Several investors involved in land transactions in the Eastern Region have expressed frustration over the slow pace of documentation at the region’s Lands Commission office.

The frustrated property investors, who pointed out these delays, said the situation is causing setbacks to their businesses and accused the region’s Licensed Surveyors they engaged of inefficiency and ineffectiveness.

According to these investors, the delays are taking a financial toll on them, as funds allocated for land purchases are being tied up due to the lengthy period required for registration procedures to be completed.

They warn that if the issue is not resolved promptly, it could deter potential investors, developers, and landowners from engaging with the Licensed Surveyors, who serve as intermediaries between them and the Lands Commission.

A Koforidua-based investor [name withheld], speaking on behalf of his colleagues, is calling on the Lands Commission in the region to take immediate action to address the bottlenecks and ensure a more efficient documentation process to prevent further inconveniences.

“We are calling on the Lands Commission in the region to help address this matter because it is affecting us negatively. They need to streamline the documentation process for the benefit of us all,” he expressed.

Their concerns come a day after the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LISAG) completed its 6th Annual General Meeting and Seminar at its headquarters in Labone, Accra, on the topic “Leveraging Base Maps for Urban Transformation and Economic Growth: The Licensed Surveyors.”

All efforts to speak to some members of LISAG, Eastern Region branch, were unsuccessful, as they claimed they were not in the best position to speak.

Thus, they used the opportunity and proclaimed their innocence amid the agitated investors’ accusations that they were causing these delays.

Speaking further, an anonymous surveyor clarified that the matter needs urgent attention, as they are equally affected by customer relationships due to the delays and could potentially face financial losses along with other stakeholders involved in land transactions.

“…We have worked so many months since last year, but the work isn’t moving steadily as expected due to this subject. It is affecting us equally,” they expressed.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency in Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, has blasted President John Dramani Mahama for deceiving Ghanaians about sole-sourcing issues.

According to him, the President, when presenting his first 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, mentioned that the government intended to minimize sole-source procurement in the road sector to encourage competitive bidding and enhance public transparency in procurement processes.

However, Sammi Awuku, unmasking the latter, revealed that on March 17, he did his first sole-sourcing procurement at the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

He stressed that, with time, Ghanaians would regret voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 election.

The MP for Akuapem North made this statement at the Presbyterian College of Education–Akropong on Saturday, March 22, 2025, during the induction of the newly elected Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) executive members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“We are in opposition, but a mighty minority, and we will work hard to regroup and recapture power come 2028,” he added.

Samuel Awuku admonished the newly elected TESCON executive members of the Presbyterian College of Education–Akropong to go out and propagate the track record of the NPP government to their colleagues on campus to enable them to vote for them in 2028.

On his part, the immediate past Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Lawyer Berima Awuah Sarpong Asiedu-Larbi, bemoaned how the NPP government helped a lot of youth secure jobs, yet they did not show up during the 2024 election.

He expressed worry over their attitude, stating that they demanded money before voting, which contributed to their defeat.

Thus, he hoped such a mistake would not be repeated in the 2028 general elections.

In his address, the Eastern Regional Youth Organizer of the NPP, Adamu Musah Raha, declared that the opposition party would not allow members of the NDC to misbehave by unlawfully intimidating any of its former appointees.

“If they think they have done something wrong, they should use the proper channels to invite and investigate them rather than using the Rambo-style approach to raid their residential homes.

“We will resist the oppressor’s rule because we are not afraid of anybody in the country,” he noted.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Nifahene of Okyeman under the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, has imposed a total ban on mining activities in Asiakwa and its enclaves.

About two months ago, he and his cabinet initially halted mining along river bodies. This decision aligned with directives from Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, to stop mining along the Birim River and other water bodies in the Akyem Abuakwa enclave, including Asiakwa’s Supong River.

This initiative, led by the overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, aims to protect water bodies from pollution caused by illegal mining activities.

Okyeman Nifahene, who also serves as Asiakwahene, stated that mining activities in the area bring no benefit to the community.

He explained that the miners’ methods are destructive, prompting the decision to prohibit their operations, which occasioned with the issuance of a two-week ultimatum for them to reclaim the land and ordered the removal of all machinery from the site, as well as warning them to vacate the area immediately.

He cautioned that if any excavators remain on the sites after the deadline, they would be set ablaze.

Daasebre Twum Ampofo further emphasized that the chemicals used in mining are highly toxic, significantly degrading soil quality and making it unsuitable for farming and other purposes for years to come.

