Government has been urged to provide Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) with adequate funding, legal authority and operational support to strengthen the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
A new study has warned that assigning district assemblies greater responsibility for monitoring and controlling illegal mining without the necessary institutional and financial backing could undermine efforts to address the menace.

The study, conducted by Globe and Systems Consulting (Canada) and SysGlo Solutions Ghana Limited, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Ghana and two Canadian universities, argues that district assemblies are better positioned to monitor mining activities because of their proximity to affected communities.

It maintains that national regulatory institutions, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cannot effectively monitor the hundreds of scattered and constantly changing mining sites across the country without the active involvement of local authorities.

According to the researchers, district assemblies have daily access to mining communities and possess local knowledge and legal authority over land use and development, making them critical partners in mining monitoring and enforcement.
The findings come amid renewed calls for MMDCEs to assume greater responsibility in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, following the maiden National Conference of MMDCEs on Illegal Small-Scale Mining, held in Kumasi on November 2.

At the conference, the chief executives were tasked with supporting operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, promoting cooperative mining, prioritising land reclamation and establishing district-level anti-illegal-mining coordination mechanisms.
However, the researchers cautioned that these responsibilities would be difficult to discharge without clearly defined mandates, dedicated budgets and effective accountability structures.

Assemblies lack resources
The study found that although some district assemblies already monitor mining sites, respond to complaints, support enforcement operations and undertake reclamation activities, much of the work is conducted informally.
It identified the absence of specific legal mandates, standard operating procedures, mandatory reporting requirements and dedicated budgets as major weaknesses in district-level mining governance.

In some districts, task forces have undertaken activities including registering and mapping mining operations, removing miners from river bodies and enforcing land reclamation.
However, the researchers observed that the effectiveness of such interventions often depended on the personal commitment of individual District Chief Executives rather than established institutional arrangements.

The study also raised concerns about alleged complicity, irregular fee collection and political interference in some districts, warning that weak monitoring systems make it difficult to assess the performance of assemblies.
Lead Researcher, Dr John Boakye-Danquah, said assigning responsibility to local authorities without establishing the necessary governance structures would not produce the desired results.

“Mining is local, so the lead in enforcement and monitoring should also be local. That is the governance fit Ghana needs but currently lacks,” he said.
Prof Yaw Agyeman Boafo, of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana, also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in district-level mining governance.
“Assemblies need clear rules, digital records and independent oversight so that good performing districts can prove their performance and weak ones cannot hide,” he said.

Funding and accountability
Another major concern identified by the researchers was the inactivity of District Mining Committees, which they said had largely become dormant shortly after their inauguration and training.

The study attributed the situation partly to inadequate operational funding, unclear powers and the absence of reporting obligations.
A district finance officer interviewed during the research explained that organising committee meetings involved financial commitments, including fuel, transportation and allowances for members, which some assemblies struggled to meet.

To address these challenges, the researchers recommended a dedicated funding arrangement for district mining oversight, alongside clearly defined responsibilities for assemblies in monitoring, registration, licensing support, community engagement, reclamation and enforcement.

They also proposed that national regulators and security agencies be formally required to collaborate with district assemblies through joint inspections, information sharing and coordinated enforcement activities.

Additionally, the study recommended common performance indicators for mining districts, monthly reports on mining operators and their locations, as well as independent audits of district mining records, accounts and reclamation activities.
The proposed district mining registers, according to the researchers, could also provide the foundation for a national gold traceability system under the Ghana Gold Board.

Crackdowns not enough
Dr John Boakye-Danquah (Adjunct Lecturer, University of Saskatchewan, Canada) called for a rapid national assessment of district mining governance to determine the capacity of individual assemblies before assigning them additional responsibilities.

“Government does not yet know which districts are ready for this role and which are not. A rapid national assessment of district mining governance, followed by targeted training for MMDCEs and core officials, would show where to begin and where support is most needed,” he said.

The study followed a policy dialogue organised by the research team under the theme, “Beyond the Crackdown: Putting District Assemblies at the Heart of Mining Governance in Ghana”, at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra on March 26, 2026.
Following the dialogue, the researchers presented their findings and a district-level implementation plan to the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources; Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; and the Ghana Gold Board.

Dr Boakye-Danquah maintained that repeated military and security operations alone would not provide a lasting solution to illegal mining.
“It is time to stop pretending that the next crackdown will end galamsey,” he said, stressing that although enforcement remained necessary and mining in water bodies must remain prohibited, sustainable solutions must also address the livelihoods of people in mining communities.

