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Manso Galamsey Clash: Kojo Preko Dankwa Demands Minerals Development Fund Accountability

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Tensions flared in Manso, a suburb in the Ashanti Region, when residents and suspected illegal miners accosted members of the anti-galamsey task force during an operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities. The incident, which highlights the growing resistance to enforcement efforts, has sparked fresh debate around the accountability and effectiveness of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF).

Astute broadcaster and host of Kessben F.M. and TV flagship program KESSBEN MAAKYE, Kojo Preko Dankwa, has raised serious concerns over how MDF resources are being utilised, questioning why communities deeply affected by illegal mining continue to suffer from underdevelopment, unemployment, poor engagement, and weak environmental protections, despite the fund’s existence.

According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation between the task force and the aggrieved group quickly escalated, with residents accusing authorities of selective enforcement and neglect of local concerns. Some claimed they had turned to illegal mining out of economic desperation due to a lack of alternative livelihood programs.

In light of this, Kojo Preko Dankwaa who doubles as the President of Ghana’s most vibrant creative arts advocacy group, Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) is demanding transparency and accountability in how the Minerals Development Fund is disbursed, stressing that communities like Manso — which suffer the direct impact of mining should not be left in poverty and environmental decay. “What is the Minerals Development Fund being used for, if not to protect and develop these mining-affected communities?” he questioned.

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Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi Sues Afia Schwarzenegger for Defamation

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Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has filed a defamation lawsuit against media personality Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, popularly known as Afia Schwarzenegger. The case has been lodged at the High Court in Accra.

 

According to court documents, Gyamfi alleges that Afia Schwarzenegger—who currently resides in the Bronx, New York—made and published defamatory statements that have severely damaged his reputation. The suit claims that these remarks portrayed Gyamfi as morally corrupt and lacking integrity.

 

The writ states that the statements, made in the Asante Twi language and widely shared on social media, included false accusations about Gyamfi’s personal life, including his marital status and alleged inability to support a woman named Vida. The comments also allegedly targeted his wife’s sister.

 

Gyamfi contends that the statements were made with full awareness of their falsehood and with reckless disregard for the truth. As a result, he says he has faced a barrage of phone calls, public embarrassment, and uncomfortable questions from political figures and other prominent individuals.

 

Describing Afia Schwarzenegger’s actions as malicious, Gyamfi is seeking several legal remedies. These include general damages, aggravated and exemplary damages, a perpetual injunction to prevent further defamatory publications, and a public apology to be published in multiple media outlets. He is also requesting that the court award legal costs, including his lawyer’s fees.

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PAC Chair Demands Urgent Probe into GH¢138.91 Billion Public Debt Overstatement

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Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has described the GH¢138.91 billion overstatement in Ghana’s 2024 public debt as revealed by the Auditor-General as a serious error that demands immediate investigation.

 

According to the 2024 Audit Report, while the Controller and Accountant-General (CAG) reported Ghana’s total public debt as GH¢876.01 billion, the Ministry of Finance recorded a significantly lower figure of GH¢737.17 billion. This discrepancy exposes an overstatement of GH¢138.91 billion in the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) submitted by the CAG.

 

In a Facebook post, Ms. Osei-Asare, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, stressed that such a substantial misstatement is more than just a clerical error. She said it highlights troubling gaps in internal controls, data consistency, and coordination among key financial management institutions.

 

“This is no ordinary mistake,” she stated. “The responsibility for preparing the Government of Ghana’s accounts lies solely with the Controller and Accountant-General. A misstatement of this magnitude raises important questions about internal controls, data harmonisation, and institutional coordination within our public financial management framework.”

 

Citing the Auditor-General’s own recommendations, she emphasized the need for urgent reforms and improved collaboration between the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant bodies to enhance the accuracy and integrity of national financial reporting.

 

Ms. Osei-Asare assured that the PAC will launch a thorough probe into the matter, engaging all institutions involved to uncover the root cause of the discrepancy and ensure full implementation of the Auditor-General’s proposed measures.

 

“This is about protecting the integrity of our public financial systems and rebuilding public trust. We must demand precision — not approximation — in our national accounts,” she stated, reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and value for money in the use of public funds.

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Ablekuma North MP Ewurabena Aubynn Joins Ghana Shippers Authority Board

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Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, has been officially sworn in as a member of the Governing Board of the Ghana Shippers Authority.

 

Her appointment follows a historic electoral victory, where she became the second National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate to win the Ablekuma North seat since 1992. She secured the position during a highly competitive rerun on Friday, July 11, 2025.

 

As a first-time legislator, Aubynn brings a strong background in community service and social impact to the Board. She is well known for her grassroots engagement and philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Awula Foundation—a nonprofit she established in February 2023.

 

The Foundation has played a significant role in supporting vulnerable groups across the Ablekuma North Constituency, reinforcing her commitment to social development.

 

Her addition to the Ghana Shippers Authority Board is expected to deepen community-level engagement and influence inclusive policymaking in Ghana’s trade and logistics sector.

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