Asiakwahene acknowledged the economic impact of this directive on the community but stressed that he is restructuring mining activities in Asiakwa to ensure long-term benefits, especially for future generations.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a news team led by Kontihen Kofi Oboh visited some mining sites to assess compliance with Daasebre Twum Ampofo’s strict directive.

To their surprise, some miners had vacated the area, and others had begun land reclamation efforts. However, some continued mining activities despite the warning.

Several miners commended Asiakwahene for his efforts to protect land, water bodies, and agricultural resources.

They pledged to complete land reclamation within the given timeframe and appealed to him to reconsider the total ban, arguing that mining provides job opportunities for the youth and helps prevent social vices.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The appointment of a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) by  His Excellency, The President sparks heated debates and varied opinions on both social and traditional media, with others even heading to the Supreme Court for litigation.

It is an established fact and not a debatable fact that, the president is the commander in-chief of the Ghana armed forces and chairman of the national security Council, and also the vice president is the commander in-chief of the Ghana Police Service and chairperson of the Ghana Police Council.

These politicians singed a four years social contract with the good people of this country with a clear and specific vision. Therefore, the pressing need to bring on board like-minded individuals to align with their vision to deliver on their mandate to achieve their ultimate goals and vision for the betterment of our dear nation.

No man is an epitomology of wisdom. Where one man’s level of wisdom and competence ends, is the beginning of another man’s to a different level Mr. Akuffo Dampare did contributed his part to national development as a patriotic citizen, he is not an epitomology of wisdom and knowledge, he has done his part in alignment with the vision of former president Akuffo Addo, it is time to handover to a new dawn to also contribute his quota to national growth in alignment with the vision of His excellency President John Mahama.

It is instructive to suggest that, the appointment of a new IGP is not political witch hunting, hatred, Capricious, or personal dislike. It is an expression of a genuine and unmalicious constitutional discretion and political will.

I doubt if those individuals invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for a proper interpretation of Article 296 of the Constitution 1992 will succeed. Lol, I’m not sounding pre-judicial, though.

Odeneho Kwame Abraham Boafo
A citizen, Human Rights advocate, and a Constitutional law reader.
024 772 6369

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Kibi Presbyterian College of Education (KIPCOE) in Kyebi, located in the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, has successfully held its 62nd anniversary.

Established on March 10, 1963, this prestigious institution has achieved significant success. However, it still faces challenges that require urgent attention.

Speaking at a brief ceremony on campus, the Principal of the College,  Rev. Dr. Charles Fosu-Ayarkwah, appealed for modern equipment for the science and home economics laboratories to enhance teaching and learning.

He noted that the current equipment is outdated and that acquiring new ones would greatly benefit students in diverse ways.

Rev. Dr. Fosu-Ayarkwah also highlighted the college’s growing student population and the need for two new 60-seater capacity buses to augment the existing ones.

He explained that these buses would help transport students to and from their assigned schools for teaching practice efficiently.

The Principal called on the government, alumni, stakeholders, NGOs, and philanthropists to support the college in addressing these challenges.

He acknowledged the efforts of successive governments and the Principals of Colleges of Education in Ghana, which have contributed to making the institution more attractive.

He emphasized that the College of Education remains the only institution in the country where students are assured of job opportunities even before graduation.

Rev. Dr. Fosu-Ayarkwah encouraged Senior High School graduates uncertain about their tertiary education choices to consider the College of Education, assuring them of 100% job placement after graduation.

As part of the 62nd-anniversary celebrations, the college organized a local dishes cooking competition for staff from various departments. This initiative aimed to teach teacher trainees how to prepare traditional Ghanaian dishes, enabling them to pass on this knowledge to schoolchildren after graduation.

This effort by the college seeks to preserve Ghanaian culinary heritage.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Assembly Member for Gyamfikrom Electoral Area in New Juaben North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Daniel Kakam Twumasi has dolf his hat for President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling the promise he made to the Assembly Members in the country.

Before 2024 Ghana’s general election, the then-opposition leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, in his campaign tour, assured the hardworking Ghanaian Assembly Members if he became President in 2025, he would pay a monthly salary allowance, low and behold he has done it.

Presenting the 2025 budget and Economic Policy in Parliament, the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, announced that the Government has allocated GH¢100m for the monthly allowances for all the Assembly Members across the 261 MMDAs in the country.

Responding to these statements, the Assembly Member for Gyamfikrom Electoral Area said, that President John Mahama has set a new standard in Local Governance and described him as a leader who listens and acts in the best interest of the people.

