Nduom Predicts Doom For NDC If…

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the 2008 presidential candidate for the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has predicted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is likely to end its political administration in the year 2012 if it fails to change its mode of operation. He pointed out that if President Mills and his NDC government want to doubt him, he would help him recall the voting pattern of Ghanaians, particularly those in the coastal areas. “I can say emphatically, that changes of political parties within this country came as a result of the leader’s failure to ensure that fishermen got pre-mix fuel all the time particularly during the bumper harvest, that is the time they get more fish from the sea,” he said. Dr. Nduom made the statement, while commenting on the shortage of pre-mix fuel among fishermen across the country in a press release he signed and issued in Accra. According to him, one thing he has realised is that politicians do not learn from past experiences, explaining that if they did learn from these experiences, the current shortage of pre-mix fuel would downplayed by the NDC government. Dr. Nduom stressed that one thing President Mills and his NDC government should understand is that, they should not engage themselves in the distribution of pre-mix fuel, as they are trying to do now. He added that, it should not be the duty of the government to dictate to fishermen how to share the pre-mix fuel that would be supplied to them. According to him, the duties of the National Pre-mix Committee should be viewed with great caution by President Mills, as there are opportunities for corruption and political backing that could greatly affect the poor fishing communities. According to Dr. Nduom, the appointment of the local pre-mix committee is not as important, as the fishermen themselves definitely know how to go about the supply of the product when it is available. He said what the government should understand is that, the fishing communities do not have much trust and faith in such committees. It would be recalled that a cross-section of fishermen and fishmongers in some costal areas, particularly in the Western and Central Regions, have subjected President John Evans Atta Mills and his NDC government to verbal assault, for failing to honour his promise of ensuring a regular supply of pre-mix fuel to fishermen nationwide. The fishermen had therefore threatened to embark on a massive demonstration against the NDC government for worsening their situation. The action of the fishermen, according to Dr. Nduom would seriously affect the NDC administration if proper steps were not taken by President Mills to address their concerns. Source: Daily Guide

Ghana:National Security on Red Alert

Highly sophisticated group of money launderers also with interest in illicit drugs have entered the country from one of the neighboring counties, a highly placed security source has told The Enquirer. According to the source, the group is suspected to be led by one Abass Yousef, who claims to be close to the Royal family of the United Arab Emirates. The security service has therefore cautioned potential investors and the business community to be on the look out for the group while the security agents are working tirelessly to pull the breaks on their heels. A security source told The Enquirer that members of the group is an American of a Lebanese origin and one other man suspected to be an Iraqi. The Enquirer gathered from source that the group is suspected to have entered into the country last Monday, July 27, 2009. According to the source, the group has succeeded in swindling a number of businessmen in a number of countries in the West Coast. The source said that the group is believed to have chosen Ghana as their current base because of the country’s image. The source said that he prevailing stability coupled with the visit by the US president, Barrack Hussein Obama, the group is likely to attract attention among investors and the local-business community. The source said that the group operated in other countries in concert with local men and women

With Oneness, We Shall Regain Power - Kufuor

JAK “We must eschew sycophancy and focus on winning back power to develop the country through freedom.” Those were his words when the former President, J.A. Kufuor was given a platform at Alisa Hotel on Wednesday, July 29th July, 2009. The former President who led the NPP to win power in 2000 and 2004 was advising his party members at the 3rd Annual Ferdinand Ayim Memorial Lecture. The occasion was marked in memory of the late Ferdinand Ayim who was a journalist and also a leading member of the New Patriotic Party. The ex-President encouraged the party members to hold on together in faith and throw away anything that will whittle away their chances and also expressed the need for the party to win power. “We must win power and try to hold on to it for long through democratic means,” he added. Not only did the party discuss issues of interest to them, they also deliberated on the Ghanaian economy. The former finance Minister, Mr Osafo Maafo who delivered the lecture called for the promotion of broad-based development within a stable and comfortable environment with the ultimate aimed at improving the standard of living for all Ghanaians. The former Minister was speaking on the topic: “Ghana’s Developmental Challenges: Perspective on The Roles of Competence, loyalty and Sycophancy.” Also present at the function was the Chairman of the Party, Mr. Peter Mc-Manu, the flagbearer in the last elections, Nana Akufo Addo, the General Secretary, Nana Ohene Ntow, Mr Mpiani and several other party officials. Source: www.peacefmonline.com

Man held for identity theft against U.S. Rep.

