The management of Transeco Minerals & Mining Limited, located at Saamang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, has dismissed allegations of engaging in illegal and irresponsible mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”

A group identifying itself as the Extraction Accountability Project (TEAP) has called for the revocation of Transeco’s mining license, accusing the company of irresponsible mining practices in the area.

Charles McCarthy, the General Secretary of TEAP, claimed that Godwin Nii Armah, Director of Transeco Minerals & Mining Ltd and also General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), has been involved in irresponsible mining activities that have left environmental damage in communities including Nsuapemso, Kyebi Adadientem, and Osino.

According to TEAP, these sites are littered with open pits and have been abandoned without proper reclamation, posing threats to residents, animals, and the environment.

The group has also called for Mr. Nii Armah’s removal from the board of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), accusing him of contributing to environmental degradation.

However, the management of Transeco Minerals & Mining Ltd has described these claims as baseless propaganda targeted at tarnishing the image of their Director.

“If we were engaging in reckless mining, the Minerals Commission wouldn’t regularly bring visitors and students from around the world to our site to observe how we practice environmentally responsible small-scale mining,” stated Nana Kwaku Gyamera Antwi-Awuah, General Manager of Transeco.

He clarified that the company operates only in Saamang, and denied involvement in any mining activities at the locations mentioned by TEAP.

“Godwin Nii Armah is a respected figure in the mining sector and would not do anything that could tarnish the image of the country. We won’t allow anyone to destroy his hard-earned reputation,” Mr. Antwi-Awuah added.

To back their claims, Mr. Antwi-Awuah led a team of journalists, including Kontihen Kofi Oboh, on a tour of the company’s operational sites. The journalists observed that mined areas had been reclaimed and converted into coconut, maize, plantain, and oil palm farms.

“The government recognizes the contributions of our Director [Godwin Armah] to the mining industry, which is why he was appointed to the GOLDBOD to bring his experience to bear to help the sector grow,” he noted.

He further expressed confidence that former President John Dramani Mahama would not be swayed by propaganda intended to discredit Mr. Armah, whose expertise continues to benefit both Ghana and international mining communities.

“The Fanteakwa South District Assembly and our Mother Company Narawa gave us a letter to demarcate some portion of our concession at Osino to the community to do community mining and we gave them 30 acres but later we realized that they were encroaching on another part of our concession and together with the National Security we stopped them because they were not reclaiming the lands after being used,” he revealed.

He called on the government to intensify its fight against illegal mining, describing it as a major threat to legitimate small-scale mining operations in Ghana.

Supporting Transeco’s position, the Senaahene of Saamang, Nana Kwasi Adjaben Boateng, confirmed that Transeco had not engaged in any reckless mining on their land, and noted that, rather, the illegal miners, or ‘galamseyers’, are the one’s destroying lands, forests, and water bodies.

He added that ‘If Transeco were engaging in such acts, they would have banished them from the land as there is a committee that closely monitors their daily operations.

He further highlighted Transeco’s contributions to community development, which include the construction of doctors’ bungalows, a clinic, and other essential social amenities for the Saamang community.

Nana Boateng urged the general public to disregard what he described as orchestrated and false allegations aimed at revoking the company’s mining license.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has held its 7th Quadrennial Congress of the 54th Delegates Conference in the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region.

Speaking at the Congress, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the Association, Patrick Boison, said the purpose of the union is to promote the interests of its members and to secure better conditions of service for them.

“The union has put in place a lot of measures, activities, and programs to empower us both physically, emotionally, and even sometimes spiritually,” he revealed.

Patrick Boison added that GNAT is putting in a great deal of effort to ensure that the welfare of teachers is improved. In light of this, they have introduced several welfare packages, and he believes members from various schools will return and champion the cause so that every member can be identified with the union’s activities.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, said teachers are the bedrock of the country’s development. Therefore, they should exhibit a high sense of professionalism to achieve high standards.

“Sustainable Development Goal 4 states: ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.’ This goal emphasizes that by 2030, we will eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational,” he opined.