Daniel Kankam Twumasi indicated that this bold and historic decision reflects his unwavering commitment to decentralization, good governance, and recognition of the critical role the Assembly Members play in national development.

According to him, they are optimistic that under John Mahama’s administration, the local governance system will see greater changes, leading to improvements in service delivery and national progress.

He furthered by saying that with this allowance, they are now in a better position to enhance community engagement, improve accountability and monitoring, and strengthen Local Governance.

“Mr. President, the Assembly Members are not just grateful, but we are inspired and proud to serve your visionary leadership and pledge to work with your government to succeed,” he stated.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Former President Akufo-Addo, Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, and Ɔkyenhene, Ɔsagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, among other New Patriotic Party stalwarts, attended the 60th remembrance service of the late Joseph Boakye Danquah at Kyebi on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

The late Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah died sadly while in detention without trial at the Nsawam Medium-Security Prison on February 4, 1965.

Addressing the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Ebenezer Congregation at Bronikrom in Kyebi, former President Nana Addo underscored the important role of the late Dr. Joseph Danquah played in Ghana’s struggle for freedom.

According to him, Development in Freedom is the operating principle that was targeted and deliberate in his [Danquah’s] words, harnessing ‘the energies of the people for growth and property owing democracy in this land with right, freedom, and justice as the principles to which government and laws of the land should be dedicated in order, specifically, to enrich the lives, property, and liberty of each and every citizen.’

He further stated that even though Danquah never held an executive office, his influence and impact have been truly exceptional, pioneering universities and shaping all aspects of Ghanaian life.

“Constitutional, legal, judicial, academic, economic, theological, educational, sporting, agricultural, cultural and the nature of Ghana geographical today and the very name this country’s bares. This is a truly astonishing legacy,” he added.

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, in his speech, stated clearly that democracy is not just a gift handed down through history but the result of perpetual struggle.

The Minority Leader, who serves as the Member of Parliament for the Effutu constituency in the Central Region, noted that it is time to denounce hate campaigns and embrace unity to uphold the dignity of Ghana and Africa above all differences.

He emphasized that ‘what unites us is far greater than the desire of those who seek to divide and weaken us.’

Ɔkyenhene, Ɔsagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, adding to the discussion, said J.B. Danquah contributed significantly to Ghana’s growth and development and must be accorded respect rather than being called names.

He stressed the need to establish something significant in Saltpond in the Central Region to recognize Dr. J.B. Danquah and his UGCC team members, as that place played a pivotal role in Ghana’s independence struggle.

Ɔkyenhene explained that Saltpond was the first point of call where J.B. Danquah and his compatriots fought the British to secure independence, and the younger generation must know this history.

“Hence, entreating former President Akufo Addo while he was in office to try and hold one of the Independence Day celebrations at Saltpond to let the world know the root of our sovereignty. But unfortunately, it didn’t materialize because NPP lost the 2024 election and exited power.”

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) has formally commissioned and handed over a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Laboratory to Yilo Krobo Senior High School in Somanya, located in the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region.

The fully equipped ICT lab is worth 1.3 million Ghana Cedis.

This project forms part of MTN’s social responsibility to give back to the Yilo Krobo community and enhance teaching and learning in the municipality.

Addressing a short ceremony held at the school on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the General Manager of the MTN Foundation in charge of Sustainability & Shared Value, Isaac Mante, said Yilo Krobo SHS (YIKROSEC) holds immense potential to become a benchmark for ICT education.

However, the lack of a well-equipped ICT facility has hindered this potential, stating that without a proper ICT lab, integrating technology into teaching and offering ICT as an elective subject wasn’t feasible.

“Recognizing these urgent needs, the MTN Ghana Foundation approved the aforementioned amount for the construction of the ultramodern ICT center to tackle the long-term challenges facing the school,” he mentioned.

Isaac Mante explained that the facility has 40 modern all-in-one desktop computers and two interactive smart boards to provide a great learning experience for students from Yilo Krobo and its enclave.

The headmaster of the school, Robert Nah Donkor, on behalf of the school’s management, thanked MTN Ghana Foundation for its kind gesture.

According to him, in today’s fast-moving digital world, technology is no longer a luxury but rather a necessity, noting that his students now have the tools to compete globally, learn smarter, and achieve more.

Olivia Opare, the Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education, also added that the establishment of the center shows the commitment of the MTN Ghana Foundation to promoting STEM education and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Again, she said the MTN Ghana Foundation’s support will not only enhance the learning experience of YIKROSEC students but also serve as a model for other institutions to follow.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohenewsonline.com.