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He has called on the government to establish a dedicated compensation fund for farmers whose lands are destroyed by mining, while compelling mining companies to reclaim degraded lands and return them to their original owners.

Speaking in an interview with The Chronicle, Mr Sarpong, President of Friends of Rivers and Waterbodies, said the growing competition between mining and agriculture posed a serious threat to cocoa production, rural livelihoods and the country’s agricultural future.
He argued that Ghana could exploit its mineral resources without sacrificing agriculture but insisted that this required responsible mining practices, stronger environmental protection and adequate compensation for affected farmers.

Farms under threat

Mr Sarpong painted a worrying picture of farming communities where mining activities are increasingly taking over lands previously used for cocoa cultivation and other agricultural activities.

He said the destruction of farms had far-reaching consequences for farming families, particularly children whose education depended largely on their parents’ agricultural income.
“The situation is getting worse in mining areas. We are witnessing a tragic trend where the children of farmers are dropping out of school because their parents’ farms and farmlands have come under vicious attacks by miners.

The future of these children is bleak,” he said.
His concerns come against the backdrop of figures disclosed by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in February 2025, indicating that approximately 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms had been destroyed by illegal mining and other human activities as of December 2024, while another 50,000 hectares were reportedly at risk.

Mr Sarpong said the figures should compel policymakers to reconsider the country’s approach to mining, particularly surface mining, which he believes poses significant risks to agricultural lands and waterbodies.

He suggested that underground mining should be considered where feasible, to minimise the destruction of farmlands.
Where surface mining was necessary, he urged operators to undertake gold washing in designated ponds and treat wastewater before discharge to prevent further environmental pollution.
“As for gold mining, we should do it, but we should look at good ways of doing it,” he added.

Compensation for farmers

The environmentalist questioned the fairness of a situation in which the country benefits from mineral revenues while farmers whose livelihoods are destroyed struggle to rebuild their lives.
“The gold that the government is getting cannot compensate the long-term benefits of cocoa,” he said.

He proposed a dedicated compensation mechanism to identify genuine farmers affected by mining, assess their losses and ensure they receive adequate and timely support.
According to him, compensation should go beyond one-off cash payments to include sustainable interventions that protect affected households from long-term economic hardship.

He particularly called for educational scholarships for children from farming families whose livelihoods had been destroyed by mining activities.
“If the government is benefiting from gold and does not need the cocoa farms, then it is good that they are properly compensated, especially with scholarships for the children,” he stated.
He warned that the loss of a family’s principal source of income could also deprive children of educational opportunities, potentially exposing them to poverty and limited economic prospects.

Mining companies must reclaim lands

Beyond compensation, Mr Sarpong called for stricter enforcement of land reclamation requirements, insisting that mining companies must restore degraded lands to conditions suitable for agricultural production.
He argued that paying farmers compensation without restoring destroyed lands would not provide a sustainable solution.
“It is not enough to pay a farmer and leave the land dead and polluted. The mining companies must be legally bound to reclaim the land to a standard fit for agriculture,” he said.

He explained that reclamation should go beyond filling abandoned pits to include restoring soil fertility, establishing proper drainage systems and ensuring that reclaimed lands were safe for cultivation.
He also called for independent monitoring to ensure that mining companies complied with reclamation requirements.

Mr Sarpong proposed that properly reclaimed lands be returned to their original owners to enable them to resume farming and secure their livelihoods.
“If a farmer’s land is reclaimed and given back to him, he has a future. He can plant again. His children can have an inheritance. This is true justice,” he stated.

Who benefits from mining?

Mr Sarpong also questioned the distribution of mining’s economic benefits, arguing that farmers and vulnerable rural communities often bear the environmental and economic costs of mining without enjoying corresponding benefits.
“Mining is good for the miners, for rich people. It doesn’t benefit the poor farmer,” he observed.

He said cocoa farming required years of investment and hard work, with farms serving as sources of household income, children’s education and inheritance for future generations.
He maintained that Ghana must adopt a balanced natural resource management approach that allows the country to benefit from its mineral wealth without sacrificing agriculture and environmental sustainability.

He reiterated the need for fair compensation, educational support for affected children, alternative livelihood opportunities and the restoration of degraded farmlands.
He stressed that national development should not be measured solely by revenue generated from gold but also by the country’s ability to protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of ordinary citizens.

