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

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

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

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Buduburam: Over 1000 residents evicted following court order

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

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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

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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

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

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

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

Ebenezer Madugu
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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

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

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

Najat Adamu
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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

Najat Adamu
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Tamale Court Remands Two Midwives Over Missing Newborn Case in Salaga

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

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

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

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

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.

GRNMA Calls for Degree-Only Nursing Education in Ghana

Najat Adamu
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GRNMA Calls for Degree-Only Nursing Education in Ghana

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called on the government to phase out certificate and diploma nursing programmes and make a bachelor’s degree the minimum qualification for nursing training in Ghana.

Speaking to Atinka News during the 2026 Nurses Week Celebration in Ejisu, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of GRNMA, Mr Jones Afriyie Anto, stated that upgrading nursing education to a degree level would strengthen professionalism and improve the quality of healthcare delivery across the country.

According to him, adopting a degree-only training model would equip nurses and midwives with advanced knowledge and competencies needed to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

Mr Afriyie Anto also appealed to the government to fast-track the recruitment of qualified nurses and midwives who have completed their training but remain unemployed, stressing that their employment would help address staffing shortages in health facilities nationwide.

He further urged the government to operationalise the Sewua Hospital and Afari Military Hospital, noting that their full activation would help decongest the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and improve access to quality healthcare services in the Ashanti Region.

According to him, bringing the two facilities into full operation would reduce pressure on healthcare professionals, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the region’s healthcare delivery system.

The GRNMA’s call forms part of broader efforts to enhance nursing education, improve working conditions for health professionals, and ensure efficient healthcare services for the Ghanaian public.

Speaker Bagbin Calls for Reform of Supreme Court Appointment Process

Najat Adamu
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Speaker Bagbin Calls for Reform of Supreme Court Appointment Process

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for reforms to Ghana’s judicial appointment process, particularly the procedure for appointing Justices of the Supreme Court.

He made the remarks during a courtesy call by the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Planning Committee on Thursday, where discussions focused on preparations for the milestone celebration and broader issues concerning the judiciary.

According to the Speaker, while the President has a constitutional role in judicial appointments, there is a need for reforms that reinforce the independence of public office holders and strengthen democratic governance.

Addressing concerns about executive influence, Mr Bagbin stressed his independence as Speaker of Parliament.
“The President will have a say, but I am not bound by what a president says. I am not the President’s appointee,” he stated.

The Speaker’s comments underscore his belief in the importance of institutional autonomy and the separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

He also emphasised the need to review aspects of the judicial appointment process to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the administration of justice.

The courtesy call formed part of activities leading up to the 150th anniversary of Ghana’s Supreme Court, a milestone expected to reflect on the country’s judicial history, achievements, and future reforms.

Why Chairman Wontumi Chose a Legal Resolution in The Exim Bank Matter

Ebenezer Madugu
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Why Chairman Wontumi Chose a Legal Resolution in The Exim Bank Matter

The decision by Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to enter plea negotiations with the State over the EXIM Bank case has sparked debate across the country.

To many, the move raises questions. To his supporters, however, it reflects a practical decision aimed at resolving a legal and commercial dispute through lawful means rather than prolonged courtroom battles.

Long before the current legal proceedings, Chairman Wontumi had built a reputation as one of Ghana’s most visible large-scale farmers. His agricultural investments, particularly in maize production, earned national recognition in 2018 when he was named Ashanti Regional Best Farmer First Runner-Up during the 34th National Farmers’ Day celebration.

At the heart of that recognition was a 10,000-acre maize farm in the Sekyere Central District. The project was hailed as a major contribution to food production, job creation and agricultural development. It was also evidence of a businessman willing to invest heavily in a sector many consider both critical and risky.

Agriculture, despite its importance, remains one of the most unpredictable sectors of the economy. Farmers often contend with erratic weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, rising production costs and other challenges beyond their control. Even well-planned ventures can struggle to meet financial projections when circumstances change.

Against this backdrop, supporters of Chairman Wontumi argue that the facility obtained from EXIM Bank was intended to support a legitimate farming enterprise and not a speculative undertaking.

Faced with ongoing legal proceedings, Chairman Wontumi has opted for plea negotiations, a process recognized under Ghanaian law. Legal experts note that plea bargaining is designed to allow parties to resolve disputes efficiently and can involve agreements on restitution, settlements or other terms acceptable to both sides.

Importantly, entering plea negotiations does not automatically amount to an admission of guilt. Rather, it is a legal mechanism available to accused persons and prosecutors seeking to avoid lengthy litigation while pursuing an outcome within the framework of the law.

For Chairman Wontumi, the decision appears to be rooted in a desire to address the matter through due process while focusing on his business and public commitments. His supporters maintain that responsible leadership is not measured by the absence of challenges, but by the willingness to confront them openly, lawfully and in good faith.

As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to attract public attention. What remains clear is that the outcome will be determined through the courts and the legal procedures established under Ghanaian law.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie

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