A man is being held in Ghana on charges of attempted extortion and identity theft against U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, the U.S. Secret Service has said. Eric Kwame Agbosu, 27, was arrested on July 15 by authorities in Ghana, Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said. Donovan declined to reveal other details of the case, including whether any other public figures were victimized. A person familiar with the investigation said Wexler was contacted several weeks ago by a man from Ghana who had Wexler’s Social Security Number and other information and threatened to turn the data over to identity theft specialists if Wexler didn’t pay him. The source said the man also had similar information on other public figures. The source said Wexler refused to pay and contacted the U.S. Capitol Police. Since Wexler was contacted by the man in Ghana, the source said, unauthorized attempts have been made to gain access to Wexler’s personal bank account and to use his credit cards. President Obama visited Ghana in July. The Secret Service said there did not appear to be any relationship between the presidential visit and the timing of the alleged extortion of Wexler. Wexler’s office referred questions to an attorney, Pamela Marple, who issued this statement: “Congressman Wexler greatly appreciates the professionalism and ongoing assistance of the United States Secret Service and Capitol Police regarding a matter where he was targeted as a Member of Congress and was the victim of crime involving extortion and attempted identity theft. This remains an ongoing legal matter that will be closely monitored.” Source: GHP

Central University College Student arrested for defrauding American

23-year-old student of the Central University College in Accra has been arrested by the Police for allegedly defrauding a 71-year-old American, Lloyd Mutinsky, of thousands of dollars. Richard Tetteh, according to the Police, introduced himself as Doris Laryea to Mr Mutinsky through contact on the internet and succeeded in duping him to the tune of 320,000 dollars. The two have been in a relationship since 2006. Luck, however, ran out for Tetteh last week when he appeared at a post office to collect an amount of 41,000 dollars and a parcel of brassieres and other ladies underwear sent to him by Mr Mutinsky, Detective Superintendent Denis Abade, head of the Vetting and Criminal Analysis (VCA) unit of the CID old the Times on Monday. Mr Abade said through correspondence on the internet, Tetteh lured Mr Mutinsky into believing that he was dealing with a single woman - a fellow American citizen schooling in Ghana who was interested to marry a male partner from the US. He had told Mr Mutinsky he also dealt in gold and other precious minerals. Mr Abade said to convince Mutinsky that he was dealing with a woman, Tetteh posted a number of pictures of a lady to him as a result of which he sent to Tetteh, an unspecified amount of money to procure an air ticket to visit him in the US. Superintendent Abade said at a point, the two agreed to get married in the USA for which Mutinsky sent more money to Tetteh for other travelling expenses. However, after sometime, Tetteh informed Mutinsky that he would not be able to travel to the US because he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport for carrying gold ornaments. Much later, Tetteh made yet another request for money from Mr Mutinsky to enable "her" to travel to the US for a visit. However, on the scheduled date when Mutinsky was to pick the supposed lady at airport, he again, had information that "she" was deported at the Heathrow Airport. Mr Mutinsky at this point became suspicious and subsequently informed the US Embassy in Accra from where the CID was alerted. The American was made to send some items, including a DVD deck and assorted ladies wear to Tetteh and he was arrested when he went to collect the items. Source: Times/Ghana

Man beheads son for juju

Residents of Ankaase, a farming community near Derma in the Brong Ahafo Region, were shocked to the marrow last Tuesday July 28, 2009, following the gruesome murder of a 14-year-old boy by his father for money ritual. The boy, Paul, was allegedly beheaded by his father, a farmer who was known in the community only as Naa. The suspect, prior to the cold-blooded murder, had boasted that he was going to be rich very soon. According to residents, Naa sacked his wife from their house in order to carry out the dastardly act. Narrating the story to Daily Guide, Kwame Nsiah, an elder of Yaw Manukrom, the farming community where Naa lived, said three days before the murder, the suspect drove his wife and her two-year-old son away. He said Naa was a prominent yam farmer who normally sold his produce to a certain businessman from Accra. On that fateful day, the businessman came to the cottage to buy yams as usual; and Naa, a Wala from the Upper West Region, picked a quarrel with his wife and drove her away on that same day. A neighbour who stayed close to Naa’s house, Maame Abena Nsoah, told Daily Guide that she saw Naa escorting the boy into the bush in the night and wondered why he was going there at that ungodly hour. She said the following day, she did not see the boy. According to Maame Nsoah, the suspect suddenly started behaving abnormally. She said Naa, who was not used to drinking alcohol, started drinking Apketeshie and telling people that he would be rich within a week. He even confided in a friend that the businessman who was in his house had introduced him to ‘sakawa’ and in a matter of one week, he was going to be fabulously rich. His friend then reported the matter to an elder of the town who also asked Naa where his son was. When Naa could not offer any tangible explanation, he was beaten up until he confessed to killing the boy. The matter was reported to the Derma Police who arrested and made him show where the boy was buried. When the body was exhumed, the head was nowhere to be found. The suspect told the police he had hidden the head in his house and that the businessman whose name he could not mention was to take the head to Accra to perform some rituals for him. He was led to the house where the head was uncovered, but unfortunately, the businessman was nowhere to be found. The case had since been sent to the Sunyani Regional Police headquarters for investigations. Source: Daily Guide/Ghana

