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The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has justified its decision to award the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd, revealing that two of the four bidding companies were disqualified at the preliminary stage for failing to meet mandatory requirements.
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, the Ministry explained that although four firms submitted tenders, only two, Engineers and Planners Ltd and Heath Goldfields Ltd, met the initial documentation criteria set out by the Minerals Commission under the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).
Vortex Resources Mining Group and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd were ruled non-responsive after failing to provide key documents, including proof of ownership, valid tax and SSNIT clearance certificates, VAT clearance, and evidence of incorporation.
The Ministry stressed that compliance with these requirements was mandatory and non-negotiable.
The two qualifying firms were subsequently subjected to technical and financial evaluation by the Tender Committee.
However, Heath Goldfields Ltd failed to attain the minimum technical score of 80 percent, effectively eliminating it from the final stage of the process.
According to the Ministry, Engineers and Planners Ltd not only satisfied all eligibility criteria but also demonstrated strong financial capacity, meeting the minimum $500 million threshold, as well as the technical expertise required to operate and expand the Damang mine.
The final recommendation by the Tender Committee was approved by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who directed the Minerals Commission to proceed with the necessary steps to formalize the lease.
The Ministry emphasized that the process was conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with regulatory guidelines, adding that the outcome reflects a commitment to safeguarding national interest and ensuring competent management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
A planned meeting between the GPRTU and the Transport Ministry on April 7 to discuss rising fuel prices was postponed. Alhaji Abass Imoro said the minister requested more time to consult the Cabinet, with a new meeting set for April 9.
“We were to meet the Transport Ministry today (April 7), but the meeting could not take place because the transport minister indicated that the government intends to convene a Cabinet meeting. We have therefore agreed to give them up to Thursday,” he said in an interview on Ghana Tonight.
He added that the union would determine its next line of action based on the outcome of the government’s decision. “Whatever decision the government takes by Thursday, we will then decide the way forward,” he stated.
Alhaji Imoro also cautioned against any unilateral fare increases by transport operators, warning that such actions could lead to disorder across the sector.
“We will be surprised if by tomorrow some operators announce a 25 per cent increase. We are assuring the Transport Ministry that we will ensure order nationwide, rather than allowing arbitrary fare hikes,” he stressed.
The postponed meeting is expected to address mounting concerns within the transport sector over escalating fuel prices and their impact on fares and operations.
Road fatalities in Ghana have risen sharply in 2026 despite intensified safety education and enforcement efforts, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has revealed.
According to Joshua Quist, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Authority, preliminary data shows a worrying increase in deaths within the first month of the year, highlighting the urgent need for improved road user behaviour.
A nationwide safety campaign conducted between March 30 and April 7, 2026, targeted major highways, including the Shai Hills, Aburi–Mampong–Mamfe, and Accra–Suhum–Kumasi routes. The initiative focused on high-risk corridors before, during, and after the Easter period.
The campaign emphasised compliance with traffic regulations among commercial drivers, private motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Key areas included adherence to speed limits, use of seatbelts and helmets, and the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
Mr Quist disclosed that road crash fatalities increased significantly from 261 in January 2025 to 383 in January 2026, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
He expressed concern that unsafe road behaviours persist despite continuous public education efforts across schools, religious institutions, transport terminals, and media platforms.
Meanwhile, Stella Ewool, a Superintendent with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) at the Weija Division, urged drivers to strictly observe speed limits and avoid driving while drunk or fatigued
She also called on passengers to take an active role in promoting road safety by ensuring drivers comply with regulations and reporting offenders to the nearest police station.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused President John Dramani Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in what it describes as a “grand deception” over the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
Addressing a press conference, Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, said the NDC had, for years, “weaponised” the bill for political gain while in opposition, only to abandon its urgency after assuming power in 2025.
“For years, the NDC weaponised the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, using it as a political tool to deceive eminent clergy, traditional leaders, and the good people of Ghana,” he stated.
Background and Political Shift
According to the NPP, the bill—first introduced in 2021 as a private member’s bill—was jointly sponsored by bipartisan MPs, including leading NDC figures such as Samuel Nartey George and others.
Mr Fordjour noted that during the 2024 election campaign, then-candidate Mahama strongly endorsed the bill and criticised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for delaying assent.
“He presented himself as the ultimate defender of Ghanaian family values and promised to sign the bill into law,” Fordjour said.
However, the NPP claims that since assuming office, the Mahama administration has shifted from firm advocacy to what it calls a “cautious and process-driven approach.”
Government’s Position
The NPP cited engagements between the President and religious bodies, including the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana, where the President reportedly suggested a government-sponsored bill instead of the earlier private member’s bill.
At one point, President Mahama also described the previous bill as “effectively dead” following the expiration of the 8th Parliament, arguing for broader stakeholder consultations before reintroduction.
Despite reaffirming his opposition to same-sex marriage in later engagements, the NPP insists that the urgency once attached to the bill has diminished significantly.
