General News
Chinese govt prosecuting nationals deported from Ghana over galamsey
The Government’s decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and other crimes, rather than prosecute them locally, is drawing mixed reactions from sections of the public. Some Ghanaians have questioned why citizens involved in similar offenses are prosecuted in Ghana, while foreign offenders are repatriated.
Citi News checks have confirmed that foreign nationals, once deported, are handed over to law enforcement authorities in their home countries for prosecution. Sources at the Ministry of the Interior revealed that Ghana’s foreign missions, including the Embassy in China, monitor the legal proceedings closely and provide regular updates to the Ministry.
According to the source, the Chinese government has expressed support for Ghana’s actions, describing the involvement of its nationals in illegal mining as “disgraceful” and damaging to the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
“Foreigners arrested for illegal mining often exploit loopholes in the judicial process,” the source explained. “They establish connections within security agencies and deliberately choose courts that offer favorable bail terms. Once granted bail, they relocate to different districts and resume their illegal activities, while court cases drag on for years without resolution.”
Since Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak assumed office as Minister for the Interior, more than 100 foreign nationals—including Chinese citizens—have been deported for offenses related to illegal mining and other crimes.
Officials from the Interior Ministry stressed that the deportation strategy is not designed to favor foreigners, but rather to prevent abuse of Ghana’s legal system and safeguard national interests. “The aim is to ensure swift justice and reduce the risk of recidivism among offenders who manipulate court delays and lax bail conditions,” one official noted.
Ghanaian nationals found to have colluded with foreign illegal miners are being prosecuted locally, with the Ministry insisting that there are no exceptions.
Speaking during a meeting with police officers in the Ashanti Region, the Interior Minister issued a stern warning to law enforcement personnel and prosecutors. He cautioned against the practice of altering the identities of foreign suspects in order to shield them from deportation, stressing that those found culpable would face disciplinary action.
The Ministry is also working closely with the embassies of the deportees to streamline repatriation processes. While the embassies cover the cost of flights for their nationals, the Government of Ghana covers travel expenses for Immigration Service officers who accompany them.
According to the Ministry, this approach not only strengthens international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime but also enhances national security and the efficiency of justice delivery. Photographs provided by immigration authorities show Chinese nationals being escorted and received by Chinese officials upon their return for prosecution on charges related to illegal mining and fraud.
Source: Citi Newsroom
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees overseeing the National Cathedral of Ghana and the closure of its Secretariat, citing serious financial irregularities uncovered by an official audit.
At a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the Secretariat—previously operating from the Jubilee House—was formally shut down on May 1, 2025.
“The audit findings strike at the core of the project’s integrity and raise grave concerns about the handling of public funds,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He further disclosed that the project, which was registered as a company limited by guarantee, will now face legal action to ensure its full dissolution.
“The National Cathedral Ghana was registered as a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, the Attorney General has been directed to initiate legal proceedings for its complete dissolution in the coming days,” he added.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed that an audit into the National Cathedral project has exposed a GHS 4.9 million discrepancy in payments made to the architectural firm Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Mr. Ofosu said the audit found inconsistencies between official government records and the payment figures reported by the firm. According to him, while the Office of the President accounts for a total payment of GHS 113,040,564.86, Sir David Adjaye & Associates claims to have received GHS 117,972,656.00 — a difference of GHS 4,932,091.14.
“The audit report reveals troubling discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. for the mobilisation and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana,” he stated.
The breakdown shows that between September 26, 2018, and November 25, 2019, the Ministry of Finance paid the firm GHS 87,938,750.00. Additionally, the Office of the President made two payments:
GHS 29,664,845.29 on February 19, 2021
GHS 369,060.71 on March 5, 2021
These payments bring the total received by the firm to GHS 117,972,656.00 — matching its claims but conflicting with the official government figure.
The unexplained GHS 4.9 million shortfall has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the management of the controversial National Cathedral project.
General News
Mahama Vows to Complete Key Infrastructure Projects Under $10bn ‘Big Push’ Agenda in Kumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s infrastructural transformation with a bold pledge to commence and complete major road and market projects under his ambitious $10 billion ‘Big Push’ agenda.
During his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, July 16, following his resounding re-election in 2024, President Mahama outlined a comprehensive development plan to tackle traffic congestion and boost economic activity. Central to his announcement is the Greater Kumasi Bypass Project and the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, both expected to significantly ease transportation challenges and enhance the free flow of goods and people.
He inspected the long-abandoned Krofrom Market project, which has been stalled since 2007, and assured the public it would be completed and operational by the end of 2026. He also visited the Kumasi Central Market to monitor progress on current works.
Addressing a large gathering at the Kumasi Jubilee Park, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to reviving and completing numerous abandoned projects in the region. These include:
Mamponteng Market
Kejetia Market Phase Two
Afari Military Hospital
Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block
Sewua Regional Hospital
Suame Interchange Project
Boankra Inland Port
Baba Yara Sports Stadium rehabilitation
Under the ‘Big Push Agenda,’ the government plans to invest $2 billion annually over five years to close Ghana’s infrastructure deficit, which the World Bank estimates at $1.5 billion per year.
“This programme will focus on strategic infrastructure that unlocks national productivity,” Mahama said. “We’re commencing the Greater Kumasi Bypass as part of this bold initiative.”
He further pledged to begin reconstruction of roads in the Tepa, Adansi, and Manso areas.
On the long-awaited Accra–Kumasi Expressway, Mahama disclosed that feasibility and design works are already underway, with sod-cutting scheduled for early 2025. Once completed, the expressway is expected to shorten the Accra-Kumasi journey by 50km before the end of his term in 2029.
Touching on environmental issues, the President condemned illegal mining activities, emphasizing that his administration supports legal and responsible mining. He vowed to clamp down on ‘galamsey’ operations and promote sustainable practices within the mining sector.
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