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The directive comes amid mounting pressure from commercial drivers who have threatened industrial action by the end of November 2026, if the government fails to clear traders occupying designated bus stops across the country.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has postponed its planned industrial action until the end of November, insisting that the government must address the situation to prevent drivers from being forced to pick up and drop off passengers at unauthorised locations.

The drivers’ concerns are linked to the newly introduced TrafficTek traffic enforcement technology, which they fear could expose them to penalties for stopping at unauthorised locations when designated bus stops have been taken over by hawkers.

In a statement, the AMA acknowledged that the occupation of designated bus stops by hawkers obstruct the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, contribute to traffic congestion and force commuters to board and alight from vehicles at unsafe locations.

It warned that the situation posed significant risks to public safety and could increase the incidence of road accidents.

Enforcement Begins

The Assembly said the Mayor of Accra, Michael KpakpoAllotey, had already initiated enforcement measures, including the removal of traders occupying unauthorised spaces at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and parts of the Central Business District (CBD).

It has consequently directed all hawkers and traders operating at designated bus stops to immediately cease trading and vacate the affected locations within 48 hours.

The Assembly warned that it would intensify enforcement and take action against persons who failed to comply with the directive in accordance with its by-laws.

It also cautioned traders against returning to locations that had been cleared, warning that anyone found reoccupying the bus stops could face further enforcement measures, including prosecution.

TrafficTek Concerns

The GPRTU’s concerns centre on the difficulties commercial drivers face in accessing designated bus stops, particularly under the newly introduced TrafficTek enforcement system.

Drivers fear that the continued occupation of bus stops by hawkers could leave them with limited options for picking up and dropping off passengers, potentially exposing them to fines for stopping at unauthorised locations.

They have also raised concerns about the additional financial burden of operating from alternative locations, where applicable charges could increase their operating costs.

The union has, therefore, given the government until the end of November to resolve the situation, warning that failure to clear the traders from the bus stops would compel it to embark on industrial action.

AMA Defends Directive

The AMA said the exercise formed part of its commitment to maintaining public order, promoting road safety and ensuring the orderly use of public spaces across the metropolis.

It urged traders to cooperate with the directive and refrain from conducting business in areas reserved for the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The Assembly maintained that restoring designated bus stops to their intended use was necessary to improve traffic movement and protect commuters from the dangers associated with boarding and alighting from vehicles at unsafe locations.

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He said the Speaker’s decision to maintain the directive for MrJinapor to leave the Chamber, despite the MP having withdrawn allegations he made on the Floor, was disproportionate, humiliating and inconsistent with the dignity of Parliament.

MrAfenyo-Markin made the allegations on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 when he read a statement on behalf of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, condemning the treatment of MrJinapor over his comments on the alleged sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports.

MrJinapor, who is also the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, had raised allegations concerning the alleged sale of diplomatic passports for amounts ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000 and sought answers from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

According to the Minority, when the Speaker directed him to withdraw the allegations, MrJinapor sought clarification on the specific allegation in question before expressly withdrawing it twice.

However, the directive for him to leave the Chamber was maintained, prompting the Minority Caucus to stage a walkout in solidarity with him.

“The dignity of Parliament requires candour, especially when that candour is uncomfortable,” MrAfenyo-Markin said while reading the statement.

He acknowledged the Speaker’s responsibility to maintain order in the House and ensure that allegations made by MPs were properly substantiated, but insisted that such authority must be exercised with restraint, fairness and impartiality.

The Minority maintained that a member’s request for clarification did not amount to defiance and that MrJinapor’s withdrawal should have been acknowledged rather than followed by his removal.

Beyond the incident, MrAfenyo-Markin said the substantive allegations surrounding the procurement and alleged sale of diplomatic and service passports required investigation.

He said the Minority had supporting material which, in its assessment, raised concerns about alleged false representations and impersonation in the procurement of such passports through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He further alleged that the practices could have developed into an illicit trade, insisting that the claims were serious enough to warrant parliamentary scrutiny.

The Minority called for the material to be examined and its authenticity tested, while allowing all persons implicated to respond fairly.

It also demanded that the Speaker reconsider the treatment of MrJinapor, that the supporting material be admitted through the appropriate parliamentary procedures and that the Foreign Affairs Minister be required to appear before Parliament to respond to the allegations.