The Kwaebibirem MCE mentioned that the government has made a good start, and he hopes all stakeholders will work together to improve teaching and learning in the municipality. He emphasized that lateness to school, absenteeism, negative attitudes toward work, and deviation from the code of conduct of this noble profession should not be encouraged.

Coincidentally, the Ghana Education Service is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in May this year (2025).

In his remarks, the Education Director for Kwaebibirem Municipality, Emmanuel Asiedu Mantey, said GNAT deserves applause for its unwavering support to the teaching fraternity.

“Through its trade union services, GNAT has consistently advocated for the rights and welfare of teachers. Their role in salary negotiations, career profession dialogues, and professional development has been crucial,” he added.

According to Asiedu Mantey, GNAT’s welfare initiatives, legal services, and support structures have added immense value to the teaching profession, complementing the efforts of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

“In our journey over five decades, we have made important strides in teacher motivation, infrastructure development, curriculum reforms, and access to education. Many districts have seen the implementation of teacher incentives, school improvement support, and learning materials provision.”

“Yet, we must also face the reality of challenges that continue to impede progress. These include inadequate teaching resources, delays in processing promotions, staffing gaps, and logistical constraints. Despite these obstacles, our teachers continue to exhibit an inspiring level of commitment and resilience, often going above and beyond the call of duty. Their perseverance remains the heartbeat of our education system,” said Emmanuel Asiedu Mantey.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for New Juaben Constituency in the Eastern Region, Nana Osei Adjei, has paid a courtesy call to the residents affected by the devastating rainstorm that struck Jumapo on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The rainstorm caused severe damage to homes and property, leaving many families hopeless.

Nana Osei Adjei expressed deep concern and sorrow over the impact of the disaster. He was accompanied by local leaders and community members and visited affected homes, listened to their concerns, and offered words of comfort and assurance to them.

Speaking to the media, the MP said, “As someone who comes from the area feels the pain of every family affected by this unfortunate incident.

He assured them that he would do everything he can to support them. “This is not just a political duty; it is a personal commitment.”

The New Juaben North MP further outlined some immediate support he would undertake personally to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. He also announced plans to collaborate closely with the Municipal Chief Executive for the Municipality, Samuel Adongo to ensure that a structured and effective response is provided to the affected victims.

They aimed to engage NADMO and other relevant agencies to assess the full scale of the damage and mobilize the necessary support for them.

The assembly members of Jumapo Kwaku Gyasi-Barnes and Jacob Kwame Antwi expressed joy and gratitude for the MP’s quick response and presence.

According to them, his visit didn’t only bring relief to the people but also demonstrated genuine leadership and concern.

“The MP’s visit stands as a clear demonstration of his deep connection to his roots and his commitment to the well-being of his constituents,” they praised him.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Hajia Mariam Dzifa Mohammed, a prominent political figure and tireless advocate for grassroots development, is calling on Ghanaians, particularly government appointees and community stakeholders, to rise above political disappointment and contribute meaningfully to the development of their local areas.

Speaking to the media in Amasaman, the former NDC Parliamentary aspirant for the constituency, who also served as National Women Organizer for Zongo for Mahama, former GA West MCE aspirant, Executive Deputy Secretary of ADAM GH, and President of Voice of the Nation Ghana, emphasized that nation-building is a shared responsibility.

“Community development must be holistic and devoid of emotional sentiments,” she stated. “We are the first beneficiaries of every good project in our communities. Whether or not you hold a political office, you still have a responsibility to contribute.”

Hajia Mariam urged those who feel marginalized by political appointments not to allow disappointment to turn into inaction. She called for unity and active support toward the implementation of H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda.

“Let us not let political frustrations hinder our civic duty. We can all help H.E. John Dramani Mahama achieve his vision for Ghana in our small, consistent ways,” she added.

In her remarks, she highlighted serious infrastructural issues plaguing the Amasaman enclave. She cited the dangerous state of the Pokuase–Amasaman stretch of the Accra–Kumasi Highway, calling it a major threat to lives and livelihoods.

