Some residents of Asiakwa, especially market women and traders, have called on Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, the Asiakwahene, and his cabinet to review the ban imposed on mining in the community.

Asiakwa is known as one of the mining areas in the Eastern Region, and many people, particularly farmers, have raised concerns about how illegal mining activities are affecting their crops and the community’s water bodies.

This concern, raised by the farmers, drew the attention of the Asiakwahene, who held several crucial meetings with miners to prevent mining near water bodies and farmlands, and to promote responsible mining that protects water bodies, land, forests, and farms. However, these efforts yielded no positive results.

In late March this year, the Asiakwa Royal Palace placed a total ban on mining in the community and issued a two-week ultimatum to miners to remove their equipment and vacate the sites.

This directive from the Asiakwa Royal Palace aimed to protect the Supong River, the Birim River, farmlands, and forests from pollution caused by illegal mining in the area.

Our media team, led by KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, visited some mining sites on April 4, 2025, to check compliance with the directive. We observed that the miners had removed their excavators from the sites. However, some reclaimed the land before leaving, while others abandoned open pits.

Since mining operations ceased, according to market women and traders in Asiakwa, business has come to a standstill. They are calling on Daasebre Twum Ampofo II to revisit the ban and regularize mining to allow for responsible operations.

They added that the directive is crippling their businesses, as they now struggle to find buyers at the market. For food vendors, the impact has been even worse.

They also mentioned that, apart from mining, there are no other jobs available for the youth. They are therefore pleading with Daasebre Twum Ampofo II to reconsider his decision so the miners can resume work, allowing business to pick up again and helping them support their families.

Adding his voice to the issue, the former Assemblyman for the Supong Electoral Area and a farmer, Yaw Amoako, said the Farmers’ Association in Asiakwa had planned a massive demonstration against miners for damaging water bodies and farmlands.

“We then had several engagements with Daasbre Dr. Ampofo about the canker, and he asked us to give him two weeks, and after that, we would hear from him,” he recounted.

Yaw Amoako stated that they were pleased the Asiakwahene had halted mining. However, they expect proper measures to be implemented so the ban doesn’t become a nine-day wonder.

So far, there has been no official communication from the Asiakwa Royal Palace regarding when the ban will be lifted.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for the Akuapem North constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, has vowed to make agriculture attractive by strengthening it to benefit the farmers in the area.

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, hundreds turned out for the maiden edition of the Ofie Market at Amanokrom. The Ofie Market paved the way for farmers to come into direct contact with consumers and sell their farm produce at affordable prices.

However, traders and market women and men also participated, selling various items.

This initiative was spearheaded by Samuel Awuku and the Amanokrom traditional rulers and is aimed at making Amanokrom a business hub.

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North said this initiative formed part of his 2024 campaign messages because he realized that, apart from the Adawso market at the lower hills, there was no major market day at the upper hills of the constituency to help farmers benefit from their harvest, hence, the Ofie Market.

According to Sammi Awuku, the main purpose of establishing the Ofie Market at Amanokrom was to ensure agriculture became the backbone of the Akuapeman economy.

He stated that the Ofie Market day is scheduled for the last Saturday of every month to avoid disrupting the Adawso market day.

The Gyasehemaa of the Akuapem Traditional Council, who serves as the Amanokromhemaa, Nana Manko Aba II, commended Samuel Awuku for collaborating with them to introduce an initiative that will help improve the local economy.

“The Ofie Market wouldn’t only change our local economy but also give hope to the farmers at the upper hills of the Akuapeman enclave, enabling them to bring their farm produce to the market, sell directly to consumers, and take their money home without the middlemen who normally visit farms and purchase produce at low prices,” she added.

Nana Manko Aba II then entreated traders, businessmen, and women to come to Amanokrom every last Saturday of the month to do business, emphasizing that the Ofie Market has come to stay.

By // Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Mount Mary College of Education in Somanya, in the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region, successfully celebrated its 75th anniversary on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the school’s auditorium.

The celebration witnessed many dignitaries, including the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite, some principals of colleges of education in the region, representatives from various teacher unions, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Awatey, among others.

The anniversary was celebrated under the theme; CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF TEACHER EDUCATION AT MOUNT MARY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WITH CATHOLIC VALUES: IMPACT, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS.

Speaking at the program, the Catholic Bishop of the Koforidua Archdiocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, bemoaned how some residents in the area are claiming ownership of the school’s land.

According to him, for the past 8 years, the institution has suffered delayed projects because of such land litigation.

Most Rev. Afrifa Agyekum revealed that he currently has a court case on his table, to which he is preparing himself to respond, something he described as retarding the development of the institution.

“We have documents, indenture that certifies that the land is being properly acquired by the Founding Fathers of the College and the necessary compensations have also been paid, and I don’t understand why we still have to go through all these litigations,” he told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.

Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum then used the opportunity to appeal to the traditional rulers in the Krobo enclave, especially Nene Sakite, the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, to speak to their people to leave Mount Mary College of Education in peace to enable them to have a sound mind to run and develop the institution to benefit all and sundry.

The Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite, in his speech, urged them to remain committed to their core values of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

He stated that their dedication to providing a holistic education that combines academic rigor with character development has earned them a reputation as one of the premier institutions of education in Ghana.

“As you mark your 75th anniversary, we also celebrate with you the many lives you have impacted as an institution.”

Nene Sakite, further entreated the students to remember that education was not just about acquiring knowledge, but rather it is about developing the skills, values, and character that would enable them to make a positive impact in this world.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

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.