The Dominion Centre in London was transformed into a haven of worship as the highly anticipated ‘AkwantuPa Experience’ with award-winning gospel artist Diana Hamilton unfolded to a packed and expectant crowd.

Fans lined up in massive queues outside, an early indication of the powerful night that lay ahead. At precisely 5:00 pm, the doors opened, and patrons were welcomed into the exhibition hall, where they could explore a catalog of Diana’s remarkable achievements, setting a reverent tone for the evening.

The event began promptly at 5:55 pm, immersing attendees in a dynamic atmosphere of praise and worship. Ghanaian artist, Yaw Boadu kicked off the night with high-energy praise, infusing the crowd with enthusiasm. Charlotte Appiah then took the stage, elevating the spirit further before Kobbe Mante stepped up to bring an extra layer of intensity.

The crescendo continued to build as Ada Ehi graced the stage, captivating the audience with her popular hits, including ‘Congratulations’ and ‘Definitely’. Her powerful performance brought the crowd to its feet, solidifying the joyous mood and paving the way for the evening’s headliner.

Diana closed the night with a soul-stirring, back-to-back rendition of her chart-topping songs. With each note, she led the audience through a worship experience that was both uplifting and deeply personal, showcasing her extensive catalogue and reinforcing her reputation as one of gospel music’s most inspiring voices.

From the first song to the final prayer, ‘AkwantuPa Experience’ was an unforgettable night of worship, unity, and inspiration. The night ended with a reception and photo session for platinum ticket holders. Fans left the Dominion Centre filled with joy, hearts full of faith, and anticipation for what is to come next in Diana Hamilton’s impactful journey.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide detailed statistics on the printing of ballot papers before the process begins.

This demand follows the EC’s notification to the NDC about the upcoming ballot paper printing and an invitation for the party’s agents to be present at the Commission’s office on Thursday, October 10.

The NDC’s request stems from past concerns related to the printing process, particularly allegations of the printing of additional ballot papers during previous elections.

The NDC in a letter to the EC on Wednesday, October 9, said, despite not having any reservations with the EC’s decision, they “Demand that the Electoral Commission provide statistics that will inform the printing of Ballot Papers for the various constituencies before printing of ballots commences.”

The National Democratic Congress insists that accurate statistics are essential before printing ballot papers can begin.

“You may recall that on the 22nd of July, 2024 the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wrote to the Commission requesting for Electoral Code books. It is our humble view that without accurate statistics, Ballot Papers cannot be printed, lest we experience fewer or needless excess Ballot Papers come 7th December 2024.”

The NDC urged the EC to refrain from issuing brief notices to political parties regarding crucial national matters.

“Additionally, it would be appreciated if the Electoral Commission would stop giving short notices to Political Parties on very important national issues.”

Source: Citinewsroom.com

Pressure group, Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has callfor a concerted effort to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country.

The Group says Traditional Rulers, Local Authorities and Religious bodies must be included in the government’s arrangements to clamp down on illegal miners.

Galamsey has become a critical national issue in Ghana, following social media pictures and videos of the country’s destroyed forest reserves and river bodies.

Organised Labour threatened a strike action following the Akufo-Addo government’s failure to tackle the indiscriminate plowing of forest reserves which has affected the turbidity of most rivers in the country.

At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Deputy General Secretary for AFAG, Wesley Owusu, emphasized the need for all citizens to support the fight against the menace.

AFAG believes the environmental degradation, pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of farmlands caused by this menace threaten not only our livelihoods but the future of generations to come.

“Despite significant efforts by successive governments, especially the bold steps taken by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we find ourselves at a crossroads in the battle against this harmful practice,” Wesley stated.

He continued, “government must expedite its efforts to control galamsey, but this time with a more strategic, holistic approach. This fight cannot be left to the government alone. We call on all political leaders, especially as we approach the next election cycle, to present clear and actionable plans with timelines to address the galamsey menace.”

The group also called on Civil society Organisations (CSOs), religious organisations, traditional leaders, and local authorities to demand a comprehensive strategy from these leaders to tackle the environmental degradation.