Police won't kill innocent people

Police Public Affairs Director, DSP Kwesi Ofori says the police have learnt from mistaken killings and are careful not to repeat the unfortunate incidents. His comments come in the wake of criticisms of indiscriminate killings of suspected armed robbers. DSP Ofori told Joy FM’s Current Affairs Programme, Front Page, that charges that the police could have been killing innocent Ghanaians are unfounded. He said the police were diligent in their duties and will not deploy any disproportionate force in dealing with suspected armed robbers. He emphasisied that police patrol teams were trained on the rules of engagement and that those rules were strictly adhered to. Staff of Multimedia who suffered at the hands of armed gangs narrated their ordeal to the host of Front Page, Kwaku Sakyi Addo. Co-producer of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Sedem Ofori said he has been attacked on three different occasions. He said on one instance, a young man standing by the roadside grabbed him and members of the gang who had been hiding emerged and they attacked him, took away his wallet and other belongings. According Sedem, armed robbers at another time tore his burglary proof and broke into his room, took away money, DVD player, and other personal effects. A chilling account was given by the General Manager of Multi TV, Rudi Lokko. He recounted an encounter with marauding young men who intended to either seize his car at his home or empty its content. But his resolve to stop the rubbers from attacking his family compelled him to confront them head on. Mr Lokko endured cutlass wounds but managed to make it unsafe for the attackers to advance to his residence to cause further havoc. He expressed regret that while he was struggling with the robbers and screaming, none of his neighbours thought it wise to come to his aid. For him, nieghbours must be more concerned about each other. Mr Lokko was also unhappy about poor addressing system in the country saying the police could have foiled the attack on him and other neighbours if the police could easily locate the area having been called by his wife. Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline/Ghana

Bawku Central MP charged

Adamu Daramani Sakande, MP for Bawku Central The Attorney General has initiated criminal proceedings against Adamu Daramani Sakande, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central. On Thursday, the MP was served with the summons in the court room of the Court of Appeal whilst waiting for that court to hear an application for Stay of Proceedings in a civil matter in which he is praying the Court of Appeal to stay proceedings at the High Court pending the determination of his appeal. According to the charge sheet which is under the hand of the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Gertrude G. Aikins, the MP faces nine counts. Count One reads "Prohibited Immigrant contrary to Section 8(2) of the Immigration Act, 2000, Act 573.” The particulars of the offence state that on or about the 20th day of December, the MP entered Ghana whilst a prohibited immigrant. Count Two reads "Forgery of Passport or Travel Certificate contrary to Section 15 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967, N.L.C.D. 155.” The particulars of the offence reads that the MP on or about the month of February, 2001 with intent to contravene the immigration laws of Ghana did apply to be issued a Ghanaian passport by stating that he is Ghanaian, a statement which he knew to be false at the time. With 'regard to Count Three, it states: "False declaration for office or voting contrary to Section 248 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29.” The particulars of, the offence provide that on the 15th day of October, 2008 at Bawku, in the Upper East Region, the MP, in order to qualify as a Parliamentarian did make a statutory declaration to enable him qualify to act in that office, which declaration he knew to be false. Count Four reads "Perjury contrary to Section 210 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29." The particulars of offence provide that on or about the 15th day of October, 2008 at Bawku, in the Upper East Region, the MP did swear a statutory declaration which stated that he was a citizen of Ghana which, statement he knew to be false. Count Five reads "Deceiving a public officer contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29.” The particulars of the offence state that on or about the 15th day of October, 2008 at Bawku in the Upper East Region, with intent to facilitate the obtaining of an appointment as a parliamentarian, the MP did deceive a public officer acting in the execution of a public office or duty by a declaration that he is a Ghanaian, which declaration he did not have good reason to believe to be true. Count Six reads "Registration offences contrary to Section 27 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992, P.N.D.C. L. 284." The particulars of the offence state that the MP, before the 2008 elections at Bawku, in the Upper East Region made a false statement in an application to have his name included in the voter's register. Count Seven reads, "Unauthorised voting contrary to Section 29 of the Representation of the People Law, P.N.D.C.L 284” with the particulars of the offence stating that the MP knowingly voted at the 7th December, 2008 presidential and parliamentary election, at which election he was not entitled to vote. Count Eight reads "Unauthorised voting contrary to Section 29 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992, P.N.D.C.L 284." The particulars of offence provide that on 288th December, 2008, at Bawku, in the Upper East Region, the MP knowingly voted at the presidential run-off election at which election he was not entitled to vote. Count Nine states "Registration offences contrary to Section 24 of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 1995.” The particulars of offence read that on or about the last opening of the voters register in Ghana, the MP registered as a voter when he was aware of his disqualification to do so. The charge sheet was filed on the 22nd day of July, 2009. The service of the charge sheet on Hon. Adamu Daramani Sakande sets the stage for what promises to be an interesting battle in court. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, the MP was summoned to the Police CID headquarters on an invitation. He however declined to make any statement to the Police as requested. Source: Ghanaian Observer

