Home Blog

Enforce policies to protect water bodies- Amb. Samuel Owusu to Govt

0

The United Nations (UN) Eminent Peace Ambassador to Ghana, Dr Samuel Ben Owusu has called on the Government to enforce policies that would help protect water bodies in the country.

He observed that numerous water bodies in Ghana have been polluted by human activities such as galamsey, the disposal of refuse, the construction of structures in waterways, and the obstruction of waterways.

The above, he noticed, has become a threat to Ghana’s water, expressing worry that if care is not taken, Ghana may import water or buy water at a very high price in future.

The UN Peace Ambassador gave the warning after his return from the United Nations Global Water Sustainable Conference held in New York.

The United Nations Global Water Sustainable Conference was a three-day event held from March 22nd to March 24th, 2023 in New York

It was aimed at reaffirming the international agreed water-related goals and targets including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Amb. Dr Samuel Owusu represented the West African Mission of the International Association of World Peace Advocate and Ghana respectively.

Read Also: Amb. Samuel Owusu calls on UN to help Ghana achieve sustainable developed water systems

Right when he returned to Ghana, he spoke with the media at the Kotoka International Airport where he expressed worry over the matter.

He observed that most politicians were behind illegal mining directly or indirectly.

For those who engage in activities that pollute water, bodies he warned them to put a stop to it, stating that they will also be affected in future

Meanwhile, as the General Overseer of The Pottersville Church International, Covenant Christian Leadership College, Dr Samuel Ben Owusu said he was going to use his platform to educate the public on the need to protect water in the country.

He also said he would assist the government with ideas and the knowledge gained on innovations at the conference in order to promote a sustainable developed water system in the country.

Watch video below:

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Buduburam: Over 1000 residents evicted following court order

0

Over a thousand residents of Sun City, a suburb of Buduburam in the Central Region, have been rendered homeless by a litigant in a land dispute.

The residents complained that they were not given sufficient time to vacate the area.

The residents were evicted from their homes by the litigant identified as SNBB under the supervision of a task force and the police. It was such an emotional spectacle.

The affected individuals’ personal possessions were removed from their rooms and locked with new padlocks provided by the plaintiff.

The litigant claims to have prevailed in court against the area’s property owners .

Some stranded residents shared their frustrations with Atinka News.

The DCE for Gomoa East, Hon Solomon Darko Quarm expressed worry and disappointment over the manner of eviction.

He, however, admonished stranded victims to go back to their houses until the right procedure is followed.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Samuel Nyamekye Junior

We can’t cook with GHC0.97 anymore – Sch. Feeding caterers tell Gov’t


Caterers of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) want urgent increment in the feeding grant, insisting that the amount being allocated by the Government to prepare daily nutritious meals for pupils is woefully insignificant.


According to them, the GHC1.00 is not enough to purchase food items on the market to prepare quality meals and serve in the right quantity for the children, most of whom come to school on empty stomach.


They disclosed that an amount of GHC0.03 is even deducted from source as tax component from each of the GHC1.00 paid to them [caterers].
This implies that the caterers do not receive exactly the GHC1.00, but GHC0.97 per child per day.


Some of the caterers in the Bono East Region complained bitterly to some officials of the Ghana School Feeding Programme and the World Food Programme who had come to the region for a weeklong joint monitoring to assess the performance of the caterers and the impact of the school feeding programme.


The distraught caterers even though appreciated the Government for the introduction of the school feeding programme and the great impact it is making in the lives of millions of Ghanaian children in the deprived schools, they disclosed how it is sometimes inconveniencing most of them.


“We have tried so much to be quiet over the years hoping that something will be done to increase the feeding grant to at least GHC2.00 or GhC2.50 so that we can meet the cost of food items on the market but to no avail. We are crying and crying but nobody seems to hear us out. Prices of items are being increased almost every day, and so the President must know that we cannot go to the market with the same GHc1.00”.


The caterers asserted that a bag of beans which was sold between GhC250.00 and GhC300.00 last year, now sells between GhC800.00 and GhC950.00. A bowl of gari has also moved from GhC6.00 to GhC25.00, a maxi bag of local rice moved from GhC200.00 to GhC450.00 and prices of cooking oil, meat, fish and vegetables have also gone up astronomically especially in the last 6 months.


