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Zoomlion Ghana Denies Involvement in Galamsey Activities

Zoomlion Ghana

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has issued a strong public disclaimer denying any involvement in illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey,” following reports that equipment bearing the “Zoomlion” brand name has been spotted at galamsey sites in various districts.

In a statement released by the company’s Communications Directorate, Zoomlion clarified that it neither owns, leases, nor authorizes the use of any equipment for mining purposes. The company emphasized that it has never supported or participated in any illegal mining activities.

Zoomlion Ghana explained that the confusion stems from the fact that some of the equipment being used in these illegal operations was manufactured by Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company.

Despite the similarity in brand names, the Chinese manufacturer is completely independent of and unaffiliated with Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

“The use of such equipment in illegal mining is without the knowledge, consent, or approval of Zoomlion Ghana Limited,” the statement read. “We strongly distance ourselves from any such activities and any entities or individuals purporting an association in that regard.”

The company urged the general public, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to disregard any misrepresentation or unauthorized use of the Zoomlion name, stressing its commitment to upholding its integrity and values.

Zoomlion Ghana concluded by reaffirming that it remains a responsible corporate entity and will not condone or be associated with any illegal activity.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Ebenezer Madugu

Don’t Wait to Be Wealthy Before Marrying-Adumatta Advises men

Adumatta

Counselor and life coach Kweku Adumatta has cautioned men against the notorious habit of waiting to acquire wealth in life before venturing into marriage.

Speaking to Afia Adubea on Atinka TV’s Kisses and Roses, the renowned marriage counselor argued that marriage doesn’t entirely revolve around money as perceived by many in recent times.

He appreciates the fact that there should be significant amount of money to cater for basic needs in marriage, but that shouldn’t hinder men from tying the knot with the woman they love.

Mr. Adumatta further indicated that a man must have a source of stable income before marriage, and, that should be enough to catapult him into marriage since the blessings of the Lord can turn situations around and bring about wealth and comfortability.

“We don’t beg for money, neither do we search keenly for money. What we ought to do is use our minds to do innovative things that can generate money. Don’t wait for all the wealth you desire in life before you marry. Believe in God and keep praying. Things can turn around in your favor” – he opined.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Afia Adobea

Hepatitis B Vaccinations for Newborns to Begin in October

Hepatitis B

All newborns will receive a Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccination at birth starting in October of this year, according to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Programme Manager, Dr. Kwame Amponsah-Achiano.

He said the vaccine would be given within 24 hours and was intended to help reduce the spread of HBV from mother to child.

In order to give stakeholders the chance to contribute significantly to the government’s implementation of the Hepatitis B birth dose program, Dr. Amponsah-Achiano made this statement yesterday at a National Hepatitis B birth dose stakeholders forum that was held in Accra.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana co-hosted the forum. He clarified that the Ghana Health Service’s (GHS) commitment to fight Hepatitis B, enhance public health, and accomplish more general health objectives by 2030 included the Hepatitis B birth dose program.

Additionally, according to Dr. , the government was ready to implement the 24-hour HBV vaccination program for newborns.

As the nation moves away from Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) vaccine support by 2030, he said, the Ministry of Health recently created a plan to guarantee Ghana self-finances its immunisation programs.

The government has revised the nation’s immunisation policy and the EPI Field Guide to include Hepatitis B birth dose vaccines, according to Dr. Amponsah-Achiano.

He added that the application submitted to GAVI for the introduction of “Hepatitis B birth dose into routine immigration programs” had been approved, and that the government had updated data recording and reporting tools at the Ministry of Health to reflect the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination.

“Hepatitis B vaccine is not new, but what we are introducing now is the one that we will give to a child who is newly born so that we can prevent the mother-to-child transmission.

It’s been on the drawing board for many years, but fortunately, we have the green light to bring it on board to complete the recommendation of three doses minimum by the World Health Organisation, including the birth dose,” Dr Amponsah-Achiano meantioned.

In a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Joseph Adjetey Oliver-Commey, Managing Director of the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), emphasised the value of vaccination in ensuring that the nation minimised mother-to-child HBV transmission.

In order to accomplish the goals of vaccinating infants against HBV and preventing the virus from being passed from mother to child, Professor Akoriyea also emphasised the necessity for the nation to prioritise capacity-building and make use of its combined knowledge and resources.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Najat Adamu

Accra High Court Throws Out Police Suit against GRPS Anti-Galamsey Demo

GRPS

The Accra High Court has dismissed and struck out a suit filed by the Ghana Police Service against the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), allowing the group to proceed with their planned anti-galamsey demonstration.

The demonstration, scheduled for April 28-30, aims to raise awareness about the devastating effects of illegal mining on the environment and water bodies.