950 Vodafone workers to go home

Vodafone says the exercise will be fair Some 950 workers of Vodafone Ghana will be laid off in a compulsory redundancy programme. The lay-off to be implemented at the end of November will affect all departments and could also lead to the closure of non-core departments. This is different from the voluntary retirement package offered the workers under which they were offered three months salary per each year served with the company. The compulsory redundancy programme also offers three months basic salary for each year served. Chief Manager for Corporate Communications, Isaac Abraham who disclosed this to the media on Friday said the move is aimed at delivering better services to customers of the company. He said the decision to lay off staff is part of a restructuring programme to be conducted in a “a fair and transparent manner.” Vodafone took over the management of Ghana Telecom (GT) after it acquired 70 percent stake in the national telecoms operator. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Concern at Nigeria Islamist death

Mohammed Yusuf wanted to impose a strict version of Islamic law Human rights campaigners have voiced concern over the death of the leader of an Islamic sect in Nigerian police custody, calling it "unlawful" killing. Nigerian government officials said Mohammed Yusuf, 39, was shot while trying to escape. His capture by police had been announced just hours earlier. His group is blamed for days of unrest that has left hundreds of people dead. The Boko Haram group wants to overthrow the Nigerian government and impose a strict version of Islamic law. Mr Yusuf was held and later shot in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri. Bilkisu Babangida in Maiduguri At about 4pm I was about to leave for home with the rest of the journalists. We received a phone call to return back to the government house because the man, Mohammed Yusuf had been captured. So we rushed up to that place. We heard some gunshots from somewhere, then we were told that the man had been "executed" at the police headquarters, at about 7pm. I saw a video and after that I rushed to the police headquarters and I saw the corpse. I even photographed the corpse of Mohammed Yusuf. A BBC reporter in the city was among journalists shown two films, one apparently showing Mr Yusuf making a confession; the other showing what appeared to be his body, riddled with bullets. "Mohammed Yusuf was killed by security forces in a shootout while trying to escape," the regional police assistant inspector-general, Moses Anegbode, told Nigerian television. A spokesman for the state governor was also quoted as saying that Mr Yusuf had been trying to escape. One policeman told AFP news agency Mr Yusuf had "pleaded for mercy and forgiveness before he was shot." Troops had stormed the stronghold of Boko Haram - sometimes referred to as Taliban - on Wednesday night, killing many of the militants and forcing others to flee. Mr Yusuf was arrested on Thursday after reportedly being found hiding in a goat pen at his parents-in-law's house. 'Gun battles' Staff at Human Rights Watch said there should be an immediate investigation into the case. "The extrajudicial killing of Mr Yusuf in police custody is a shocking example of the brazen contempt by the Nigerian police for the rule of law," said Human Rights Watch's Eric Guttschuss. Another Human Rights Watch researcher, Corinne Dufka, told AP news agency: "The Nigerian authorities must act immediately to investigate and hold to account all those responsible for this unlawful killing and any others associated with the recent violence in northern Nigeria." The violence began on Sunday night in Bauchi state, before spreading to other towns and cities in the northeast of the West African nation. Nigeria's 'Taliban' enigma Eyewitness: Nigeria attacks Fear and tension after attack Nigerian attacks: Your reaction Crowds of militants tried to storm government buildings and the city's police headquarters, but dozens of them were shot dead by security forces. Several days of gun battles between militants and Nigerian security forces ensued, culminating in the assault on the militant's stronghold. It is thought more than 300 people have died in the violence - some estimates say 600, although there has been no official confirmation. The Red Cross said about 3,500 people had fled the fighting and were being housed in their camp. Witnesses and human rights groups have accused the military of excessive violence in quelling the militants, but the army says it used a minimal amount of force. Police say Mr Yusuf was a preacher from Yobe state, who had four wives and 12 children. They described him as a inspirational character. His sect, Boko Haram, is against Western education. It believes Nigeria's government is being corrupted by Western ideas and wants to see Islamic law imposed across Nigeria. Sharia law is in place across northern Nigeria, but there is no history of al-Qaeda-linked violence. The country's 150 million people are split almost equally between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south.