“Strategic Distancing” Allegation
The NPP further criticised the President’s recent remarks, particularly during a March 31, 2026 engagement with civil society organisations, where he reportedly indicated that the bill was no longer a top priority.
“To advocate so aggressively for a policy in opposition, only to dismiss it as a low priority in government, is the height of hypocrisy and deception,” Fordjour asserted.
The party also accused the President of presenting “two faces” to both local and international audiences, referencing comments by the African Human Rights Coalition.
Education Controversy
Another key issue raised was the alleged inclusion of LGBTQI+ concepts in school curricula. The NPP claimed that despite earlier assurances to promote Ghanaian family values through education, government agencies such as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ghana Education Service approved materials containing controversial definitions of gender.
“Instead of protecting our children, the government used the curriculum to covertly lay the groundwork to indoctrinate them,” Fordjour alleged.
Government officials have previously described the inclusion as an “anomaly.”
NPP Demands
The NPP is calling for:
-A realignment of government priorities to fast-track the bill -A formal apology from the NDC to religious and traditional leaders -Swift parliamentary action to pass the reintroduced bill -The party specifically urged Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana ——Kingsford Bagbin to ensure the bill is passed without delay.
Conclusion
“We will continue to hold this government accountable and ensure that the will of the Ghanaian people is not sacrificed for political exploitation,” Fordjour concluded.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of Ghana’s most debated legislative proposals, drawing strong opinions from political actors, religious groups, and civil society.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face overwhelming military action if it fails to reach an agreement by midnight, within the next 24 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Speaking at a White House press briefing on Monday April 6, Trump said the US is prepared to act swiftly if negotiations break down. The deadline for what he described as an “acceptable” agreement, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy through the Gulf is set for Tuesday evening in Washington. “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump said.
Despite the strong language, the president noted that discussions with Iranian officials appear to be ongoing and suggested that some leaders in Tehran are engaging seriously.
However, he admitted uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached. Iran has pushed back against US proposals, rejecting the idea of a temporary ceasefire and instead demanding a permanent end to hostilities along with the removal of sanctions. Trump also warned of severe consequences if Iran does not comply, suggesting that key infrastructure could be destroyed. “They’re going to have no bridges,” he said. “They’re going to have no power plants.” The comments come shortly after US forces carried out a successful rescue mission involving crew members from a downed fighter jet in southern Iran, an operation Trump praised during the briefing. Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt attempting to mediate. However, progress has been slow, partly due to communication challenges with Iranian officials amid disruptions. Experts say meaningful negotiations are unlikely without a ceasefire in place first. Legal analysts have also raised concerns that targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international law. When asked about such concerns, Trump dismissed them, arguing that the Iranian people would endure hardship in pursuit of freedom, even though he stated that regime change is not the goal. He also criticized several US allies, including NATO members, accusing them of not offering enough support during the conflict.
The Ghana National Cross-Border Women Traders Association (GNCBWA) has expressed renewed optimism over efforts to resolve the ongoing onion trade dispute between Ghana and Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Association said recent engagements among key stakeholders have signalled progress toward a fair and lasting resolution to the dispute, which has affected traders on both sides of the border.
High-Level Engagements
According to the Association, discussions involved officials from the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS), including the Officer in Charge of Informal Cross-Border Trade, Chriss Mesan Mensah, as well as the Chairman of Ghana’s National Trade Facilitation Committee, Alex Mensah.
Representatives of both Ghanaian and Nigerian onion traders also participated in the discussions, aimed at addressing concerns and restoring smooth trade flows.
Hope for Resolution
The Association noted that the involvement of ECOWAS and Ghanaian authorities demonstrates a strong commitment to dialogue and cooperation in resolving the dispute.
It emphasised that ongoing efforts are focused on ensuring fairness, maintaining cross-border trade stability, and protecting the livelihoods of traders who depend on the onion trade.
Call for Constructive Engagement
The traders’ group urged all stakeholders to engage constructively in the dialogue process to promote peaceful and mutually beneficial trade relations.
The statement reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting cross-border commerce and improving the welfare of women traders operating within the West African sub-region.
The communiqué was issued by the Association’s national coordinator and consultant, Oscar Akaba-Norvixoxo.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has settled the medical bills of 85 patients across several health facilities in his constituency, in an intervention that comes at a time of growing concern over the cost of healthcare in Ghana.
The gesture, announced during the Easter period, targeted patients on admission who were unable to fully cover their treatment expenses.
According to the MP, the beneficiaries were receiving care at Battor Catholic Hospital, St. Anne’s Polyclinic in Tagadzi, Juapong Health Centre, VRA Hospital in Akosombo, Fodzoku Health Centre, Mafi Dedukope Health Centre, Mafi Adidome Health Centre, and Podoe Health Centre.
“In the spirit of Easter, I have paid the full medical bills of all 85 beloved North Tongu constituents on admission in the following hospitals,” he stated in a social media post.