They indicated that, even though it is a policy direction for all the caterers to patronize locally produced foodstuffs from the local farmers, almost all the caterers prefer the imported foods because they are far cheaper.


The caterers said that some of them are still managing to cook for the school children because the imported food suppliers are always willing to supply food and other items like tin tomatoes, cooking oil and canned fish to them on credit, unlike the local farmers.


They also raised serious concern about the long delay in the payment of their arrears by the government, which they indicated, put them under unnecessary pressure.

“We are supposed to pre-finance the cooking for just one term and receive payment the following term. But for a long time now, the government always fails to pay us on time; and most at times we do not receive our payment in full. Sometimes instead of 66 cooking days’ arrears, the government can decide to pay us 20, 25 or 30 days and we will have to struggle for a long time before we will receive the remaining payments. And because we have to pay our cooks and suppliers at all cost, we always have to go and borrow from different sources, which put us in an uncomfortable situation”.

In reaction to the concerns raised by the caterers, the GSFP National Coordinator Mrs. Gertrude Quashigah appealed to the caterers to calm down and exercise restraint, noting that everything is being done towards the upwards adjustment of the feeding grant.


She said management of GSFP has been engaging the government for a while now on the issue. According to her, the GSFP has submitted a compelling proposal to the government through the supervisory ministry for an upward adjustment of the feeding grant.


Mrs. Quashigah further revealed that between GHC2.00 and GHC3.00 has been proposed taken into account the prevailing economic trend in the country. She expressed optimism that government would respond positively to the proposal.
She recalled that in 2018 government accepted GSFP’s proposal and increased the feeding grant from GHp.80 to GHC1.00. She therefore assured the caterers and Ghanaians in general that government is genuinely committed to the sustainability of the programme.

Akufo-Addo grants presidential pardon to Abuga Pele over ill-health

The former Member of Parliament for Chiana/Paga, Abuga Pele, has received a presidential pardon.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted the presidential pardon to him on grounds of ill-health.

It is reported that last month, Abuga Pele was taken ill at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison, from where he was transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

He was admitted at the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the hospital but has since been discharged, the report said.

Abuga Pele, who was an MP for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was sentenced to a six-year imprisonment by an Accra High Court in 2018.

The court found him guilty of causing financial loss to the state while serving as the National Coordinator of the defunct Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).

Source: ghanaweb

Gender Minister Commends Atinka TV for Promoting Children’s Talents

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has praised Atinka TV for providing a platform that nurtures the talents, creativity and confidence of Ghanaian children through Atinka Kids Dance.

A speech delivered on her behalf by Madam Regina Serwaa Agyapong, at the grand finale of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4 described the competition as more than just a contest.

According to the Minister, the programme celebrates childhood talent, determination and the limitless potential of young people when given the opportunity to shine.

The Minister noted that while children need protection, they also need opportunities to express themselves, participate in society and develop their talents. She said initiatives such as Atinka Kids Dance play an important role in supporting the growth and development of children.

She congratulated all the contestants for their courage, discipline and commitment, urging them to continue believing in themselves and pursuing their dreams. The Minister also commended parents, guardians, coaches and mentors for their support and sacrifices.

The remarks were delivered during the grand finale held at the Trust Sports Emporium (Bukom Boxing Arena) – Ga Mashie Hall in Accra.

At the end of the competition, Ligal Baby of The Rock School, Darkuman, emerged winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4, taking home GH¢20,000, products from sponsors and a one-year training opportunity with CRDS Kids under renowned dancer Champion Rolly.

Irene Arthur of St. Charles School, Dansoman, placed second, while Abi The Rock Star of Perpetual Help School, Alhaji, finished third.

The event attracted hundreds of parents, teachers and dance enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate the talents of Ghana’s young dancers.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Ligal Baby Crowned Winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4

Ligal Baby of The Rock School, Darkuman, has been crowned winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4.

The competition organized by Atinka TV, began with 30 talented young dancers across the country. Through weekly performances and eliminations, 20 contestants were evicted, leaving 10 finalists to compete for the ultimate crown.

The Grand Finale was held at the Trust Sports Emporium (Bukom Boxing Arena) in Accra.

