Back to Latest Briefings
April 25, 2026
AI-Enhanced
‘Galamsey will lead to conflict over water if unchecked’ – Kwame Akuffo warns
Money
Policy
Key Points
- Private legal practitioner Kwame Akuffo warns that illegal mining (galamsey) is destroying Ghana's water bodies.
- He predicts this could lead to serious future conflicts over access to clean water, escalating beyond environmental damage to an existential threat.
- Akuffo characterizes the situation as a 'tragedy of the commons' stemming from unregulated sharing of depletable resources.
- The government is already burdened with significant financial costs for treating polluted water, which Akuffo argues is money it doesn't have.
- He criticizes the weak national response, poor leadership, and lack of decisive policy action in addressing galamsey.
Why This Matters
This article highlights a critical national security and public health crisis for Ghana. The ongoing destruction of water bodies by illegal mining not only threatens the fundamental right to clean water and public health but also poses a significant risk of future social conflict and places an increasing financial burden on the government, diverting resources from other essential services.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
July 9, 2026
Eastern Corridor Road to undergo full asphalt reconstruction, not patch repairs – Roads Minister
- The Minister for Roads and Highways announced a full reconstruction of sections of the Eastern Corridor Road.
- The government will now use asphalt pavement instead of continuing with temporary patch repairs on the existing surface-dressed road.
- This decision follows technical assessments revealing the corridor has exceeded its design life and requires a more permanent solution.
- The reconstruction involves replacing the road base and applying a stronger asphalt surface to ensure lasting value and durability.
- The initiative aims to improve road safety, strengthen connectivity, reduce maintenance costs, and support economic activities along the corridor.
July 9, 2026
Ibrahim Mahama to pay hospital bills of Ghana’s tallest man battling gigantism
- Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to fully cover the medical expenses of Abdul-Samed Sulemana, known as Awuche, Ghana's tallest man.
- Awuche's health deteriorated due to gigantism complications, leading to a referral to Tamale Teaching Hospital.
- Doctors at TTH recommended amputation of Awuche's left leg due to a severe infection.
- Ibrahim Mahama's aide confirmed the commitment, assuring coverage of all medical costs and surgery.
- Awuche has safely arrived at Tamale Teaching Hospital and has commenced the necessary medical procedures.
July 9, 2026
75 Bank staff dismissed as fraud cases surge 48% – Bank of Ghana report
- Fraud cases in Ghana's financial sector surged by 48% in 2025, reaching 24,778, according to the Bank of Ghana's report.
- This increase was predominantly driven by the Payment Service Providers (PSPs) sector, which saw a 98% rise in incidents and a 95% increase in value at risk.
- While banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) reduced incident numbers, their value at risk increased due to specific issues like cash suppression and forgery.
- The total value at risk across the financial sector marginally rose from GH¢99 million in 2024 to GH¢101 million in 2025.
- The Bank of Ghana calls for unified efforts from all stakeholders, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and improved supervision to combat evolving fraud risks in the increasingly complex financial landscape.