The Madina District Court II has convicted and sentenced two Nigerian nationals for attempting to fraudulently register for the Ghana Card using false information and forged documents.

The convicts, Isaac Ike, also known as Alex Kwesi Brown Appiah, aged 20, and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe, also known as Innocent Emmanuel Kodom, aged 24, were found guilty on two counts ,  providing false information to National Identification Authority (NIA) officials and possessing forged documents.

The offences contravene Section 40(1)(a) of the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750) and Section 166 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Presiding judge Her Worship Susana Nyakotey sentenced both men to 12 months’ imprisonment for providing false information and 13 months for possessing forged documents, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The court also ordered that the convicts be deported to Nigeria upon completion of their jail terms. They have since been transferred to the Nsawam Prisons Authority to begin serving their sentences.

The National Identification Authority (NIA) in a statement commended the Ghana Police Service, the CID Unit attached to the NIA, the Office of the Attorney-General, and other partners for their collaboration in ensuring a successful prosecution.

The Authority said the conviction underscores its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Ghana Card registration process, which it described as “the single credible source of identity for all lawful residents.”

It further cautioned the public that offences such as providing false information, impersonation, or using forged documents during registration are serious crimes punishable under Ghanaian law.

“The NIA remains steadfast in working with security and judicial agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute offenders,” the statement added.

The Agyeman-Rawlings and allied families respectfully inform members of the general public that they will receive condolence visits on week days until further notice.

The family will not receive any visits on weekends.

Members of the public, groups and institutions who wish to sympathise with the family should kindly schedule appointment dates and time by calling mobile number 0276500008 to schedule appointments.

The family counts on the cooperation of all.

TRIBUTES
All who wish to send tributes in honour of Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings should kindly email them to TRIBUTES@NANAKONADUAGYEMANRAWLINGS.ORG.

Friends and members of the public are encouraged to share their experiences with the former First Lady, such as photographs and videos, photographs at 31st December Women’s Movement schools and institutions and random photographs taken at events.

Hard copies may also be delivered to Trudy at the Office of Former President Rawlings at No. 1 Sekou Toure Link.

Read statement below: 

Ghana’s education system has long been celebrated for its expanding access, from the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy of the 1990s to the Free Senior High School initiative launched in 2017. Now, the government has taken another bold step to introduce free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The move has been widely welcomed as a major milestone in promoting equity and social justice. But it also raises a deeper question: is Ghana truly ready for inclusive education beyond policy declarations?

Inclusive Education Policy in Ghana
Inclusive education in Ghana has evolved through a combination of national reforms and international commitments.

The 2015 Inclusive Education Policy, developed under the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, defines inclusive education as “a process of increasing participation and decreasing exclusion within and from the education system.” The policy aligns with global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes education for all.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (2021), about 8% of the population lives with some form of disability, yet only a small proportion access tertiary education. The 2021 Population and Housing Census revealed that less than 2% of persons with disabilities aged 18 years and above have completed tertiary education, compared to about 10% of the general population. These figures underscore the structural inequalities that persist despite decades of policy attention.

The Free Tertiary Education Initiative for PWDs
In announcing the new policy, government officials emphasized that financial barriers remain one of the biggest challenges preventing students with disabilities from pursuing higher education. The initiative, therefore, seeks to eliminate tuition and related fees for qualified PWDs enrolled in public tertiary institutions. This builds on previous interventions, such as the Disability Common Fund and targeted scholarships, but goes further by institutionalizing financial support within the national education framework.

The program represents not just an act of social welfare but also a potential game-changer for human capital development. It signals a commitment to equal opportunity and a recognition that inclusion must extend beyond access to basic education.

Advantages of the Policy

The benefits of the policy are multi-dimensional. Financially, it reduces the burden on families already facing high costs associated with assistive devices, healthcare, and transportation. Socially, it strengthens national efforts to combat stigma by normalizing the presence of PWDs in higher education. From an economic standpoint, it can improve employability and productivity, as tertiary education often determines access to skilled jobs and leadership roles.