The finalists went through three challenging rounds: Hip Hop, Sponsor’s Identity (where contestants used dance to promote a selected sponsor’s brand), and Freestyle.

After the second round, Fantastic Two, Afya Pretty, Achiamaa, Ella Baby and Maggie Vibes were eliminated, leaving Ligal Baby, Abi The Rock Star, Professional Dance Family, Irene Arthur and KezeeB1 in the final five.

After impressive performances in the final stage of the competition, Ligal Baby emerged champion, winning GH¢20,000, products from sponsors and a one-year training opportunity with CRDS Kids under renowned Ghanaian dancer Champion Rolly.

Ligal Baby Crowned Winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4

Irene Arthur of St. Charles School, Dansoman, placed second and received GH¢10,000, with products from sponsors and a three-months training opportunity with CRDS Kids, while Abi The Rock Star of Perpetual Help School, Alhaji, finished third and took home GH¢5,000 with products from sponsors and a three-months training opportunity with CRDS Kids,

Ligal Baby Crowned Winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4

Professional Dance Family from JABS School, Nungua, placed fourth, while KezeeB1 of Ofosu Aimoako Memorial School, Tabora No. 6, finished fifth. They also went home with cash prize and products from sponsors.

Ligal Baby Crowned Winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4

The event attracted parents, teachers and dance lovers, who cheered on the contestants as they showcased their talent, creativity and passion for dance. The competition continues to provide a platform for young talents to develop their skills and pursue careers in the creative arts industry.

click Here to Watch the Grand Finale

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Six arrested at Koforidua China Mall site for defying stop-work order

Personnel from the National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have arrested six people during a raid on the controversial China Mall construction site at Kenkey Factory in Koforidua for allegedly defying a stop-work order issued by the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

The operation follows reports that the Chinese developers had resumed construction work despite a directive from REGSEC to halt activities until agreed drainage improvement works in the area are completed.

National Security officials have since declared the construction site a restricted area and warned that anyone found loitering around the premises could face arrest. The site has also been cordoned off.

The latest action comes weeks after Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey led an inspection of the project and ordered work to cease over concerns about flooding and drainage challenges in the area.

According to information gathered, National Security operatives first raided the site around 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, during a heavy downpour and arrested a security guard who was reportedly the only person present at the time.

Officials said the developers had returned to the site after engaging the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Kwaku Boateng III, in an attempt to secure intervention to allow construction to continue.

However, security authorities maintain that the developers were required to complete reconstruction works on drainage systems in the area before resuming the project.

During a follow-up operation on Friday, June 12, security personnel arrested six workers found at the site. Several other workers reportedly fled into nearby bushes upon noticing the arrival of the security team.

Authorities also indicated that some of the Chinese developers locked themselves inside one of the buildings on the premises and refused to come out during the operation.

The China Mall project has attracted public criticism from residents and road users who claim the development is being undertaken on a riparian zone that previously served as a natural channel for stormwater from the Nsukwao stream and other waterways.

Residents argue that construction activities have worsened flooding in the area, particularly during heavy rains.

Prior to the commencement of the project, the developers reportedly entered into an agreement with REGSEC and the Koforidua Municipal Assembly to reconstruct a drainage system near the traffic-light intersection to improve water flow from the affected area.

Speaking on the matter, Eastern Regional National Security Coordinator Francis Annoh-Dompreh condemned what he described as the developers’ disregard for the stop-work directive.

He warned that the security agencies would not tolerate actions that threaten public safety, regardless of the nationality of those involved.

Source: Citinewsroom

NIA Begins Mop-Up Registration for Children in Volta and Oti Regions

0

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has started a one-month mop-up registration exercise for Ghanaian children aged between 6 and 14 years in the Volta and Oti Regions.

The exercise, which began on June 4, 2026, will end on July 3, 2026. It is aimed at registering children who missed the main registration exercise recently conducted in the two regions.

The NIA said the main registration exercise was successfully completed and thanked parents, guardians, traditional leaders, the Ghana Education Service, the National Health Insurance Authority, the media, and other stakeholders for their support.

According to the Authority, the mop-up exercise is part of efforts to ensure that every eligible Ghanaian child is captured in the National Identity Register.