Below is the statement from AFAG;

GALAMSEY FIGHT WITHOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORT WILL FAIL – AFAG

Fellow Ghanaians,

Recently, the fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly called “galamsey,” has become a critical national issue. The environmental degradation, pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of farmlands caused by this menace threaten not only our livelihoods but the future of generations to come. Despite significant efforts by successive governments, especially the bold steps taken by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we find ourselves at a crossroads in the battle against this harmful practice.

As we reflect on the steps taken so far, it is clear that despite the deployment of military personnel, the burning of excavators, and other government-led interventions, the galamsey menace continues to thrive in various parts of the country. The environmental cost is staggering, and the lives and livelihoods of those in affected communities remain at risk.

1. The Need for Community Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement

One of the primary reasons for the failure of the government’s approach to combatting galamsey is the lack of involvement of key local stakeholders, including traditional rulers (Nananom), assembly members, unit committees, civil society organizations, and the local community. The fight against galamsey cannot be won from Accra alone. It requires the collective will and active participation of all Ghanaians, especially those in the mining communities who witness the destruction firsthand.

In many cases, these communities have historical ties to small-scale mining that span centuries. They must be brought on board as partners in the fight, rather than being alienated by top-down military interventions that often exacerbate tensions. As we saw in the case of addressing illegal fishing on the Volta Lake, involving community leaders and local authorities was instrumental in finding lasting solutions. The same collaborative approach is needed to address the galamsey crisis.

2. The Role of Civil Society and Organized Labor

It is also important to address the role of organized labor and civil society in the ongoing galamsey crisis. While we recognize the frustrations of various groups, including calls for drastic action against illegal mining, we urge caution and restraint. Rather than embarking on strike actions or politically motivated protests, we encourage civil society organizations, religious leaders, and labor unions to focus on facilitating constructive dialogue. Now, more than ever, we need comprehensive, long-term solutions that bring all stakeholders together to protect our environment and safeguard livelihoods.

We call on these groups to channel their energies toward advocating for practical, inclusive policies that address the root causes of galamsey while ensuring that the affected communities are not pushed further into poverty.

3. Addressing the Ethnocentrism in the Debate

We must also be mindful of the ethnocentric undertones that have begun to emerge in the debate surrounding galamsey. It is concerning that some of the loudest voices calling for a complete ban on small-scale mining hail from regions where fishing is the dominant livelihood, and who may not fully appreciate the devastating impact such a ban would have on communities that rely on mining for survival. We must resist the temptation to turn this issue into a regional or ethnic divide. The fight against galamsey is a national battle, and all regions must work together to find a balance between economic survival and environmental protection.

4. Call for a Comprehensive, Multi-Stakeholder Approach

Moving forward, the government must expedite its efforts to control galamsey, but this time with a more strategic, holistic approach. This fight cannot be left to the government alone. We call on all political leaders, especially as we approach the next election cycle, to present clear and actionable plans with timelines to address the galamsey menace. Civil society, religious organisations, traditional leaders, and local authorities must demand a comprehensive strategy from these leaders to tackle this issue.

5. All Presidential Candidates Must Sign a Pact: A Call for a Unified Commitment to Continue the Galamsey Fight

As we approach a critical election period, the issue of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) should not be viewed through a partisan lens. It transcends political allegiances and demands the unwavering commitment of every Ghanaian leader, regardless of their party affiliation. Therefore, it is imperative that all presidential candidates, as a demonstration of their dedication to safeguarding our environment and future, sign a binding national pact to continue the fight against galamsey.

This pact should not only outline each candidate’s specific commitments to tackling illegal mining but should also ensure continuity in the efforts to combat this menace beyond election cycles. Regardless of who is elected, the galamsey fight must not suffer from changes in government. This should be a national priority that every administration is bound to pursue with vigor.

By signing this pact, the candidates will:

• Commit to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources: All candidates should pledge to protect the environment, water bodies, and forests, which have been devastated by illegal mining.
• Guarantee stakeholder engagement: The pact must include a commitment to involving community leaders, Nananom, civil society, and other key stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.
• Ensure a transparent and accountable approach: Future governments must guarantee that all resources allocated to the fight against galamsey are used transparently, and that any infractions by state or non-state actors are dealt with swiftly and fairly.
• Create continuity and avoid political interference: Regardless of the election outcome, the next administration must build on the successes of previous efforts, ensuring that the fight does not stall or weaken due to political transitions.