Moreover, inclusive tertiary education enriches learning environments for all students. Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters empathy, creativity, and collaboration, the kind of skills increasingly valued in today’s world of work. In essence, the policy aligns inclusion with development, not charity.

Current Challenges of Educating PWDs in Ghana
Education for children with disabilities in Ghana faces persistent challenges in access, funding, and support services. In some northern districts, over 60% of children with disabilities remain out of school, while five regions, North East, Bono East, Western North, Savannah, and Oti, lack any special education facilities.

The Special Education Division (SPED) historically received only 0.4 – 0.7% of total education sector funding, and although funding has improved slightly, schools continue to lack critical resources such as transport, classroom assistants, and health personnel. Only about 8% of basic schools have ramps, reflecting poor accessibility, and there are no dedicated schools for children with cerebral palsy. Teacher capacity and attitudes toward learners with special needs remain limited, while weak data systems hinder effective planning and monitoring. Although special schools continue to play an important role, experts recommend repositioning them as assessment and resource centers to better support Ghana’s inclusive education agenda.

These foundational gaps undermine the effectiveness of policies such as the free tertiary education initiative for persons with disabilities, underscoring the need to strengthen the basic and secondary education pipeline to ensure real accessibility and progression for all learners with disabilities.

In the tertiary institutions, the reality on the ground also reveals deep-seated challenges. Many public universities and colleges lack disability-friendly infrastructure, ramps, tactile pavements, elevators, and adapted washrooms are either absent or inadequate. Teaching and learning materials are rarely available in accessible formats such as braille, large print, or digital text.

Another concern is human capacity. Few lecturers and administrative staff have been trained in inclusive pedagogy or disability awareness. This limits their ability to support students effectively, even when physical access is provided. Furthermore, data management remains weak; institutions often do not have accurate records on students with disabilities, making policy implementation and monitoring difficult. Financial barriers, though reduced, are not fully removed. Some costs, such as transportation to campus or specialized equipment, remain high. Without comprehensive support systems, free tuition alone may not guarantee real inclusion.

Getting the Best Out of the Policy
To maximize the impact of this initiative, Ghana must adopt a holistic approach to inclusion. First, the Ministry of Education and tertiary institutions should develop clear implementation guidelines, including how students will be identified, supported, and monitored. Infrastructure audits must be conducted to ensure campuses meet minimum accessibility standards.

Second, training and sensitization programs should be rolled out for academic and administrative staff. Building institutional cultures of inclusion is as important as physical accessibility. Third, partnerships with organizations such as the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) and development partners can help provide assistive technologies, mentorship, and psychosocial support for students.

Finally, sustained funding is crucial. Free education policies often face sustainability challenges; hence, dedicated budget lines and performance monitoring mechanisms should be established to prevent policy fatigue.

Conclusion and Way Forward
Ghana’s decision to offer free tertiary education to Persons with Disabilities is a commendable and progressive step. It reinforces the principle that access to education is a right, not a privilege. Yet, genuine inclusion demands more than fee waivers; it requires systemic reform, institutional commitment, and societal attitude change.

As the nation celebrates this new policy, it must also confront the practical question of readiness. Inclusive education is not achieved through policy declarations but through deliberate investment in infrastructure, capacity, and compassion. Only then can Ghana move from the promise of inclusion to its full realization.

President John Dramani Mahama has served notice that he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency on the fight against illegal mining also known as galamsey upon the advice of the National Security Council.

The President says though the power lies in his bosom to make such declarations, it must be upon such advice

It follows calls by Civil Society Organizations and key stakeholders calling on government to declare a state of emergency following the devastation of the country’s water bodies and forest reserves caused by the illegal mining activities.

