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.

Barely a month ago, Asiakwahene, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo, and his cabinet took a bold step by placing a ban on mining along the riverbanks in the area.

This move aligned with Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s directive to stop mining along the Birim River and other rivers in the Akyem Abuakwa enclave, including Asiakwa’s Supong River.

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

To enforce this directive, the Asiakwahene, who also serves as Okyeman Nifahene, together with his cabinet and a task force, stormed several mining sites in Asiakwa to apprehend illegal miners operating along the riverbanks.

However, upon their arrival, some miners fled, abandoning their excavators. For those who did not escape, their excavator keys, gallons of fuel, and generators were confiscated.

Moreover, several control boards were removed from the abandoned excavators, rendering them inoperable.

Our news team, led by Kontihene Kofi Oboh, visited these mining sites on Friday, February 21, 2025, to assess whether mining activities had resumed despite Daasebre Twum Ampofo’s bold decision and stern warning.

To the surprise of the media team, some miners had vacated the site, while others had reclaimed portions of the land. However, some were still engaged in mining activities.

Some farmers in the community applauded Okyeman Nifahene and his team for their efforts but believed more needed to be done to curb the menace in the area.

According to them, illegal mining has left many pits uncovered, leading to mosquito breeding and causing sleepless nights.

They, therefore, appealed to Daasebre Ampofo to instruct the miners to reclaim the land before leaving, as their abandoned pits posed a threat to residents.

For his part, a miner, Effah Ofosu, assured Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo of their commitment to practicing responsible mining to protect the water bodies in Asiakwa.

He pleaded with the Asiakwa Royal Palace to regulate their work, emphasizing that they also create job opportunities for the youth, helping to prevent social vices.

Effah Ofosu also urged his fellow miners to reclaim the land and plant trees to make the area useful in the future.

Adding to the discussion, Lawyer Benin Peprah of Kwame Gyan and Associates, a native of Asiakwa, noted that mining has existed for a long time but was not as destructive as it is today.

‘Today, mining activities have destroyed forests, water bodies, land, and farm produce, which is very disheartening,’ he lamented.

He expressed confidence that if the people of Asiakwa supported the cause, the fight against illegal mining would be feasible.

Lawyer Peprah stated that the initiatives taken by Okyenhene and his Nifahene were laudable and would help restore water bodies to their original state.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Trinity Presbyterian Model School in Adweso in the New Juaben South Metropolitan Assembly of the Eastern Region staged a captivating drama titled “The Dilemma of a Ghost”, designed to foster critical thinking, practical learning, and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds among students.

The innovative production sought to improve students’ writing skills in literature exams and to help them appreciate their cultural heritage.

The Dilemma of a Ghost was written by Professor Ama Atta Aidoo; however, it provides a visually stunning and emotionally powerful show that provides a thoughtful commentary on the human experience.

The drama saw an audience comprising students from the Adweso Circuit as well as representatives from the New Juaben South Metropolitan Educational Directorate.

Additionally, some parents and children from the community were in attendance, making the event a vibrant and inclusive celebration of arts and culture.

Speaking to the media in an interview, the Headmistress of Trinity Presbyterian Model School, Madam Vivian Obobisa Darko expressed her profound pride in the school’s outstanding achievement, specifically, the students and teachers for their exceptional production of the drama,

She noted that this accomplishment not only showcases the school’s academic excellence but also cements its position as a pace-setter in the education sector.

She emphasized that the drama “The Dilemma of a Ghost” has been instrumental in fostering cultural awareness and appreciation among the students and by exploring African traditions, particularly Ghanaian culture.

On her part, Madam Phillis Afrane, English Teacher and Assistant producer of the play explained that the drama is based on a topic in the literature textbook, which is a crucial component of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and by staging this play, the school aimed at providing students with a unique opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and insight of subject matter.

