An Asamankɛse-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) within the Lower West Akim Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, Nana Dasoah Amamaah 1 Foundation provided mathematical sets to selected Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E.) candidates preparing to sit for the 2025 exams in the area.

In total, 995 candidates benefited from this initiative – out of more than 2,000 registered candidates in the municipality.

The move, according to the foundation, aims to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged candidates whose parents are unable to provide the necessary materials for their studies.

Presenting the mathematical instruments to the candidates, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, Nana Dansoa Amamaah, encouraged parents of B.E.C.E. candidates to refrain from sending their children on errands so they can study effectively in preparation for the exams.

She emphasized that since the foundation’s projects began in 2020, over 5,000 B.E.C.E. candidates have received assistance, which has contributed to improved examination results in the area.

The CEO who doubles as Kyidomhemaa of Asamankɛse also urged the students to approach the upcoming examination with zeal and confidence, reminding them that everything they need to know has been taught by their teachers.

She reassured them that there is no need to fear, and with determination, they will succeed.

Nana Dansoa Amamaah also pleaded with the parents who wards were partaking in this exams to allow them to study within this few days left for the exams to be commenced and stop sending them on errands to enable them to get a better grades.

Speaking at the program, Owen Kwame Frimpong, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lower West Akim constituency, expressed confidence in the candidates’ abilities to achieve impressive results and make the municipality proud.

Widely known as ‘Darling Boy,’ he noted that the Eastern Region comprises 33 municipal and district assemblies. In previous exams Lower West Akim Municipality ranked 32nd on the educational ladder in the region and they put in measures by organizing vacation classes for the JHS 3 students that enable them climbed to 8th place and believes they can perform even better in 2025.

Mr. Frimpong also promised a sponsorship package for any candidate who achieves a single-digit result upon entering Senior High School, a program he has supported for several years, even before becoming the Member of Parliament.

This year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, to Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The Education Director for the Lower West Akim Municipality, Madam Loretta Akua Ayisi, confirmed that 2,075 candidates are prepared to participate in the exams this year.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for the Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has charged Muslim youth to denounce their involvement in substance and drug abuse to enable them to achieve their goals in the future.

Protozoa, as he is popularly called, bitterly bemoaned the menace among the youth and indicated that if precautionary measures are not taken, the country’s future would be bleak.

Frank Asiedu Bekoe underscored the importance of a national effort in helping to curb the menace and secure the future of the youth.

He reiterated his commitment to lead a crusade against opioids and substance abuse among the youth, to let them know the health hazards associated with such acts and discourage them from engaging in it.

The lawmaker for Suhum made these remarks during the climax of Eid al-Adha prayers observed by the Muslim community in his constituency, to thank Allah for their successful fasting and prayers.

Protozoa then assured his constituents that he would continue preaching against hard drugs until there are zero cases of youth engaging in substance abuse in the constituency.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum Municipality, Lydia Ohenewaa, mentioned that youth development is dear to the heart of the National Democratic Congress government, hence the implementation of numerous programs and policies to benefit and shape their future.

She emphasized the key role of the Muslim community in nation-building.

Lydia Ohenewaa appealed to the people of Suhumman to rally behind the Assembly to ensure its success, so that more infrastructure projects can be executed to transform the municipality.

However, the Parish Priest for All Saints Anglican Church in Suhum, Rev’d Canon Lawrence Charles Amankah Kwabena, who joined the prayer session, entreated the Muslim and Christian community to foster unity and understand that they are one people with a common destiny.

“The cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims has made Ghana known as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and they will continue to strengthen and maintain these bonds to uphold the peace of the country,” he opined.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

All 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies across Ghana were expected to undertake a mass tree planting of 30 million seedlings across the country for a greener tomorrow.

However, the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region was excluded from performing the ceremonial planting due to a ban on noise-making and digging of the ground, as directed by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in accordance with their customs.

The Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins Junior, explained that June 5 coincided with the Okyeman Ohum Kan Festival ban.

During this period, noise making nor digging is prohibited so therefore the Assembly reached an agreement with Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and his cabinet to allow them to conduct only a symbolic planting. The main mass planting would follow after June 20, when the Ohum Kan Festival would be over.

He added that it is very important to respect the traditions and customs of the land. He indicated that during the previous government, this exercise was usually done on June 10 to avoid the ban, but the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government changed the date to June 5, which unfortunately coincided with the traditional restrictions, hence, the postponement of the mass planting.

He further cautioned the general public not to read political meanings into these directives, that the Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council doesn’t want President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Tree For Life Initiative’ to materialize in Abuakwa South.