The intervention highlights the financial pressure many Ghanaians continue to face in accessing healthcare, despite the presence of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Patients often encounter additional costs such as laboratory tests, medications, and other services not fully covered by insurance, leaving many to rely on personal funds or external support.
Health policy analysts have repeatedly raised concerns about out-of-pocket payments, which remain a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income households. In some cases, patients are unable to leave health facilities after treatment due to unpaid bills.
Mr. Ablakwa’s move underscores the role of individual and community-level support systems in bridging gaps within the healthcare system, especially during periods when economic pressures are high.
He also wished the beneficiaries a speedy recovery and expressed hope that continued attention will be given to improving healthcare affordability across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama has departed for an official visit to France, where he is expected to participate in the 2026 One Health Summit and hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Macron, will see the Ghanaian leader first attend the global summit in Lyon, before proceeding to Paris for high-level diplomatic engagements at the Élysée Palace.
Focus on Global Health and Cooperation
President Mahama is scheduled to co-chair the high-level segment of the summit alongside President Macron. The gathering will bring together world leaders, health ministers, and global experts to deliberate on issues such as global health systems, sustainable food production, and coordinated responses to emerging health challenges.
As part of his participation, President Mahama will deliver two keynote addresses. The first will take place during discussions on global health architecture, co-chaired by President Macron and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The session is expected to focus on reforms to global health systems and the adoption of a political declaration to strengthen international cooperation.
His second address will open the summit’s high-level segment for heads of state, where he will outline Ghana’s position and commitments on global health security.
Bilateral Talks in Paris
Following the summit, President Mahama will travel to Paris on April 8 for bilateral discussions with President Macron. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation between Ghana and France.
Delegation
The President is accompanied by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, along with senior officials from the Presidency.
The visit underscores Ghana’s active role in global health diplomacy and its continued engagement with international partners on key development priorities.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has announced that the price of sachet water will remain unchanged, following the suspension of a planned price increase by industry players.
In a press release issued on Monday April 6, the Ministry commended the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) for halting the adjustment, which was scheduled to take effect the same day.
According to the Ministry, the decision reflects a shared commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining stability in the market. It assured the public that sachet water, a widely consumed commodity across the country, will continue to be sold at its current price.
The Ministry further disclosed that it will hold an urgent meeting with leadership of GPMA and NASPAWAP on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, to address challenges confronting the sector.
“The Ministry, hereby, assures the public that the price of sachet water will not increase today. Consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at the current price.” the release stated.
Authorities say they remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to resolve issues swiftly and ensure price stability in the market.
Echoing Hill Village is a residential home that provides care and support for vulnerable children, including those who are missing, abandoned, or orphaned.
The home has been in existence for the past 30 years, offering a safe haven and hope to many children in need.
Through the Missing Persons program on Atinka TV, some of these children have been successfully reunited with their families, restoring joy and hope to many distressed households.
In a bid to further strengthen the protection and well-being of the children, the home, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tema-Sunshine, has rebranded from Echoing Hills Village to Blissful Children’s Home.
This rebranding reflects a renewed vision, stronger collaboration, and a deeper commitment to creating greater opportunities for the care, protection, and overall development of the children.
During the ceremony, Serwah Owiah, the Projects and Programs Manager for Echoing Hills Village now known as Blissful Children’s Home, stood before the gathering and reflected on the organization’s journey. She spoke thoughtfully about how far they had come, recalling the many experiences that had shaped their path over the years.
As she addressed the audience, she explained that those experiences had not only tested them but had also transformed their vision. Through their work, their understanding of the children’s needs had deepened, and with that understanding came a stronger commitment to build an environment that is more inclusive, more loving, and truly empowering for every child they serve.
Serwah emphasized that this growth called for change. She shared that to fully embrace this evolved vision, the organization needed a renewed and refreshed approach one that would open the door to new opportunities and endless possibilities.
With a sense of hope and determination in her voice, she concluded by affirming that this moment marked the beginning of something new. It was not just a name change, but a bold step into a new chapter—one filled with purpose, promise, and a brighter future for the children.
The Charter President of the Rotary Club of Tema-Sunshine, Mr. Cosme, expressed his excitement during the ceremony as the club officially handed over a newly completed dining hall to Echoing Hills Village, now known as Blissful Children’s Home. He described the moment as an opportunity to “unleash the magic of Rotary” within the community, marking a meaningful milestone in their service.
He explained that the project was undertaken to support children with developmental challenges and other vulnerable groups by providing improved access to essential health support and a more hygienic environment.
Mr. Cosme also took a moment to express his deep gratitude to God for His continuous guidance and provision. He further commended members of the club for their generosity and commitment, noting that their contributions had made a significant impact on the success of the initiative.
During the ceremony, the new dining hall was opened, which will serve as a place for these vulnerable children to eat.