The GRPS had served the police with a notice of intention to demonstrate, citing Section 1 of the Public Order Act, Act 491. However, the police invited the group for a meeting, only to serve them with a court notice to appear in court, claiming that the demonstration posed a security risk due to its proximity to the Jubilee House.

The High Court’s ruling has given the GRPS the green light to proceed with their demonstration as planned. The court’s decision was met with relief and jubilation from the group, who had maintained that their right to demonstrate is enshrined in law.

Okatakyie Afrifa, Convener of GRPS, thanked the court for its ruling and called on all Ghanaians to join the demonstration.

“Yesterday, the police administration at the Accra region called GRPS into a meeting, and then to our surprise, they ambushed us with a court suit, trying to frustrate the processes against our planned demonstration. Indeed, we abide by the suit, and we appeared before the Accra High Court, Criminal Court 5 this morning.”

Adding that” fortunately for us, when we came, the High Court has tried out the suit for which the police administration filed against us. The court has thrown out and struck out their case, and so everything we have planned from day one is still on course.”

According to Kwame Appiah Kubi, convener for the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS) the police were simply saying that they were not going to allow them to mass up in front of the Jubilee House.

He expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling and is proceeding with plans for the demonstration. The event is expected to draw attention to the pressing issue of galamsey and its impact on Ghana’s environment and economy.

Police Assure Public of Security Ahead of GRPS Demonstration in Accra

Police

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has assured the general public of adequate security arrangements ahead of a planned demonstration by the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS) in Accra.

The demonstration is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 28 to Tuesday, April 29, 2025, between 4 p.m. and 12 midnight each day.

In a statement issued by the Command, the agreed route for the protest march will begin at Obra Spot, proceed through Ring Road Central and Liberation Road, and end at Liberation Square.

The Police have urged drivers, commuters, and other road users to follow traffic directions from officers who will be deployed to manage movement and ensure safety throughout the event.

ALSO READ: Indiscipline Threatening NPP’s Survival – John Osei Bobbie Warns

Organizers and demonstrators have also been reminded to comply with the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a peaceful exercise.

Police

The Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public safety and called on the public to offer their full cooperation during the period of the demonstration.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

Indiscipline Threatening NPP’s Survival – John Osei Bobbie Warns

Osei Bobbie

Political commentator John Osei Bobbie has warned that growing indiscipline within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is threatening its unity and long-term survival.

Speaking on Ghana Nie on Atinka TV with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Prof. Osei Bobbie stressed that no political party can survive without enforcing discipline, citing it as a major factor that contributed to the collapse of the Convention People’s Party (CPP).

“Indiscipline is destroying the NPP. Even when it’s not campaign season, some members go around attacking others and doing as they please. Any political party that fails to uphold discipline is bound to collapse,”- he said.

He commended the General Secretary for summoning party communicator Ernest Owusu Bempah over his recent public outbursts, saying it was a necessary step to restore order. “Owusu Bempah was talking too much. I support the party’s action, and honestly, I would have gone even further.”

Osei Bobbie also criticized senior party figures who formed unofficial committees and granted interviews following the NPP’s poor performance in the Ashanti Region. According to him, such actions undermined the work of the Mike Oquaye Committee set up to investigate the party’s electoral defeat.

“If the party had enforced its rules properly, some top members, including Kyei Mensah, should have been sanctioned for forming their own committees and speaking on radio and TV. That weakened the official committee’s work,”- he said.

He called for stronger internal structures to maintain discipline and unity within the party, warning that a lack of order could cost the NPP dearly in future contests.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Isaac Dadzie Annan

MTN Responds to Kobby Kyei’s Withdrawal from Heroes of Change Awards

Kobby Kyei

MTN Ghana has responded to media reports and a statement by digital media advocate Kobby Kyei regarding his withdrawal from the ongoing MTN Heroes of Change Season 7 Awards.

In a rejoinder issued by MTN on April 20, 2025, the telecom giant confirmed Kobby Kyei’s decision to exit the competition, in which he was a nominee under the Digital Heroes category. He had cited concerns over award modalities and called for greater transparency in the voting process.

MTN, however, clarified that the Heroes of Change Awards has always maintained a transparent, fair, and consistent voting and selection process. According to the organizers, all contestants are fully informed of the rules from the beginning and treated equally throughout the competition.

“For Season 7, participants were told the Digital Heroes category would be conducted exclusively on Facebook. The voting process was clearly communicated, with winners determined through a 50-50 split between public voting and an independent jury,” – MTN said.

The company noted that although Kobby Kyei initially agreed to participate, he later requested that additional voting platforms be added. MTN said it could not accommodate those demands, as doing so would affect the fairness of the competition and possibly disadvantage other contestants.

“Changing the rules midway would have cast doubt on the credibility of the process,” – the statement emphasized.