However, speaking at a high level stakeholder engagement with Civil Society Organizations on the fight against galamsey at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3,2025, President Mahama
the National Security Council as of yet has not given any contrary advice

“Yes, I have the power to do it. But the President acts on the authority, not only on the authority, on the advice of the National Security Council. And as at now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency. I will not hesitate in declaring a state of emergency” he assured

According to President Mahama, government ha what it takes to win the fight against galamsey with the introduction of innovative approaches including resources mobilization and the activeness of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)

“We do still think that we have the powers to be able to win this fight.

And as we deploy more troops and we apply more resources to the fight, I’m sure that gradually we’ll begin to see that we’re winning the fight. And so we will continue to fight. I believe that we’ll win the fight against Galamse.
And I want to thank you for the advocacy that you continue to do. We’ll hold the next dialogue. NAIMOS will go to work and continue.
And once we chalk more successes, we’ll be able to come and update you that this is what we’re doing” he emphasized

He further reiterated government’s commitment to running a transparent administration while stating that his non involvement and interest in the activities of mining will further boost the fight

“We want to do it transparently. We have nothing to hide. I don’t gain anything from galamsey. I am not personally involved in galamsey. And I have no interest in it continuing.
And so you can be sure that we’re all on the same side. And we’ll continue to do this work”. President Mahama stressed

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has issued the strongest warning yet to the illegal miners, their financiers and assigns.

NAIMOs sent out the stern warning insisting it will smoke out all persons involved adding that there will be no hiding place for them.

Speaking at the President’s Meeting with Civil Society Organizations on illegal mining on Friday October 3,2025, Director of NAIMOS Colonel Dominic Buah warned that NAIMOS will be brutal going forward in order to end the menace of illegal mining.
“I am sending a warning, and Mr. President with your permission I want send this warning to the Illegal Miners, their Assigns and financiers that we are coming after them. We will Smoke them out to make sure our waters are clean”, Col. Buah fumed.

Col. Buah who described illegal miners as “enemies of the state” further indicated that personnel deployed will not shield anyone found guilty.

He said more than Four Hundred personnel have been trained and deployed with several others under training.

He added that the country has been dived into Seven (7) illegal miners regions and Twenty one (21) zones to aid the fight against illegal mining.

The Secretary of the New York Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Suwari says the sympathizers and followers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should not expect the NDC government to use eight months to solve the galamsey mess caused by the previous administration.

According to Alhaji Suwari, the rise of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey did not start in this current NDC administration, stating that “everyone is aware some known NPP gurus were involved in galamsey and destroyed our lands, forests and river bodies to an extent that seized excavators got missing under the Akufo Addo and Bawumia government.”

Alhaji Suwari was speaking in an interview on Adinkra Radio New York with Daakyehene Ofosu Agyeman and added that President Mahama has said the fight against galamsey will be a process and not an event.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has invited major civil society organisations (CSOs) to the Jubilee House for a high-level engagement on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The meeting will bring together government officials and civil society leaders to deliberate on lasting solutions to the environmental and social crisis caused by galamsey.

“This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.

The engagement comes at a time when illegal mining continues to spark widespread public concern over the destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves, amid calls for stronger government action.

Government has announced a competitive bidding for the Ghana House Project for the construction of property abroad to serve as embassies and high commissions.

It says its a significant step toward long-term fiscal prudence and enhanced global representation. He said Cabinet has approved its Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) Initiative.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the announcement on Monday, September 15, 2025 when he took his turn at the government accountability series

“Under this landmark policy, the Ministry will progressively reduce its reliance on rented facilities for its missions abroad by acquiring and developing permanent, state-owned properties. The STRIDE Initiative demonstrates our commitment to sustainable diplomacy, fiscal responsibility, and the dignified presentation of Ghana’s image internationally” he stated.

“May I use this golden opportunity to announce that the Mahama Administration has decided that these new Ghana embassies and high commissions to be constructed across the world must have a standard design which should depict our unique heritage and culture.

