Back to Latest Briefings
May 2, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Tano North MP sounds alarm over galamsey devastation, accuses officials of shielding perpetrators
Money
Policy
Key Points
- The MP for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, has expressed deep disappointment over the severe escalation of illegal mining (galamsey) and logging in his constituency.
- He accuses government appointees, police, national security, and traditional authorities of complicity in shielding perpetrators, leading to widespread environmental destruction.
- The activities have devastated forest reserves like Bosomkese and polluted the Tano River, a crucial water source, threatening public health through mercury and cyanide contamination.
- Nationwide, galamsey has increased water treatment costs by over 300%, contributed to nearly 60% forest cover loss since 1950, and endangers Ghana's cocoa industry and formal timber sector.
- Dr Boako is calling for an immediate joint security force clampdown and urges regulatory bodies like the EPA and Ministry of Lands to prioritize national preservation over political patronage.
Why This Matters
This issue is critical for Ghana as it highlights a severe threat to the nation's environmental sustainability, public health, and vital economic sectors like cocoa and timber. The alleged complicity of state actors undermines governance and the rule of law, potentially leading to long-term socio-economic instability and a irreversible loss of natural resources essential for future generations.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
July 8, 2026
Abu Trica rushed to Police Hospital as lawyer raises concerns over access to client
- Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) has been rushed to the Police Hospital, according to his lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
- His legal team has been denied access to him for over a week, and they are unaware of his current detention location, with Interpol denying custody.
- Barker-Vormawor plans to file a habeas corpus application if authorities continue to deny Abu Trica his right to legal representation.
- The lawyer criticized the treatment of Ghanaian citizens in cases involving foreign law enforcement agencies, likening it to treating them as 'animals'.
- Abu Trica faces extradition to the United States over an alleged $8 million romance scam and wire fraud scheme.
July 8, 2026
GRA gives Electrochem seven days to settle GH¢6.8m tax debt or face sanctions
- The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Electrochem Ghana Limited to settle an outstanding tax liability of GH¢6.8 million.
- As an enforcement measure, GRA officers sealed off the company's administration block at Ada on July 8.
- The tax arrears date back to 2021, initially totaling GH¢8.8 million with interest, though a GH¢200,000 payment was made by the company.
- The GRA chose not to fully shut down operations to allow the company to continue working and raise funds for the remaining balance.
- This action is part of the GRA's intensified enforcement drive to improve revenue mobilization and meet its annual collection targets.
July 8, 2026
Akandoh mourns Sefwi Sayerano shooting victims, calls for justice
- Health Minister and Juaboso MP, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, expressed condolences for a fatal shooting incident in Sefwi Sayerano.
- The incident, which occurred during a police attempt to arrest a suspected drug peddler, resulted in three deaths and two injuries.
- A confrontation between police officers from the Sefwi Wiawso Divisional Police Command and residents led to the shootings.
- Mr. Akandoh called for justice and adherence to legal processes, urging that the law take its course.
- He also criticized minority MPs for allegedly politicizing the tragic event.