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President Mahama Warns: Firm Action Against Attacks on Security Personnel and Public Officials
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm warning to communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties, especially during operations to curb illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalist Association Award ceremony held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday 8th November, 2025, themed on protecting Ghana’s future from the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey), President Mahama said such attacks will no longer be tolerated.
“I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them,” the President declared.
He described illegal mining as a national crisis that threatens the environment, water bodies, and the livelihoods of future generations. According to him, the fight against galamsey is not one of convenience but a moral and existential obligation.
“The theme of tonight’s event reminds us that protecting Ghana’s future requires a united stand against illegal mining. This is not a matter of convenience—it is essential for our very survival as a nation,” he stated.
President Mahama expressed concern that illegal mining has become deeply rooted in some communities to the extent that residents openly confront security teams sent to enforce the law.
“Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that, despite the obvious damage it causes, entire communities mobilize and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations,” he lamented.
He revealed that on Thursday, a group of journalists and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials were attacked by a mob during an anti-galamsey operation, leaving some reporters injured.
“Only yesterday, I received news of an accident in which some journalists were injured as they retreated from a community mob attack on EPA officials and security officers,” President Mahama said.
He added that he had directed the Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah to contact the injured journalists and ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
The President acknowledged the frustration of many young people who turn to illegal mining due to lack of jobs but stressed that destroying the environment cannot be a solution.
“I can understand that our young people have been deprived of opportunity over the years, but destroying the environment is like cutting off your nose to spite your face,” he cautioned.
He assured Ghanaians that government is working to create sustainable jobs through several new initiatives including the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, the Feed Ghana Program, the Poultry Revitalization Program, and the National Apprenticeship Program.
“The government is working hard to stabilize and grow the economy to create a conducive environment for job creation and employment,” he explained.
President Mahama also announced plans to expand environmental programs like the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and the Blue Water Guards Initiative, which he said will restore degraded lands and protect river bodies while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected areas.
“I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so we can recruit more youth into forest replanting and Blue River Guards to safeguard our water bodies,” he revealed. “These youth will receive a monthly stipend of 1,500 Ghana cedis.”
He concluded by commending journalists who continue to expose illegal mining activities despite facing personal risks.
“I wish to commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor and others who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted. It is patriotic, and your efforts strengthen our moral reserve to continue the fight,” the President said.
Entertainment
‘Give Me One Year of Your Visa’ – Peller’s Plea to Yaw Dabo Goes Viral
Nigerian content creator and streamer Peller was left surprised during a recent livestream after discovering that Ghanaian actor Yaw Dabo possesses a 10-year United States visa, despite Peller’s own unsuccessful attempts to obtain one.
The conversation, which has since gone viral on social media, became even more interesting when Peller also learned that Yaw Dabo is friends with England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
When asked about his relationship with the football star, Dabo confidently responded:
“Jude is my good friend, I have his number.”
The revelation visibly impressed Peller, who admitted that he is a huge admirer of Bellingham.
Speaking in pidgin English, Peller said he had spent $15,000 in an effort to secure an American visa but was unsuccessful. He appealed to Dabo to help him obtain one.
“I am one of his big fans. I do American visa, $15,000, visa they no give me. I don cry online, they no refund the money. Can you help me get the visa?” Peller asked.
In response, Yaw Dabo explained that he had no influence over the US visa application process and could not assist in obtaining a visa through personal connections.
Instead, he advised Peller to follow the official procedure by applying through the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
According to Dabo, embassy officials would assess applicants based on their background and online influence before making a decision.
“You have to go to the American Embassy in Nigeria and talk to the ambassador. When you go, they will check your background and your internet influencing history. If you qualify, they will give you,” Dabo said.
Still unconvinced by Dabo’s explanation, Peller jokingly suggested an unusual solution. He asked the Ghanaian actor to transfer one year of the validity of his 10-year US visa to him so that Dabo would still have nine years remaining.
In his humorous plea, Peller said:”Make them commot one year from your own make them give me. Carry one year give me from your 10 year visa, it will remain nine years. Abeg.
Entertainment
Lasmid expresses gratitude to Okomfour Kwadee for inspiring a new generation
Ghanaian musician Lasmid has expressed deep appreciation to legendary hiplife icon Okomfour Kwadee, acknowledging the profound influence the veteran artiste has had on today’s generation of musicians.
During a recent visit, Lasmid shared his excitement about meeting Okomfour Kwadee in person for the first time, describing the moment as a memorable and emotional experience.
Reflecting on his musical upbringing, the singer revealed that he grew up listening to Okomfour Kwadee’s songs, which played a key role in shaping his artistry and career.
“We came here today to show our appreciation because you’ve truly inspired us. This is my first time meeting you, and I’m incredibly happy and grateful. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us,” Lasmid said.
He added that Okomfour Kwadee’s distinctive musical style has inspired many young artistes, including himself, noting that his generation has drawn heavily from the hiplife legend’s sound.
“We listened to your music while growing up and took a lot of inspiration from it. Today, we create similar sounds because of your influence. That’s why we decided to come and visit you personally,” he added.
Entertainment
“Free Miracles Now!” – David Osei Warns Fear and Intimidation Are Hurting Ghana’s Democracy
Ghanaian actor and New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporter Prince David Osei has joined growing calls for the release of NPP communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye following his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In a post shared on his X account on Monday, July 13, 2026, the actor expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of state institutions, warning that such actions could weaken Ghana’s democratic principles and erode public trust in governance.
According to David Osei, public confidence in state institutions is threatened when citizens begin to question the fairness, openness and constitutionality of government actions. He argued that democracy is endangered when fear, intimidation and threats are used as tools of control.
“Public confidence in institutions can be shaken when citizens question the fairness, openness, and constitutionality of government actions.
“Democracy suffers when fear, intimidation, and threats are used to control. It’s essential to uphold due process, no matter the issue,” he wrote.
He further stressed that every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or the nature of allegations against them, deserves to be treated in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional due process.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent NPP communicator and spokesperson for former Vice President and the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has been an outspoken critic of the Mahama administration since the NPP lost the 2024 general elections.
His arrest follows an investigation launched by EOCO into the alleged misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds estimated at approximately GH¢55 million.
In a statement dated Monday, July 13, 2026, EOCO confirmed that Aboagye is under investigation over financial and procurement-related irregularities linked to his tenure as the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).
EOCO explained that the investigation was initiated after receiving a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, requesting further investigations into the findings of a forensic audit conducted at the secretariat. The audit examined the institution’s financial and administrative activities covering the period between 2022 and 2025.
The anti-graft agency stated that the ongoing investigations are intended to determine whether public funds were improperly managed or diverted during Aboagye’s time in office.
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