We are therefore today announcing an open competition which should lead us to select the most iconic, green and creative architectural design for Ghana House as they would be known across the world.

This competition is open from today 15th September, 2025 to Friday 14th November, 2025. All Ghanaian architects whether young or old, fresh graduates or legends – you are all free to participate”

He emphasized that government’s continuous spending of US$15million on rent for diplomatic missions annually cannot be sustained.

“Ghana cannot continue spending US$15million every year on rent for our diplomatic missions. This cannot be judicious use of taxpayer resources. Our image is not enhanced abroad and it certainly does not do our foreign service any good. The Reset Agenda demands that we fix this and I pledge to do just that.

Following Cabinet’s approval and the President’s instruction, a Transaction Advisor has been appointed by the Finance Ministry and a consortium of banks is being put together to finance STRIDE in a transparent and competitive manner.

He said government has documentation confirming land donation to Ghana in 23 countries for construction of chanceries and residencies. These lands he says will be fully utilized to save cost and drastically reduce the financial burden of STRIDE.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asserted that Ghana’s decision to accept West African Deportees from the United States of America poses no threats to the country and its citizenry.

According to him, Ghana must first conduct an independent security background checks on such persons before any decision is arrived that.

Adding that Ghana will not risk any such decision at the detriment of its citizens.
“Let me emphasize that under this understanding with the United States, Ghana must first independently vet the background of those the US intends to deport to first satisfy ourselves that they do not pose any threat to the security of our country and that they cannot harm our citizens” he emphasized
He made the remarks when he took his turn at the Government accountability Series on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that government took the decision on the long-standing principles of humanitarian stance and Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African ideals.
“Ghana took the principled and humanitarian decision to accept the limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States under exceptional circumstances in line with Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African ideals and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline approach toward immigration, aiming to deport millions of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally and seeking to ramp up removals to third countries.

Mr. Ablakwa further indicated that “many of these individuals were being held in detention which was both psychologically and physically distressing. They were also faced with the risk of being deported to countries that are not safe and do not have the stability and human rights credentials Ghana is famed for.

As a nation that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, particularly those of African descent, Ghana’s action was guided solely by our moral responsibility, our legal obligations under the 1992 Constitution and ECOWAS protocols, our distinguished Pan-African track record and historic and legendary leadership in championing the rights of all Africans’’

He maintained that his outfit has received a number of Memoranda of Understanding adding that parliamentary ratification will be sought in due course.
“May I assure the nation that if this initial understanding is elevated into a fullblown agreement, we shall be more than happy to seek parliamentary ratification under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution” he maintained.

The Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) special anti-galamsey taskforce, established to enforce environmental laws against illegal mining( galamsey), has been withdrawn. The development was confirmed by environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor in a social media update.

Erastus shared an audio recording of the Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, Kojo Peprah, instructing members to return to their mining sites.

In the message, Peprah assured miners they could resume operations without fear, declaring that “any taskforce you see on your site is illegal and must be arrested.” He also urged miners whose excavators had been seized to present their documents to retrieve them.

The withdrawal comes on the back of growing criticism of the taskforce’s methods and mandate.

Just days earlier, Joseph Yamin, the National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urged President John Dramani Mahama to stop all taskforce operations. His call followed a violent clash between the police taskforce and residents of Bonteso in the Amansie West District, which left some officers injured and four residents, including an Assembly member, in custody.

Yamin described the taskforce’s actions as “very unfortunate,” accusing them of extortion rather than genuine enforcement. He argued that a pause was necessary to create space for dialogue and lasting solutions to the challenges of illegal and small-scale mining.

Reacting to the withdrawal, Donkor warned of dire environmental consequences if galamsey activities resume unchecked.

“Prepare for general galamsey!! I thought this government wanted to fight something that has already destroyed our major rivers and streams,” he wrote, urging journalists and citizens to take action against what he described as a spreading “cancer.”