The registration will take place in 13 districts in the Volta Region and nine districts in the Oti Region. Registration teams have been deployed to selected schools and centres to make the process easier for families.

Parents and guardians have been encouraged to take advantage of the exercise and ensure their children are registered. Registration is being carried out daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at designated centres.

The NIA stressed that the exercise is only for Ghanaian children and warned against providing false information. It noted that anyone who assists a non-Ghanaian to register or gives false details could face prosecution.

The Authority said a complete and accurate National Identity Register is important for education, healthcare, social protection programmes, and national development planning.

Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye Resigns as DRIP National Coordinator to Pursue NDC Executive Role

National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Hon. Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has officially announced his resignation from the position, citing a new ambition to pursue a National Executive role within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement issued on his behalf, the former Coordinator described his decision as one taken “after careful reflection,” adding that it was necessary to enable him to focus on his next phase of political service within the party.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana in this role,” the statement noted. “I am deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in me and for the opportunity to contribute to a programme that is transforming local infrastructure and improving lives across our communities.”

His resignation, he explained, is driven by his intention to contest or pursue a leadership position at the national executive level of the NDC, stressing his continued commitment to the party’s growth and democratic ideals.


“My resignation is to enable me pursue a National Executive position within our great party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This decision is driven by my desire to continue serving our party and country in a different capacity,” he said.

Hon. Vanderpuye further reaffirmed his loyalty to the vision of the government and to the leadership of the party, pledging continued support for national development efforts. He expressed optimism about the future of DRIP and confidence in its ongoing impact on local infrastructure delivery.

“I remain fully committed to the vision of President Mahama, the success of his administration, and the ideals of the NDC. I leave office with immense gratitude, proud of the work we have accomplished together and optimistic about the future of DRIP,” the statement added.
He concluded with a message of national goodwill, invoking divine blessing for Ghana and unity in public service.

“May God continue to bless Ghana and guide us all in our collective service to the nation.”
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie

HND and Diploma Holders of GIS Intake 30 Appeal for Rank Alignment Intervention

0

HND and diploma holders of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Intake 30 have called for urgent intervention regarding their rank placement within the Service, citing concerns over fairness and consistency in the implementation of appointment terms.

According to the affected officers, their appointment letters indicated that academic qualifications would play a key role in determining their ranks after successful completion of training. They noted that, having completed their training and officially passed out, they expected their ranks to be aligned in line with those provisions.

However, they expressed concern that this alignment has not yet been implemented, a situation they say has created dissatisfaction among members of their intake.

The affected officers pointed out that personnel with similar HND and diploma qualifications in other security agencies have reportedly been assigned corresponding ranks upon completion of their training, as stipulated in their respective service conditions. They argue that this perceived disparity is affecting morale among affected officers.

Speaking to one officer who requested anonymity, she said the situation has become deeply frustrating.

“Now it feels like my HND is going to waste. We are pleading with the authorities to do something about it because we suffered before getting it,” she said.

They are therefore appealing to relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that their ranks are reviewed and aligned in accordance with their academic qualifications and the terms stated in their appointment letters.

The officers reaffirmed their commitment to serving the nation with dedication and professionalism, expressing hope that the matter will be addressed fairly and promptly.

Source: Asare Bediako

COCOBOD: Cocoa Farmers to Receive Same Price as Government Holds Rates Steady

Cocoa farmers across Ghana will continue to receive the same producer price for their produce during the 2026 Light Crop Season after the government decided to maintain existing rates despite declining prices on the international market.

The decision, announced by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) on Friday June 12, 2026, is expected to provide relief and certainty to thousands of cocoa farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop.

According to a press release issued by COCOBOD, purchases for the 2026 Light Crop Season will begin on June 18, 2026, with the producer price remaining at GH₵1,241.76 per load of 30 kilograms of Grade I and II cocoa beans.

Farmers will also continue to receive GH₵2,587.00 per bag of 64 kilograms gross, while a tonne of cocoa, equivalent to 16 bags, will attract GH₵41,392.00.

COCOBOD said the government’s decision reflects its commitment to protecting the incomes of cocoa farmers at a time when global cocoa prices are trending downward.

By maintaining the current producer price, authorities hope to shield farmers from the effects of international market fluctuations and ensure stability within the sector.