Nigerian pastor declines to swear by Bible

By gna - Ghana News Agency

Accra, July 30, GNA – A Nigerian Pastor who appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Thursday declined to swear by the Bible.

Pastor S. Ovia said he preferred to affirm in open court that he was going to produce Bertha Akosua Boatema, a trader who is accused of defrauding 36 persons of GH¢ 13,500.00 under the pretext of renting rooms to them.

The court presided over by Mr D.E.K Daketsey in July ordered the arrest of Boatema for failing to appear before it.

Because the Police could not trace Boatema, the court compelled her surety Nana Oware, to produce her in court.

When the case was called Boatema resurface in the court room but could hardly walk.

Pastor Ovia who accompanied her to court said Boatema was receiving prayers and treatment at his church and pledged to ensure that Boatema pays the monies promptly.

The court however did not only take his verbal submission but asked that he should swear by the bible and provide written commitment.

“I swear by the Almighty God to ensure prompt payment of the monies so help me God,” Pastor Ovia declared.

When Pastor Ovia appeared in court he brought along GH¢ 4,000.00, as part payment.

Mr Owusu Sekyere, Boatema's lawyer informed the court that his client had already paid GH¢ 2,500 to the Police.

He prayed the court to give her time to pay the rest of the money.

The court obliged and adjourned the matter to August 27.

It asked the angry would be tenants who had insisted they should be given some of the monies to remain calm until at least half of the money was retrieved.

Boatema is alleged to have defrauded 36 persons under the pretext of providing them with rooms to rent but failed to do so. She has pleaded not guilty and the court admitted her to bail.

GNA

Source: gna - Ghana News Agency

INVESTORS TURN ILLEGAL MINERS

...Chiefs accused of selling out to the Chinese

It is true; the Chinese are into 'Galamsey' mining in the country. Not only that; they have mined into River Ankobra, a prominent river that serves as the only source of drinking water for the farming communities of Adansi, Dikoto and Konkorso all in the Wassa Amenfi East District of the Western Region.

Under the mining regulations, the closest a mining activity can come to a river is 200 feet away. But the Chinese 'Galamsey' operators have mined much closer to River Ankobra. Indeed, in some cases, they have forced hoisted mud into the river to divert its natural course and create a way for them to seek out gold. So in the ongoing rainy season, the flooding near the river has spread much wider unto farms and roads.

What is more, whilst the Chinese seem to have taken a break in the wake of recent media reports, there are enormous pits left uncovered right along the river at different locations which have become storage tanks for rain water. A lot of this clayey water has found its way into the river giving it a milky look. A first time visitor from the city must be dying to drink water from the river in its current muddied state. But the locals have no choice.

The people of Adansi, who live a few metres right across the river thought they were going to be compensated when they first saw the Chinese in the area. Now feeling hard done by, they have seized two huge excavators the Chinese used to create the mosquito breeding pits near their long standing mud thatched houses. They are not even happy with their own traditional leaders. In low but defiant tones, they would blame their leaders for taking money from the Chinese and allowing them access to the area. The Chief of Adansi, like many others in the country, however does not stay in Adansi.