By signing this pact, we can assure the people of Ghana that their leaders are genuinely committed to putting the nation’s interests first and protecting our natural heritage for generations to come.

This fight is not just for today, but for tomorrow. Let this pact be a symbol of our collective resolve.

In conclusion, the galamsey issue affects every Ghanaian directly or indirectly. The time for pointing fingers and assigning blame is over. It is time for us to come together as one nation to find sustainable solutions that will protect our environment, secure livelihoods, and ensure that future generations can inherit a prosperous and green Ghana.

God bless our homeland Ghana, and may we remain steadfast in this fight for our future.

• SIGNED –

Wesley Owusu, Deputy General Secretary – 0544759734

Habibu Ibrahim, Member – 0266973565

William Obeng Apau, Member – 0546764514

Gilbert Afoakwa, Member – 0241171257

Dr. Keskine Owusu Poku, Member – 0243043915

Alfred Ababio Kumi, Member – 0244770614

Source: Myxyzonline.com

The Running Mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof.  Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize their developmental needs by voting for Mr. John Mahama in the upcoming elections.

Ahead of the December 7 general elections, political parties have intensified their campaign activities across the country in ann attempt to woo electorates to vote for them.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang believes the governing NPP has performed abysmally, following an economic downturn and spiraling inflation in the country that has declined purchasing power of the citizens.

She said once the election is drawing closer, the NPP and its activists are sharing freebies to influence electorates but the freebies won’t last long in their possession hence they should rather choose the NDC that prioritises their needs.

Speaking to NDC supporters at Paakro in the Akuapem South Constituency on Tuesday, as she commenced her two-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang accused the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of neglecting the people’s development needs.

She stated that the ruling government had taken Ghanaians for granted, offering only empty promises without real progress and further criticized the government for abandoning several projects initiated by the previous NDC administration.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang assured the electorate that the next NDC government, under the leadership of Mr. Mahama, would focus on developing the nation through its $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure policy.

She added that Mr. Mahama has the experience and vision to reset the economy, empower women, and create jobs for the youth.

In her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the people to vote for Mr. Mahama as President and to elect NDC Parliamentary Candidates across the country to ensure that development reaches every community.

Source: Myxyzonline.com

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military personnel to strengthen “Operation Halt,” the government’s initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, particularly in areas near water bodies and forest reserves.

This decision comes in response to growing pressure from Organised Labour, which had demanded an immediate halt to galamsey activities and threatened to go on strike if the government failed to act decisively.

In a press statement dated Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Presidency announced that the operation would be significantly bolstered, with the deployment of naval boats on polluted river bodies to enforce the immediate cessation of all mining activities—whether legal or illegal.

The expanded military presence is expected to enhance efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and prevent further environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, stressing that no mining activities would be tolerated in designated “red zones.”

This measure aims to restore public confidence in the government’s ability to combat the galamsey menace, which has severely affected water quality and ecosystems across the nation.

“The President has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military forces to intensify the ongoing “Operation Halt”, which aims to curb illegal mining activities.

“The operation will be bolstered by the deployment of naval boats on polluted river bodies to ensure the immediate cessation of all mining activities, legal or illegal, in and around these water bodies.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed his commitment to end illegal mining, and called on all citizens,
political leaders and stakeholders to unite in this critical national effort.

Meanwhile, Organised Labour has suspended its much-anticipated nationwide strike slated for Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action.

The decision was taken following assurances from the government to tackle illegal mining. Organised Labour noted that the government has taken considerable steps, including ramping up the Operational Halt initiative, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, to combat illegal mining activities in forest reserves

In a media briefing, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, explained that the decision was made to allow Labour to observe the government’s implementation of these measures.

The strike, which had garnered the backing of various unions, was intended to pressure the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing issues.

Citinewsroom.com