Phillis Afrane furthered by emphasizing that the play serves as a valuable teaching tool in highlighting the distinctions between African traditions and foreign cultures, adding that promoting cultural awareness is essential in fostering tolerance, respect, and global citizenship.

She urged educators to move beyond theoretical instruction and, instead, incorporate hands-on experiences that bring textbook concepts to life, indicating that by adopting practical learning methods, schools can unlock the hidden talents of their students.

By// Paul Manyo.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Eastern Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Isaac Noble Eshun, has revealed that his outfit has apprehended eight (8) illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, who were operating in the Atiwa Forest.

Explaining how the suspects were arrested, Noble Eshun said they received a tipoff on Saturday, February 15, 2025, about illegal mining activities in the Atiwa Forest. When his team arrived and attempted to enter the forest, they were chased out by the illegal miners because they were fully armed, unlike his men.

According to him, the Atiwa Forest is very dear to the hearts of many Ghanaians, and they will not allow anyone to destroy it, along with other forest reserves across the country.

“So on the following day, which was Sunday, February 16, they went there again and informed the Potrase residents about the happenings, and they helped them enter the forest to stop the illegal miners (galamseyers) from operating,” he noted.

However, upon their arrival, most of the miners fled, abandoning their excavators. With support from the Potrase youth, eight of them were apprehended and handed over to the Kyebi Police Command for further investigations and, if necessary, arraignment before the court.

The Eastern Regional Forestry Manager went on to commend the Potrase youth for their immense efforts in assisting with the arrest of the eight illegal miners.

Isaac Noble Eshun described them as patriotic citizens, noting that in most cases, locals either protect galamseyers or help them escape when authorities arrive.

However, in this instance, the youth of Potrase actively supported the fight against illegal mining and stated that if all Ghanaians emulated the Potrase youth, the menace would have been curbed.

He then appealed to the government to provide resources to enable them to effectively carry out their mandate.

Noble Eshun told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH that these illegal miners are fully armed, and to combat them effectively, his team also needs to be armed.

By//Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohmewsonline.com.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has said that President John Dramani Mahama has already indicated that he is resetting Ghana.

“Therefore, he needs a very strong Council of State to give him good counsel and direction in all spheres of governance,” mentioned Rita Awatey.

“Rita Aawtey urged the Assembly members to approach this exercise with integrity and respect for one another and let the results of this election serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility in building a stronger, more united Ghana.

According to her, it is instructive to mention that this election is in fulfillment of the Constitutional requirement set out in Article 89 (2) (c) of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for the election of regional representatives to the Council of State to serve for a term of four (4) years.

Akosua Awatey added that through this process, we ensure that every region is fairly represented and that we continue to strengthen our democratic institutions.
Beyond being a constitutional requirement, this election is also a testament to our commitment to deepening democratic governance in our beloved country. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us all to conduct ourselves with great dignity.

The Eastern Regional Minister stressed that at the end of the day, only one person will emerge as the winner to represent the Eastern Region.

She then assured Ghanaians that the Electoral Commission is ready and that the election will be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and peaceful. Our collective commitment to these values and our resolve to play by the rules of the election will give meaning to the fact that every vote counts and that the outcome will truly reflect the will of the people.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency, Abena Osei Asare, has assured Ghanaians and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of their commitment to making a significant impact in Parliament despite their minority status.

According to the lawmaker, despite having only 88 seats in the House, they will work tirelessly to ensure their presence is felt.

Speaking at her thanksgiving service at the Anyinam Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Victory Congregation, Mrs. Osei Asare stated that the minority caucus will live up to its responsibilities and mandate.

“Nobody should underestimate us because of our numbers. Maybe God wanted to use these numbers to prove to the world that you don’t always need a huge crowd to perform well,” she said on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

The former Minister of State in Charge of Finance assured the NPP National Chairman, Steven Ayesu Ntim, of their readiness to make their representation meaningful despite having only 88 seats in Parliament.