The Bunsohene, Ɔsaberima Abeam Brakatu Ofori Aninkra, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the forest reserves in the area and its ecosystem.

According to him, he would resist any attempt by illegal miners to mine in the Bunso forests because the place is known as a scientific research center.

Ɔsaberima Brakatu Aninkra revealed that in 2012, some miners wanted to mine in the Bunso forests, but through the intervention of Okyenhene, Ɔsagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and his people, they were able to fight and drive them out.

“I was then summoned to the Eastern Regional Security Council (RESEC) in a roundtable involving some top-notch government officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to put fear in me to permit miners to operate on my land, but it proved futile because Okyenhene was backing me in the battle,” he recounted.

He further stated that Bunso alone has three (3) Universities, namely Bunso Cocoa College, the University of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, and the University of Environmental and Sustainable Development, and they are all engaged in research.

“The aforementioned institutions, among others, have created job opportunities for over 3,000 people in Bunso and its enclaves, and if I allowed mining to go on, that would mean all these Universities would collapse, and their staff would become unemployed, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable about it,” he noted.

He stated that if he allowed mining to take place in the community, it would destroy their lands, water bodies, and forest reserves, and the Universities wouldn’t have land and forests for research.

Hence, his decision not to entertain mining in his community.

Ɔsaberima Abeam Brakatu Ofori Aninkra revealed that some miners paid him a courtesy call at his palace, claiming their government was in power, so they were coming to mine in the area, this move, he said got him peeved enabling him to sack them from his palace.

Bunsohene opined that a few weeks after their visit, they received information that some people had entered one of their forest reserves and were clearing a cocoa farm for mining, and they quickly went there to stop them.

He further stated that since then, miners have been coming to his house to lure him with money and indicated that recently, someone tried offering him ¢500,000.00 to allow mining in the forest, but he rejected the offer.

“I am doing this to protect the forest reserves for unborn generations. The government knows that Bunso is a restricted area, and no miner should dare think of coming to mine on my land because their activities breed criminality and destroy the community’s development,” he added.

Adding to the discussion, the youth in Bunso hailed Ɔsaberima Ofori Aninkra for the steps taken to disallow mining in the community. They assured him of their support in combating illegal miners to protect their lands.

By // Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) branch in the Atiwa East District Assembly of the Eastern Region has bemoaned the rampant illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the community.

According to them, these activities pose a serious threat to their work as they no longer carry out their activities in the forests but prefer mining within the township.

The GNFS stated that after mining, the miners do not reclaim the land.

It explained that whenever there is a fire outbreak out and they respond to rescue properties and lives, uncovered pits in the area hinder their access.

This, it noted, instead of reaching the fire scene quickly, they are forced to take longer routes, delaying their efforts to extinguish the fire.

Speaking to KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, the Atiwa East District Assembly Fire Commander, Division Officer II (DO2) Michael George Koda, emphasized the need to halt mining in the town.

He stressed that stopping mining in urban areas would enable firefighters to use shorter routes to reach fire scenes quickly, preventing fires from spreading and destroying people’s hard-earned properties.

“In most cases, when fire guts someone’s structure and we do not get there early, they blame us for not discharging our duties accordingly. Meanwhile, they have forgotten that they created manholes in both the middle and shoulders of the roads, and if care is not taken, our water tender will capsize, and lives will be lost,” he revealed.

DO2 Michael Koda made these known during the launch of the 61st National Fire Awareness Safety Week at the Atiwa East District Fire Command on Monday, February 24, 2025, which is expected to conclude on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The Atiwa East District Fire Commander pleaded with the Landowners Association in the area to stop selling lands near main towns to galamseyers for mining.

He indicated that preventing such sales would help save many lives and properties when responding to fire emergencies.

This year’s event was celebrated under the theme: “FIRE SAFETY, THE PILLAR FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOUNDATION FOR OUR SECURITY.”

As part of the program, participants embarked on a float through the principal streets of Anyinam to educate the general public on preventing fire outbreaks at home and workplaces.

DO2 George Koda further explained that whenever fire outbreaks occur, especially in marketplaces, the Central Government has to compensate victims, which costs the country huge sums of money.

“Meanwhile, such wasted money can be channeled into infrastructure projects that would benefit the country. Hence, we must all be vigilant and not engage in things that can cause fire outbreaks,” he advised.

The Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Junior High School students in Atiwa East all participated in the program to make it successful.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.