“This road is an international corridor, yet it is in a deplorable state,” she said. “It’s putting drivers, traders, and pedestrians in danger every single day. We appeal to H.E. John Dramani Mahama to prioritize its rehabilitation.”

Hajia Mariam also raised urgent concerns about the poor drainage systems and weakened bridges in Amasaman and surrounding communities, which continue to cause devastating floods during the rainy season.

But most heartbreaking, she said, is the impact these floods have on school children.

“Every rainfall turns into a nightmare for school children. Some are unable to go to school, while others are forced to walk through floodwaters and unsafe bridges,” she explained. “We can’t speak of quality education when our children are risking their lives just to get to class.”

She called on government, local authorities, civil society organizations, and residents to treat flood mitigation and drainage improvement as a top priority.

“We must build safer communities, not just for today, but for the future generation,” she urged. “And that starts with ensuring our children can access education safely.”

Hajia Mariam concluded her remarks by commending the recent signs of economic recovery under Mahama’s leadership, especially the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi.

“The strengthening of our currency is a positive sign it shows that with the right leadership, Ghana is on a path to stability, recovery, and inclusive growth,” she noted.

Her rallying cry was clear: it’s time for all Ghanaians, regardless of political alignment or position, to put the nation first and work together to create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Leaders Light International Church ordained 20 pastors and elevated 3 pastors, who have served the Church for a decade, to Apostolic status at their national headquarters in Osabene, in the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region.

The three new Apostles are Apostle Daniel Kissi Nyarko, Apostle Dominic Yiadom Boakye Agyekum, and Apostle Prince Eugene Ayesu Amoah.

In his address, the General Overseer of the Church, Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie, entreated the men of God to embrace and focus on serving the people to save them from their problems rather than envying and extorting money from them to become rich.

According to him, we don’t do God’s work to look for quick money; in doing so, you will fail in life, but the work itself will pay you if you do it genuinely from a good heart.

Apostle Dr. Kofi Dadzie added that when you become a man of God, everybody expects you to live an exemplary life, not to amass wealth for yourself.

He noted that by the time you get everything, you may not need anything; hence, every man of God must do the needful and prioritize the welfare of Church members before anything else.

Apostle Dadzie mentioned that he is not afraid to promote three of his dedicated and hardworking pastors to Apostolic status because this is what every good leader must emulate, indicating that if you do not do that and something happens to you, who would replace you and take care of the Church? If you’re a leader, you have to face the challenges and allow others to explore.

On his part, the Founder of Wisdom Chapel International, Bishop Professor Richard Digo, urged the ordained pastors and Apostles of the Church not to use their positions to put their hands into the Church’s coffers anyhow, and every money they take must be recorded.

“Do not use your positions to sleep with the Ladies or women in the Church as they are their wives, and if they refrain from that, God himself will help them succeed in his ministry,” said Bishop Digo.

Apostle Eugene Ayesu Amoah, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Apostle Dr. Samuel Dadzie for what he had done for them.

He assured him that they would continue to serve and rally their support behind him to help the Church grow and win more souls for God.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for the Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to renew the contract with Zoomlion Ghana Company Limited so they can return to their post and clean the country.

According to Protozoa, as he is popularly called in the political terrain, every part of the country is dirty, and he doesn’t understand why the government remains adamant about renewing Zoomlion’s contract to enable them to clean the dirt that is flooding various principal streets across the country.

“A country that does not take its sanitation issues seriously ends up spending millions on its citizens to combat an outbreak of diseases, such as typhoid fever, malaria, and cholera, among others,” he mentioned.

Frank Asiedu Bekoe added that Ghanaians pay taxes and money has been allocated for sanitation, so he doesn’t know why President Mahama hasn’t paid Zoomlion staff for the past 5–6 months to enable them to clean the breadth and length of the country.