Mrs. Osei Asare further emphasized that if any Minority Caucus member is appointed to a Parliamentary Committee or Board, they will serve diligently to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, especially their constituents.

She also used the opportunity to urge the NPP fraternity to put aside their disappointment of the 2024 elections defeat and regroup to recapture power in 2028.

In his sermon, Rev. Frank Amuzu, the Minister of the Church, commended the Atiwa East MP for consistently showing gratitude and giving thanks to God for her successive electoral victories, with the 2024 elections being no exception.

The Reverend Minister underscored the blessings of thanksgiving and emphasized the importance of appreciating God in all circumstances, regardless of adversities.

On his part, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency, Sammi Awuku, speaking on behalf of the party’s national chairman, thanked the Atiwa East constituents for retaining Abena Osei Asare as their MP.

He also conveyed the party’s 2024 flagbearer and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s, congratulatory message to Mrs. Osei Asare for the feat achieved of retaining her seat.

‘Dr. Bawumia offers his unwavering support and commitment to Abena Osei Asare and has asked her to call on him whenever the need arises,’ Mr. Awuku added.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the NPP National Chairman and his spouse, Eastern Regional NPP Executives, NPP MPs in the region, NPP Atiwa East Executives, party supporters, and other dignitaries.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Asafohene of Adweso in the Akuapem Traditional Council of the Eastern Region, Nana Okofo Kwame Oppong Ntim I, has described as uncalled-for, the chaos that erupted at the Appointment Committee that led to the damage of some state properties during the vetting of Ministerial nominees.

According to him, he concurs with the Speaker of Parliament, Right Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin’s directive that Members of Parliament who caused the chaos will bear the full cost of the destroyed items to serve as a deterrent to others.

He said their behavior had humiliated the country because the program was live on several National Television channels where many people were watching both at home and abroad.

Nana Okofo Ntim added that, as MPs they must live an exemplary life because many people look up to them in various communities.

“Again, the Speaker was right to punish the 4 MPs who were caught in the act. The lifting of suspension being placed on them will also serve as a great lesson for them to exhibit good behavior going forward,” he opined.

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Alexander Markin in his plea to the Speaker of Parliament and backed by the Majority Caucus saw him lifts the suspension on the affected MPs.

The suspended MPs were ; Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor, Majority Chief Whip; Frank Annor Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip; Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Second Minority Chief Whip; and Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, MP for Gushegu Constituency.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.come.

The newly appointed Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has assured staff that her assumption of office is not to engage in witch-hunting.

According to her, she is committed to working tirelessly to develop and transform the region.

She made this known during her maiden meeting with the staff of the Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) on Tuesday, January 4, 2025, where she officially introduced herself and familiarized herself with them as she assumed office.

Addressing the ERCC staff, Akosua Awatey assured them that she was there to serve, learn, and grow with them, and not to misuse her power to witch-hunt or undermine their work.

The Eastern Regional Minister emphasized that their diversity should be a source of strength in fostering creativity, innovation, and progress.

She urged them to leverage their unique experiences and talents to achieve greatness together.

She also advised staff members to allow one another to perform their duties effectively, ensuring harmony and preventing resentment.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey further stated that the campaign period was over, and it was now incumbent upon everyone to unite for the development and progress of the region.

She took the opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to the President for entrusting her with the responsibility to serve in his administration and contribute to Ghana’s advancement.

“In the coming weeks, I will embark on a tour to express my appreciation to the Eastern Chiefs for supporting my candidature when President Mahama nominated me to succeed Seth Kwame Acheampong, the former Regional Minister,” she added.

She concluded by promising to work diligently to justify the President’s confidence in her capabilities.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

In line with the directives of Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, to stop mining along the Birim River, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo, the Asiakwahene, drew his strength from him and placed a ban on mining along the banks of the Supon River in the community.

This move was aimed at supporting the Okyenhene’s fight against illegal mining activities in the Akyem Abuakwa enclave.