The move is also expected to boost farmer confidence ahead of the start of the light crop season, enabling producers to plan their activities with greater certainty.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important export commodities and serves as a major source of income for hundreds of thousands of farming households across the country.

Industry observers say the decision underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role cocoa farmers play in sustaining the country’s economy and maintaining Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations.

COCOBOD noted that the revised arrangements have been communicated to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), management, relevant ministries and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth commencement of cocoa purchases nationwide.

The maintenance of producer prices comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the cocoa sector and improve the welfare of farmers, many of whom continue to grapple with rising production costs and other challenges affecting agricultural productivity.

Source: Mavis Fantevi

Tamale Court Remands Two Midwives Over Missing Newborn Case in Salaga

0

Two midwives from the East Gonja District Hospital in Salaga have been remanded into police custody by the Tamale Circuit Court in connection with the alleged disappearance of a newborn baby from the facility.

The accused, Frank Atanga, 52, and Mariam Mohammed, 32, appeared before Her Honour Afua Srakuba on charges of conspiracy to steal and abduction.

Both individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before the court.

The court subsequently ordered their remand into police custody for one week and adjourned the case to June 18, 2026, for further hearing.

The case stems from the reported disappearance of a newborn from the East Gonja District Hospital on June 10, 2026. The Ghana Police Service is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected abduction.

In a statement, the Savannah Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service described the incident as “unfortunate and disturbing,” noting that immediate efforts were made to locate the baby after the disappearance was reported.

According to the Directorate, an extensive search conducted within the hospital premises failed to locate the missing child.

The Savannah Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Ekow Otoo, said the Directorate is collaborating closely with hospital management, security personnel, and the Ghana Police Service to establish the facts of the case and facilitate the safe recovery of the newborn.

He assured the public that the Ghana Health Service remains committed to supporting the affected family while investigations continue.

The Directorate has also appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the baby. Individuals with relevant information have been urged to report to the nearest police station or appropriate authorities.

Authorities further assured that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality as security agencies intensify efforts to trace the missing child.

Source: Citinewsroom

Akonta Mining Case: Andy Appiah-Kubi Withdraws as Wontumi’s Lawyer

0

Lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Appiah-Kubi explained that his decision stemmed from concerns about how the case has been handled by the court. According to him, he is dissatisfied with the court’s attitude, record, and determinations throughout the proceedings.

“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion. My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing,” he stated.

The lawyer also rejected claims that his withdrawal was connected to ongoing plea bargaining discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the EXIM Bank alleged fraud case. He stressed that the two matters are separate and should not be linked.

Despite stepping away from the Akonta Mining case, Appiah-Kubi clarified that he remains legal counsel for Chairman Wontumi in all other matters, including the EXIM Bank case. He emphasized that his withdrawal applies only to the Akonta Mining prosecution.

His remarks come as the case involving the Republic, Akonta Mining Limited, and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako remains before the courts. Proceedings have been adjourned to June 16 to allow for the continuation of the cross-examination of a prosecution witness.

The prosecution alleges that Akonta Mining conducted mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without obtaining the required approvals from state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

However, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and his company have denied any wrongdoing. The trial forms part of the state’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s forests and water bodies.

Source: Nana Achiaa Aboagye

Ghana Repatriates 327 Stranded Nationals from Côte d’Ivoire Following Demolition Exercise

0

The Government of Ghana has begun the repatriation of 327 Ghanaian nationals stranded in Port Bouët, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following a mass demolition exercise that left many of them displaced and without livelihoods.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 228 affected Ghanaians had already arrived safely in the country on Thursday, June 11, while arrangements had been finalised for the remaining returnees to arrive on June 12.

According to the Ministry, the affected nationals had been residing in areas impacted by the demolition exercise undertaken by authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality. The demolitions reportedly left them stranded after they lost their homes and sources of income, making it difficult for them to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire.

To facilitate the repatriation process, the Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to transport the returnees and their belongings back home free of charge.

The Ministry also disclosed that Ivorian authorities have expressed their willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise. Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the promised compensation is delivered to the affected Ghanaian nationals.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians both at home and abroad, pledging to intensify efforts to support the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals.

The Ministry further expressed appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise.
It added that further updates on the situation would be communicated to the public as necessary.