Author: newsfilegh

Ghana’s campaign against illegal mining intensified as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, called for renewed national resolve at the Chief Justice’s Mentorship Programme. Addressing judges, lawyers and law students, the minister described the destructive impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, communities and future generations. He said once-lush forests, fertile farmlands and blue water bodies have been transformed into what he termed “gaping, bleeding holes in the earth.” Mr. Buah warned that the activities have stripped affected communities of health, livelihoods and dignity, while endangering the…

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has formally apologised to Burkina Faso for the unauthorised entry of a Nigerian military jet into Burkinabè airspace, an incident that led to the detention of 11 Nigerian servicemen. Tuggar’s spokesperson told the BBC that the detained personnel had been released and were due to return to Nigeria, without saying when. The plane was flying to Portugal when it developed a technical problem and had to land in Burkina Faso, according to the Nigerian Air Force. The unauthorised landing sparked a diplomatic row with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) made up of Burkina Faso…

Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has been elected Chairperson of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture for a two-year term. Her election, which took place during the committee’s recent meeting, was unanimous, despite her absence. Speaking on the outcome, Mr. Adongo said delegates across the continent endorsed Gomashie in recognition of her extensive contributions to culture, film, youth development and governance, earning broad praise and confidence from member states. In a statement following her election, Gomashie expressed appreciation for the trust placed in her by African Union members…

Parliament’s Committee on Roads and Transportation has begun reviewing the contract agreement for the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway, engaging the leadership of the Committee on Finance as part of the assessment process. The joint engagement, chaired by the Committee on Roads and Transportation Chairman, Hon. Mensah Adjei, focused on examining the scope, financing structure and expected economic impact of the major road infrastructure project. The expressway is projected to significantly reduce travel time between Ghana’s political and commercial capitals, lower transportation costs, create employment opportunities and generate long-term revenue for the state through road monetization. The Minister for Roads and Highways,…

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) will begin a nationwide vehicle fire-extinguisher compliance exercise on Dec. 18, 2025, aimed at ensuring that all vehicles operating on Ghana’s roads are equipped with functional, easily accessible and GNFS-certified portable fire extinguishers. The operation will be led by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service. The exercise forms part of efforts to strengthen road safety and reduce losses from vehicle fires. According to the GNFS, the Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce is mandated to conduct…

Ghana has deployed 54 military engineers to Jamaica to support humanitarian relief and national rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which killed more than 40 people and caused an estimated US$8.8 billion in damage. The personnel, drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 14 Engineer Brigade, Engineer Contingent 1, departed after a ceremony underscoring Ghana’s commitment to international solidarity, humanitarian assistance and strengthened ties with the African diaspora in the Caribbean. President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, said the mission reflects Ghana’s longstanding support for nations in need and the professional role of its…

Police in the Eastern South Region have restored calm in the Boadua community following a chieftaincy-related disturbance that threatened to escalate into wider unrest, authorities said Sunday. In a statement released by the Eastern South Regional Police Command, officers intervened swiftly after receiving complaints on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2025, from the Bretuo Abusuapanin of Boadua. The complaint alleged that a group from the Boadua Aduana Family stormed the Boadua Chief’s Palace, damaged the main entrance, and forcibly entered the premises. Police said the group allegedly destroyed a shrine at the palace in an apparent attempt to take control of the…

Vegetable traders have raised alarms over unsafe farming practices, telling The Fourth Estate that some farmers are using inappropriate chemicals on produce, raising concerns about food safety, public health, and the need for stricter oversight in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

Policy think tank IMANI Africa has renewed its push for a more balanced and transparent lithium mining agreement between Ghana and private investors, following the withdrawal of a controversial lithium deal from Parliament. IMANI made its case during the first meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Lands and Minerals after the withdrawal, arguing that Ghana must secure fair value from its critical mineral resources. Members of the IMANI delegation, including Selorm Branttie Asare Dennis, said the group forcefully reiterated positions already submitted to President John Dramani Mahama and Parliament in a detailed policy memorandum. The engagement followed earlier high-level discussions with…

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has cautioned the public against using expired or rusted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, warning that deteriorated cylinders pose serious safety risks, including gas leaks, fires and explosions. In a public safety advisory, the Service urged households and commercial users to regularly inspect their LPG cylinders and verify expiry dates by checking the month and year stamped on the metal collar. Cylinders that have exceeded their approved lifespan, GNFS noted, should be withdrawn from use and replaced promptly. The Fire Service also highlighted the dangers of rust, particularly around the foot ring of cylinders,…