The initiative by the overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council sought to protect water bodies from pollution caused by illegal miners operating in the area.

To enforce this directive, Okyeman Nifahene, Daasebre Twum Ampofo, his cabinet, and a task force stormed several mining sites in Asiakwa to arrest illegal miners working along the riverbanks. However, upon their arrival, some miners fled, abandoning their excavators.

For those who did not flee, their excavator keys, gallons of fuel, and generators were seized. Additionally, several control boards were removed from the excavators left behind by escaping miners, rendering them inoperable.

Daasebre Twum Ampofo explained that despite numerous efforts to stop illegal miners (galamseyers) from operating along riverbanks, these efforts had been unsuccessful. As a result, they initially decided to set the excavators ablaze when found at the riverbanks.

However, they later reconsidered and chose instead to remove the control boards, preventing the machines from functioning.

The Asiakwa Royal Palace stated that before the seized equipment would be returned to the miners, they must reclaim the destroyed lands and plant rosewood or teak trees to restore soil nutrients for future farming activities.

Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo and his cabinet issued a stern warning to miners operating along the riverbanks, instructing them to vacate the sites immediately and remove all their equipment.

He thus warned that failure to comply would result in severe punishment, including the seizure of their machines.

The Asiakwa Apagyahene, Nana Yaw Brobbey, commended the Asiakwahene for taking decisive steps to ban mining along the river and further expressed confidence that if these measures continue, they will yield positive results.

Opanin Bernard Ampomaa Gyamena, whose house is near one of the mining sites, revealed that illegal miners frequently approached residents, offering large sums of money to purchase their homes for mining purposes. This, he noted, one person had succumbed to the offer and sold their house.

“They have pressured me on several occasions to sell my house, but I resisted because I do not want future generations to blame us for allowing illegal miners to destroy our lands and water bodies for their personal gain,” he revealed as stated.

The Okyeman Nifahene and his cabinet expressed gratitude for his stance, acknowledging his efforts in protecting the community and entreating all landowners to follow his example in preserving Asiakwa’s environment.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Shippers, freight forwarders, and the entire shipping community are rallying behind Julius Quashigah, the CEO of the three Port Services, to become the next Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

They are urging President John Dramani Mahama to consider Quashigah for the top job, citing his exceptional expertise and experience in the ports and shipping industry.

Quashigah’s impressive credentials include 28 years of experience as a freight forwarder and clearing agent, making him one of the most respected professionals in the field. His expertise spans shipping, logistics, and business management, earning him a reputation as a seasoned and accomplished leader.

He holds a Master’s degree in Defence and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and another Master’s degree in Ports and Shipping Administration from the Regional Maritime University.

His academic background and professional experience make him an ideal candidate for the Director General’s position.

The shipping community’s endorsement of Julius Quashigah is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and industry expertise. As the CEO of three Port Services, Quashigah has contributed significantly to the growth and development of several organizations in the maritime and logistics industry. Quashigah’s education, certifications, and industry experience:

Education and Certifications

• Ordinary Level: Nungua Secondary School (1991)
• Advanced Level: Labone Secondary School (1993)
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (Economics & Sociology): University of Cape Coast (1999)
• Master of Arts in Ports & Shipping Administration: Regional Maritime University (2009)
• Masters of Science in Defence and International Politics: Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (2017)
• Customs Proficiency Certificate: Ghana Revenue Authority Customs (2016)

Industry Experience
Julius Quashigah is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the maritime sector. He has played a pivotal role in the development of Ghana’s maritime industry and has contributed to the successful establishment of local offices for international companies.

With his diverse experience in shipping, logistics, and business management, Quashigah has grown several maritime and logistics companies, including:

Three Port Logistics Ltd are; Sevenlog Ltd, Getma Ghana Ltd, and MOL Ghana Ltd.

His leadership in these companies has led to significant operational improvements.

By// Nana Dogbe.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.