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September 6, 2026
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Jail officials who approve projects in wetlands and forest reserves – Prof Frimpong-Boateng
Money
Policy
Growth
Key Points
- Former Minister Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng proposes personal criminal liability for public officials who approve development projects in protected wetlands, watercourses, and forest reserves.
- He argues that Ghana's current system shields individual officials from accountability by treating unlawful permits as institutional decisions.
- Frimpong-Boateng suggests that liability for such offences should remain enforceable even after an official leaves office, akin to fraud cases.
- He highlights that weak accountability in land-use planning has led to significant environmental degradation, obstructed waterways, and recurring floods, citing the deadly June 3, 2015, Accra disaster.
- The former minister also advocates for forest reserves and water bodies to be entirely excluded from the mining licensing system, removing ministerial discretion.
Why This Matters
This proposal is highly significant for Ghana as it directly addresses critical issues of environmental degradation, public safety, and governance accountability. Implementing personal liability for officials could drastically reduce the occurrences of devastating floods and the destruction of vital natural resources, thereby safeguarding lives, property, and the nation's ecological future. It aims to foster a more responsible and transparent public service essential for sustainable development.
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- Over 200 farmers at Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are appealing to the government for adequate compensation for farms destroyed for the new Accra-Kumasi expressway.
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- The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched community engagements in galamsey-prone areas.
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October 29, 2026
‘We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that’s not how we’ve lived so far’ – Kufuor
- Former President Kufuor advocates for a Ghana where individual enterprise thrives, supported by strong leadership and inclusive governance.
- He emphasizes leveraging Ghana's natural resources and human talent, cautioning against stifling initiative with excessive taxation.
- Kufuor envisions a state framework that empowers the private sector to mature, attract investment, and allow citizens to build legitimate wealth.
- His vision balances private enterprise with robust social protection, calling for quality education, healthcare, and a safety net against poverty.
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