The Suhum MP made this known on Saturday, May 24, 2025, when he led a massive cleanup exercise at the Suhum roundabout and overhead with his sanitation team.

The Suhum MP’s sanitation team comprises all the security agencies, Assembly Members, the Local Council of Churches, the Muslim community, and transport unions, among others in the area.

They aimed to ensure that every corner of the Suhum Municipality is clean to avoid any outbreak of diseases in the future.

Protozoa then stated that if the Ghana government won’t renew Zoomlion’s contract for them to clean the country, it is up to the President. But to him, he can’t sit aloof and allow dirt to engulf his constituents and kill them, hence the clean-up exercise.

Mr. Bekoe used the medium and urged the President to make the contract renew his priority since the rainy season is fast approaching.

BY// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Aristocrat Confraternity, Ohene Danquah Agyeman Duah, has expressed deep concern over the rising abuse of opioids and other substances among Ghanaian youth.

Describing the situation as “pathetic,” he called for immediate national attention and action to address the crisis and help young people stay away from such harmful vices, which he said are detrimental to their health and the country’s future.

According to Ohene Agyeman Duah, the strength of every nation lies in its youth, and if leaders remain passive while the younger generation engages in drug abuse, the future of the country will be severely affected.

“If they are no more, we won’t have anyone to replace them to run and manage the affairs of this country.”

He emphasized that “Our association [Aristocrat Confraternity] is committed to educating the youth on the dangers of engaging in substance abuse, and to enable them to stay away from such practices because the future of Ghana lies in their hands.”

He made these remarks on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peduase in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region during the association’s annual mega health walk.

Hundreds of individuals participated in this year’s event, which also featured free health screenings.

Ohene Danquah also revealed that the association is considering increasing the frequency of the health walk to three times a year, up from the current once-a-year event, to encourage more participation and promote regular exercise.

The planned decision, he said had become necessary as the exercise offers a platform for workers who usually don’t have time for physical activity a chance to stretch their bodies and stay healthier.

He also advise the youth to remain focused and avoid actions that could ruin their lives or disturb national peace.

The Municipal Health Director for Akuapem South, Emily Amponsah, also highlighted the importance of regular exercise, stating that it contributes significantly to longevity and overall health.

She recommended at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, noting that regular exercise reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.

Madam Amponsah thus encouraged the public to avoid oily foods, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sugary carbonated drinks.

“…Let’s rather eat more fruits and drink more water to strengthen our immune system,” advised the health professional.

A former Member of Parliament for the Suhum Constituency, Ransford Agyapong, who serves as a patron of the Aristocrat Confraternity, added that the association comprises members from various political parties, promoting peace and harmony across political lines.

He stated that when the youth see political actors walking in unity, they are less likely to engage in actions that disturb national peace or jeopardize their future.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Former Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority, Paul Asare Ansah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately declare a State of Emergency to gain extraordinary powers to combat the illegal mining menace, also known as Galamsey.

According to him, he made a similar appeal to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but it proved futile.

“I’m excited to note that it has become a clarion call since 2024 with every concerned citizen calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency over Galamsey. If I were the President of Ghana I would have declared a State of Emergency over the fight to stop Galamsey.”

Paul Asare Ansah, the 2020 Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region, further explained that declaring a State of Emergency would give the president absolute powers beyond those granted by the 1992 Constitution to fight Galamsey and save future generations from unforeseen tragedies caused by environmental threats.

He mentioned countries like Nigeria, where militants attacked pipelines in Rivers State and the President declared a State of Emergency. He also referenced blackouts in Spain, after which their leadership declared a State of Emergency.

He noted that the President of America, Donald Trump, also declared a State of Emergency when he realized that immigrants had taken over their country.

“The steps that were taken by these leaders don’t form part of their constitution, and their laws also don’t permit that, but they did that to prevent their countries from going into a ditch, and Ghana can emulate,” he opined.

Paul Ansah urged President Mahama to declare Ghana a nation under existential threat from:

The destruction of our water bodies and forest reserves by Ghanaians and their foreign collaborators.