Indeed, WACAM, an NGO that has been mobilizing the people against the destruction of their lands has expressed worry over the case of some Chiefs and security personnel conniving with the Chinese. Mr. Owusu Koranteng of WACAM told Public Agenda that "the issue is a very serious one" and that "the level of environmental degradation, social problems and pollution caused by the illegal mining operations of the Chinese calls for immediate action by government to stop the activities of the network of Chiefs, Chinese, security agencies who are causing mayhem in the area."

Still, Kwadwo Awudi, 40, is a native of Dikoto, another farming community along river Ankobra. Awudi farms rice and maize right on the fringes of the river near the bridge that links the community with others. The Chinese came with their excavators and dug into half of his farm. In that same location, hoisted earth has been pushed into half of the river thereby severely narrowing its path. As compensation, upon his persistence, Awudi was given GHC 700.00 as compensation.

A few metres away from Awudi's farm is a house belonging to the Chief of Dikoto, Nana Ntiako Agyiri II who however lives in Akropong, the district capital.

It is in this house that the Chinese Galamsey operators are staying. Indeed, when Public Agenda visited him in his house at Akropong, Nana Ntiako Agyiri admitted renting the house out to them. And he did not see what the fuss was about him giving them accommodation. "Me," he said, "I stayed abroad for 13 years. I was renting peoples homes." This reporter and his team made a stop by and tried to talk to the Chinese. "No no no" was the chorus response as they claimed they did not understand English.

That said; there are several controversies surrounding the activities of the Chinese in the country. Meanwhile, a reliable source told Public Agenda that there are about six groups of them in the Wassa area alone who are moving from place to place in search of gold. When they are sacked from one place, they move to another.

In the first place, mining concessions, they say, are the preserve of Ghanaians. But Ghanaians, in most cases, do not have the needed equipment and the like for the job. That is where the Chinese are said to have come in at first. Indeed, the new District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Stephen Baidoo Acheampong said what the Chinese brought to him, upon demand, was only a license for the provision of "mining services" and not for actual mining.

He says he is bent on curtailing them. He knows though that he has to tread cautiously since he believes they have backing from somewhere; a place he cannot quite lay a finger on. For how could they have been so bold and scornful? He wondered. "One of them snubbed me when I wanted to talk to him," he said.

Indeed, many have said that it is Ghanaians who are fronting for the Chinese. And in that regard a man whose name has never been left out of the saga is one Eric Koffie, who told yours truly he has been in the mining business for over 20 years. In an interview, Eric Koffie denied vehemently ever having anything to do with the Chinese even as he explained that indeed the Chinese are into partnerships with some Ghanaians in the business. He mentioned Nana Ntiako Agyiri as one of those having a partnership with the Chinese. But the Chief also flatly denied allowing the Chinese access to his territory. He said he only provided them with accommodation.

So who permitted the Chinese, whom Eric Koffie said have been in the area for some two years now, to venture beyond providing mining services into actual mining?

Ghana's Minerals Commission (MINCOM), "has the authority under the Constitution to regulate and manage the utilisation of mineral resources and co-ordinate policies relating to minerals." So is the commission aware of the 'Galamsey' activities of the Chinese in the country? Public Agenda sought some answers from the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Benjamin Aryee.

Mr. Aryee admitted that indeed, the commission had issued licenses to a number of Mine Support Service Companies some of which included the Chinese. Such companies, he explained, are to support the work of "regularized small scale miners" and not those in illegal mining.

He said it is therefore illegal for the Chinese or any other group for that matter to go into mining in the country when they do not have the right to do so. "It is not different from armed robbery," he declared. And so when they heard about the Chinese, Mr. Aryee said, some of them were invited to the commission and warned to stop the mining and go back to reclaim the land they had destroyed.

Mr. Aryee called for vigilance, which has obviously been lacking, from the security agencies, the media and all Ghanaians in curbing illegal mining.

Even Ghanaian small scale miners have long earned a bad name. They are referred to as "illegal miners" mostly because their activities have largely gone unregulated; they do not pay taxes to government. They also defiantly venture into concessions meant for giant companies that are considered legal and the ensuing clashes have been deadly in some cases. Their activities have destroyed their own communities too.

In the main however, the local small scale miners do not have the heavy duty equipment the Chinese use. Relatively speaking therefore, the destruction caused by the Chinese is far greater. Moving from Saamang to Adansi, Dikoto and Konkorso, one comes across huge excavators belonging to the Chinese 'Galamsey' operators. Locals complain that the excavators have destroyed culverts and wooden bridges they have built on water ways for passage.

Author: Basiru Adam reports from Wassa