While expressing regret over Kobby Kyei’s withdrawal, MTN acknowledged his contributions to digital advocacy in Ghana and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The company reassured the public of its commitment to fairness, transparency, and celebrating impactful individuals through the Heroes of Change platform.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Nana Owoahene Acheampong

Keep Mike Oquaye Committee Report Private – John Osei Bobbie to NPP

Political commentator Prof. John Osei Bobbie has urged the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to resist calls to make the Mike Oquaye Committee’s report public, arguing that doing so could disrupt the party’s internal healing and strategic planning efforts.

Speaking on Atinka TV’s Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Prof. Osei Bobbie stated that while many have called for the report’s release, it is best kept confidential until the party implements its recommendations.

“I disagree with those asking for the report to be made public. This is an internal investigation. Making it public now will only shift attention from the party’s forward movement. It should be published only after the party has acted on the recommendations,” he said.

He cited the example of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), noting that details from the Kwesi Botchwey Committee report after their 2016 defeat were leaked and widely discussed, which, in his view, did more harm than good. “Politics is like playing dame – you don’t expose your weaknesses to your opponent,” he emphasized.

He also backed the ongoing nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’ led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing criticisms that it is a ploy to give Bawumia an advantage in the flagbearer race as baseless.

“People think too negatively. Dr. Bawumia led the party into the 2024 elections, so there’s nothing wrong with him leading the thank-you tour. Even if he wants to run, he’ll need support from all sides. The tour is a show of respect, just like in the palace – you thank the elders even if their decision didn’t go in your favor,” he said.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com 

South Tongu Business and Investment Forum Showcases District’s Potential

South Tongu

The South Tongu Business and Investment Forum was held on April 21, 2025, at the Shekinah Royal city in Sogakofe. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities in the district, themed “Harnessing Local and Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development in South Tongu.”

Hon. Maxwell KWAME Lukutor, Member of Parliament for South Tongu and organizer of the forum, emphasized the district’s potential for greatness, citing its rich agricultural lands, natural resources, strategic location, and cultural heritage. He urged attendees to think boldly, act decisively, and commit collectively to drive development.

South Tongu

The forum featured presentations on various sectors, including:

Tourism and Hospitality

The presentation highlighted opportunities for developing eco-tourism sites along the Volta River, investing in hotel infrastructure, promoting cultural tourism, and creating tourism packages that showcase the district’s unique attractions and experiences.

Agriculture and Agribusiness

The presentation discussed expanding the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, investing in agro-processing industries, developing agricultural infrastructure, and supporting farmer training programs.

Education and Skills Development

The presentation emphasized the need for vocational training centers, industry-specific training programs, education infrastructure development, and scholarships and mentorship programs.

Industrialization and Manufacturing

The presentation highlighted opportunities for developing industrial parks, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investing in infrastructure, and promoting local content policies.

Healthcare and Hospital Infrastructure

The presentation discussed upgrading healthcare facilities and equipment, investing in healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and implementing health insurance schemes.

IT and Digital Economy

The presentation emphasized the need for digital infrastructure development, supporting digital startups and entrepreneurship, investing in digital skills training programs, and promoting e-commerce platforms.

In a significant development, Hon. Lukutor also revealed plans for a modern stadium facility in South Tongu, courtesy of a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with The Oxygen Group Capital. This state-of-the-art facility will promote sports development in the district, providing a platform for local talent to shine and fostering a culture of excellence.

The event aimed to attract investment, spark partnerships, and create jobs for the youth. Hon. Lukutor invited local entrepreneurs, government agencies, private investors, and the diaspora to collaborate and invest in the district’s development.

The forum concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that South Tongu is open for business and ready for partnerships that can drive sustainable development and prosperity.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Christopher Pappoe

Health Minister donates to ease Tamale Hospital crisis

Tamale Hospital

Following a confrontation with the Tamale Teaching Hospital staff on Monday over the unavailability of certain medical equipment that resulted in a patient’s death, Health Minister Mintah Akando has announced that the ministry will be donating vital medical equipment to the hospital.

He made this announcement at a press conference on Thursday, April 24, in advance of the donation, which will happen on the hospital’s grounds.

“I have some equipment, some consumables, and some medicines to be donated to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We have an EEG as part of the donation, an Enableliser set, we have a fatal heart dictator, we have an ECG machine, we have an ICU ventilator….” he said.

“There are about 35 items that we are going to donate today.

Tamale Hospital

The health sector of this country has experienced decline for the past eight years, and for that matter, I acknowledge that the health professionals have worked under challenging circumstances.” He added

Tamale Hospital

The government is dedicated to “correcting the wrong” in the health sector, Mr. Mintah emphasised. However, he has made an appeal for the facility’s striking medical staff to change their minds and meet with him.

 At the same time, the Ghana Medical Association is calling for him to apologise and for the decision to fire the Tamale Teaching Hospital’s CEO to be overturned.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Najat Adamu