He emphasized that Osagyefuo Ofori Panin is well-known as an environmentalist and would not intentionally do anything that wouldn’t benefit the country. Because he understands the benefits of tree planting to mankind, he has targeted planting over one million tree seedlings across the Akyem Abuakwa enclaves every year to support the government’s initiative.

Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins Jnr. stated that his municipality is tasked with planting over 30,000 tree seedlings, and even without the Ohum Kan Festival ban on noise-making and digging, they cannot use just a day to plant all these trees. Instead, the planting will be done gradually until it is completed.

The MCE then assured President John Mahama and his Minister for Lands and Natural Resources that by the end of June, he would ensure that all the trees are planted so that the money invested in such initiative don’t go waste.

Furthermore, the Kyebi District Manager for the Forestry Commission, Alfred Owusu Ameyaw, revealed that ‘The Tree for Life Initiative’ has created job opportunities for Ghanaian youth across the country.

He said that when they were about to nurse the seedlings for planting, he was asked to recruit youth from within his catchment area, which includes the Atiwa East and West, Suhum, Ayensuano, and Kyebi assemblies.

According to him, the aforementioned municipal and district assemblies submitted names of prospective workers, and noted that after the interview process, only 28 were selected, received their employment letters, and began working.

He noted that gaining employment would discourage them from engaging in illegal mining (galamsey), which degrades the landscape.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Today, Thursday, June 5, marks another milestone for Ghana as the general public embarks on a nationwide tree planting exercise to restore degraded landscapes across the country.

As this day holds great significance for many Ghanaians, Transeco Minerals and Mining Limited, together with the traditional leaders of the Saamang community in the Fanteakwa South District Assembly in the Eastern Region, joined the initiative by planting 5,000 tree seedlings on one of their reclaimed 150-acre mining lands.

The General Manager of Transeco Minerals and Mining Limited, Nana Kwaku Gyamera Antwi-Awuah, commended the Government of Ghana for embarking on such an initiative to give hope to our dying forests and sustain the environment.

Nana Antwi-Awuah encouraged small-scale mining companies to also get involved in the Tree for Life initiative by planting trees on their reclaimed mining sites, in line with the purpose of instituting small-scale mining activities in the country.

The Transeco Minerals and Mining Ltd General Manager then pleaded with the Government to stand firm and wage war against those engaging in galamsey activities, which damage water bodies, lands, and forest reserves. He urged that they be arrested and arraigned before court to be dealt with, serving as a deterrent to others and helping curb the menace.

Nana Kwaku Awuah reaffirmed the company’s commitment to planting more trees on their reclaimed lands, enabling the land to regain its natural nutrients for future agricultural use.

He further stated that the inception of the Tree for Life initiative has helped revive many destroyed forests, and the good news is that both the District Assemblies and the Forestry Commission are distributing the seedlings for free. Anyone can collect seedlings for planting, as the government has absorbed the cost.

Nana Gyamera Awuah emphasized that tree planting must be a collective responsibility, not just for miners. Doing so will help the government achieve its aim of making Ghana green and protecting the environment for future generations.

The Senaahene of Saamang, Nana Kwasi Adjaben Boateng, hailed Transeco Minerals and Mining Ltd for collaborating with them on such an exercise that will restore the strength of both the land and the forest.

“Should all the mining companies emulate Transeco Minerals and Mining Ltd, the government wouldn’t have been spending money on reclaiming the lands as well as restoring the forests,” he added.

Nana Boateng Adjaben said tree planting is very important to mankind because ‘when the last tree dies, the last man will also die.’ That is why we must take this exercise seriously and get involved to save our lives.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The newly installed Mankrado for Obodan in the Akuapem Adonten Division in Akuapem South of the Eastern Region, Nana Adjei Boako Odiahenkan I, has assured the people of Obodanman that he would champion developmental projects for them.

“As Obodan Mankrado, I will work collaboratively with Obodanhene, Nana Kyene Sakyi Amponsah I, and his cabinet to lobby for more developmental projects for the community,” he pledged.

Nana Adjei Boako Odiahenkan I added that the chiefs and elders knew his track record in the community, hence honoring him with the title. He promised to continue doing more to help transform and build the community together.

He reaffirmed his commitment to remain loyal and truthful to Obodanhene and serve him with humility to develop the area.

He continued by saying that for any country to be successful, it depends on its human resources, especially the youth.

“It is devastating, alarming, and mind-blowing to see the youth engaging in substance abuse, and if they continue like this, how can the country develop?” he asked touching on the recent growing trend of substance abuse among the youth.