Water and food poisoning with mercury, cyanide, and other chemicals from Galamsey.

Sickness, diseases, and deformities of newborn babies caused by Galamsey pollution.

Destruction of our main cash crop – cocoa.

Mr. Ansah believed that should the president comply with this directive and implement proper measures and policies, eradicating Galamsey is feasible, as force is sometimes needed to find lasting solutions.

He then urged President Mahama to order the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to enforce the ban and remove the usually armed environmental terrorists from the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.

He also stated that the President should order the CDS to recover and restore the integrity of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves within one year and sustain it thereafter.

Finally, he called for the approval of a national afforestation and restoration budget to support the CDS’s operations.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Adankronohene of Kade, in the Kwaebibibrem Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, Osaberima Sarpong Kumankuma II, has called on President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to come to their aid as soon as possible to stop the galamseyers operating in the area.

According to him, Galamsey is swallowing his community despite making numerous complaints about the situation, but no one has come to their rescue.

He is therefore pleading with the President to step in and use his veto powers to halt the operations in order to protect their lands and water reserves for future generations.

Osaberima Sarpong Kumankuma II further stated that the reason the menace is escalating in his community is that the galamseyers are now mining inside the Birem River, causing damage to their lands, and urgent action is needed.

The Adankronohene urged the Government to stop giving concessions to miners in Accra to come to their communities, engage in illegal mining activities, and destroy their lands and water bodies.

Osaberima Kumankuma II then suggested to President John Mahama that, for the miners to embark on responsible mining, traditional rulers should be involved in the concession process to enable them to monitor and regulate the activities to ensure they do what is expected. Otherwise, they will continue to act with impunity and disrespect traditional authority.

Osaberima Kumankuma recalled that in 2010, during the tenure of the late former President Atta Mills, illegal mining activities on the Birem River led to severe flooding in the area, destroying lives and property.

He cited that due to the nature of the flooding, the late President Atta Mills and his entourage had to use live boats to cross before they could assess the situation, and it was an eyesore.

Drawing parallels with the current situation, he admonished the Government to treat the matter with utmost urgency and take concrete actions to address the devastating impact of illegal mining in the area.

Osaberima Kumankuma II warned that if the situation remains unchecked, history will repeat itself, and the community will continue to suffer dire consequences from these galamsey terrorists.

Prior to the complaint, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwaebibibrem Municipal Assembly, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, conducted a thorough assessment of the site to evaluate the extent of the damage and explore strategies for land reclamation.

The visit revealed that mining activities had severely impacted the Birem River, necessitating immediate reclamation efforts to restore its natural flow and prevent flooding in the area.

In response, the MCE issued a direct warning to the miners, especially GCD Company Limited, ordering them to reclaim the land within 4 working days.

“If they remain adamant about these directives, they will be arrested and arraigned before the court, and if they are arrested we don’t want to want to see anybody begging on their behalf to be released because people are nation wreckers,” he said.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, has reassured the people of the area that all abandoned projects initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will be completed during his tenure.

According to the new Kwaebibibrem MCE, some of these white elephant projects include the Kade Educational Office and the Kade Police Station, among others.

He pledged to ensure their completion before he leave office as MCE.

He added that Kade, being the capital of the Kwaebibirem Municipality, lacks many infrastructural developments such as a youth resource center, good road networks, electricity, and more.

However, he point out to collaborating with the appropriate authorities to help resolve these challenges.

Kofi Nti stressed that President John Dramani Mahama aimed at resetting Ghana to change the standard of living of Ghanaians.

For this reason, he promised to work hard to develop the municipality in honor of President Mahama, helping him achieve his resetting agenda and making Kwaebibirem one of the fastest-growing assemblies in Ghana.

He used the opportunity to advise residents of the municipality to unite and work diligently with him to successfully transform and develop the area.

Mr. Nti also urged residents to ensure they pay their property rates regularly to enable the Assembly to generate funds to undertake more development projects.

BY// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.