new level through science and technology. Ghana and Africa will be extremely proud of this great achievement. Check out his video.

  • Lifeless man dragged out of galamsey pit in Enchi

    Unauthorized small-scale mining, also known as galamsey, has claimed the life of a young person in Ghana.

    In a viral video, some miners were seen carrying a young man’s lifeless body from a galamsey pit in Enchi, a town in the Western Region’s Aowin-Suaman area.

    The young man, who was probably in his mid-twenties, was seen being dragged out of the water in the pit by three men.

    However, it is unclear whether he drowned or died from another cause.

    As he was being dragged out of the pit, the mining equipment the miners were using could be heard working.

    A man can also be heard in the video telling those handling the corpse to be cautious.

    After he was drugged out, the men standing outside the pit took his body away.

     

  • ECG customers begin processing of claim forms to receive compensation

    Customers adversely affected by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)’s prepayment system vending failure will today begin processing claims forms to be submitted to the ECG District Offices for compensation.

    They could also visit the ECG website (www.ecg.com.gh) or any of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)’s regional offices or its website (www.purc.com.gh).

    This follows an engagement between the PURC and ECG regarding the compensation of clients affected by ECG’s Prepayment System in the Volta Region, Accra, Central Region, Western Region, Ashanti Region, and Eastern Region, among others.

    Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Executive Secretary, PURC, in a statement signed and issued and copied to the paper in Accra on Friday, said the ECG, under PURC’s regulatory oversight, shall investigate and analyse the information contained in submitted forms and compensate affected customers accordingly.

    “Only customers whose electricity supply was interrupted due to the vending failure will be considered for compensation,” he added.

    Dr. Ackah used the opportunity to assure all stakeholders that the Commission was committed to protecting the interests of both utilities and consumers.

    Meanwhile, ECG, at a presser recently in Accra, said it could not undertake a wholesale compensation payment to all customers of the company as directed by the PURC for the recent power crisis.

    Instead, the company noted, it was prepared to abide by the laid down procedure to pay compensation to affected customers on a case-by-case basis.

    Managing Director of ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama, said his outfit was preparing to engage the PURC on the need to alter the directive to make case by case the basis of payment of compensation.

     

  • ‘Bad road causing our cocoa, foodstuffs to rot’ – Mmofra farmers lament

    The investments of farmers at Mmofra, a cocoa growing community in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region, are going to waste due to the deplorable nature of the roads linking the town to the nearest market centre.

    The situation had made it impossible for farmers to transport their cocoa and other farm produce to Mumuni Camp, the closest market centre, Mr Joseph Owusu, an opinion leader and cocoa farmer, told the Ghana News Agency on Friday.

    He said: “The cocoa buying companies have stopped coming to the community to purchase our cocoa because of the bad nature of the road”.

    “Though the community is one of the highest producers of cocoa in the region, produce buyers hardly purchase our cocoa because they cannot come here.”

    Mr Owusu said traders, especially foodstuff dealers, who managed to go to the town with hired cargo trucks took advantage of the farmers inability to convey their produce to the market and offered prices below the realistic market value.

    He said they had no choice but to agree to those prices to prevent their produce from getting rotten and incurring huge financial losses.

    Mr Owusu said the situation had adversely affected their socio-economic lives, with parents and guardians finding it difficult to finance their children and wards education.

    Madam Elizabeth Acheamotah, a cocoa famer, said the road was so bad that only tractors, motorbikes and tricycles could ply it,” adding: “The road has been in that state for more than eleven years.”


    She said the fares charged by the tricycle, popularly called ‘Aboboyaa’ were based on the number of hours spent on the road, which also affected their health due to its bumpy nature.

    “It takes about three to four hours to cover the distance, though it should have been shorter time than that if the road were in good shape,” she added.

    Some residents who spoke to the GNA pleaded with the government through the District Assembly and the Regional Coordinating Council to facilitate rehabilitation of the roads to save them from their predicament.

    Source: GNA