He then advised them to refrain from such acts, emphasizing that their services are needed to build the nation.

He added that the rampant opioid and substance abuse among the youth must be seen as a national security threat, and the country should find an immediate solution to it in order to save their lives.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem South Constituency, Lawrencia Adwoa Dziwornu, who graced both the installation and the swearing-in of the oath of allegiance of Obodan Mankrado to Obodanhene, underscored the role of the Chieftaincy Institution in Ghana’s development.

She stated that the institution is very important to President John Dramani Mahama, hence the introduction of programs and policies to address chieftaincy disputes among some chiefs in the country.

“As a Member of Parliament for the constituency, my topmost priority is to champion developmental projects for my constituents,” she noted.

The lawmaker promised to work collaboratively with the traditional leader to drive the community’s development.

“So I am glad to hear Nana Adjei Boako Odiahenkan is championing the same course, and I will help him achieve that to create job opportunities for the people in the constituency, especially the youth, to enable them to stay away from social vices,” Madam Dziwornu expressed.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Eastern Regional branch of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has outlined measures to curb flooding in the region, especially in Koforidua, as the rainy season approaches.

It is believed that Koforidua, the regional capital, is a low-lying area, and whenever it drizzles even slightly, the town is engulfed by floods, which are very devastating.

Reacting to this, among other pressing issues that need to be tackled head-on, the Eastern Regional NADMO boss, Kudjo Adukpo, said the organization had identified some key flood-prone areas where residents face challenges whenever it rains.

“Nsukwao, Meyila Zongo, Prince Boateng roundabout, Ada, and Koforidua district business center, among others, are all flood-prone areas,” he noted.

He said they had a crunch meeting with the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Awatey, concerning the situation, and she assured them of her support to ensure that the regional capital experiences zero flooding issues this year.

The NADMO boss noted that following their engagement, the minister released some confiscated excavators belonging to illegal miners to them to use for dredging gutters that always flood in the area.

“There is a river at the Akwadum Road near the Eastern Regional Electricity Company of Ghana. Anytime it rains, it floods the entire area. So we have used the excavator to desilt it to make sure that this time around, the residents residing over there will have peace of mind without leaving their homes for their friend’s houses for shelter,” he stated.

Mr. Adukpo used the opportunity to commend his Directors, who have been instrumental in championing this cause to ensure Koforidua and its surrounding areas become flood-free.

He further vowed to deal with the recalcitrant staff who do not attend work but still receive salaries every month, indicating that President John Dramani Mahama brought him there to work hard, honor his mandate, and help change the narrative of NADMO in the Region.

“Over the past years, some staff of NADMO have taken the organization for granted and do whatever suits them. But under my administration, things are going to change, so if you know you’re not interested in the job, just quit and stay at home,” he warned.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Speaker of Parliament for New Juaben South Youth, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Asare, has entreated the Ghanaian youth to rise up and demand accountability from the leaders who run and manage the affairs of the country.

According to the Rt. Hon. Speaker, they aim to bridge the gap by reaching out to stakeholders and holding them responsible for ensuring they render an account to the youth regarding how collected revenue is used.

“If the leadership of the country can do that and allow the youth to have their say in governance without any intimidation, they will also contribute their quota toward the growth and development of the country,” said Asare.

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Asare further stated that the strength of every country depends on its youth. Therefore, Ghanaian leaders must pay much more attention to the plight of the youth to enable them to refrain from engaging in substance abuse and destroying their future.

He made these remarks during the 5th sitting of the 1st session of parliamentary business at Koforidua Ascension Hall on Friday, May 30, 2025.

He added that they invited all Senior High School students from the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly to the program to learn how parliamentary procedures are carried out.

The students were very excited to witness how parliamentary work is done and were allowed to ask questions about the presentations given by resource personnel from the Ghana Health Service, the Youth Employment Agency, and other institutions.

Rt. Hon. Speaker Emmanuel Asare then advised the participating students to honor their parents by taking their studies seriously and coming out with flying colors after completing school.

He stated that the New Juaben South Youth Parliament was established to champion the development of the Ghanaian youth, hence admonishing them to desist from opioids and substance abuse in order to reach greater heights in life and become prominent people in the future.

Phyllis Emefa Mensah, a nurse and specialist in charge of community mental health and rehabilitation at the New Juaben South Health Directorate, revealed that the negligence of some parents has led their children to engage in opioid and drug abuse.

She then used the opportunity to plead with parents to do their best to check and monitor the movements of their children, indicating that doing so will help prevent them from associating with bad friends and help secure their future.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

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.