Citing Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, MrAfenyo-Markin argued that parliamentary committees had the constitutional responsibility to investigate the activities of ministries and government departments.

He warned against frustrating that responsibility because the issues under investigation were politically inconvenient.

The Minority Leader also criticised what he described as the potential use of the government’s overwhelming parliamentary majority to intimidate the Minority and suppress accountability.

He noted that the governing side commanded more than two-thirds of Parliament, arguing that such numerical strength imposed an even greater responsibility to protect the rights of the Minority.

“The Majority may possess the votes, but the Minority must retain an effective voice and a keen eye for scrutiny,” he said.

MrAfenyo-Markin cautioned that when executive dominance was reinforced by overwhelming parliamentary numbers and legitimate scrutiny was repeatedly frustrated, the danger of what he termed “elective dictatorship” could emerge.

He further alleged that members of the Minority had faced arrest, detention and onerous bail conditions since assuming their roles in opposition, raising concerns about the potential abuse of state institutions for political purposes.

The Minority, however, maintained that it supported lawful accountability for all citizens but would resist any attempt to use state power to intimidate political opponents.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy, parliamentary accountability and the rights of elected representatives to scrutinise government activities.

“Samuel Abu Jinapor shall not be silenced. The Minority Caucus shall not be silenced,” the statement declared.

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According to a press release signed by DSI Barbara Sam, on behalf of the Head of Public Affairs, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a border patrol operation.

A team of four officers responding to an unusual sound intercepted a man transporting a load on a tricycle. The rider attempted to flee and as the officers approached to inspect the load, it exploded.

The explosion killed the tricycle rider instantly and injured two immigration officers. One of the officers later succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving emergency medical care at Nandom Hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

The Sector Commander and a team of officers have since visited the scene. The area has been secured and investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The GIS has assured the public that border security operations in the Hamile Sector remain fully operational and that measures have been taken to ensure safety in the area.

The Service has also appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from circulating unverified information, images or videos of the incident.

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For years, unemployment has remained one of Ghana’s most pressing socio-economic concerns. Every year, thousands of graduates leave universities, technical institutions, and vocational centres in search of opportunities that are often difficult to find. Many others remain trapped in informal employment, short-term engagements, or low-productivity activities that offer little security and limited prospects for growth. While successive governments have introduced employment initiatives, the demand for decent work continues to outstrip available opportunities.

However, unemployment is only one side of Ghana’s labour market challenge. The other side is the growing number of workers who are employed but poorly paid. Across the country, many people wake up each day, faithfully report to work, and contribute to the growth of businesses and the economy, yet struggle to meet their basic needs. Rising prices of food, transportation, rent, healthcare, education, and utilities have significantly increased the cost of living, leaving many working families under considerable financial pressure.

The current national daily minimum wage of GH₵21.70 illustrates this reality. For a worker employed over a standard 25-day working month, this amounts to approximately GH₵542.50, or about GH₵547.50 by some calculations. The question policymakers must ask themselves is simple: can any worker realistically maintain a decent standard of living on less than GH₵550 a month in today’s economy? For many households, the answer is clearly no. Such income levels leave little room for savings, emergency expenses, children’s education, or long-term financial security.

As a result, many Ghanaian workers find themselves in a troubling paradox. They have jobs but remain economically vulnerable. Employment, which should be a pathway to prosperity and social mobility, has become for many merely a struggle for survival. A budget that focuses only on the number of jobs created without considering the quality of earnings risks overlooking this important reality.

This year’s budget therefore presents a unique opportunity to address both challenges simultaneously. Ghana needs policies that generate sustainable employment opportunities while improving wages and living standards. A successful jobs agenda should not be measured solely by employment statistics but also by the ability of workers to afford a decent life from the fruits of their labour.

A bold review of the national minimum wage should therefore be a key component of the budget. Incremental increases that are quickly eroded by inflation are no longer sufficient. What is required is a significant upward adjustment that reflects prevailing economic conditions and the true cost of living. Such a move would not only improve the welfare of workers but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusive economic growth.

Admittedly, concerns about the impact of higher wages on businesses are legitimate. However, the solution cannot be to maintain wage levels that perpetuate hardship among workers. Government can complement wage reforms with measures such as tax incentives, access to affordable financing, productivity enhancement programmes, and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Economic growth is strongest when businesses succeed and workers share fairly in the benefits.

Indeed, higher wages can contribute positively to economic growth. Workers with increased disposable income spend more on goods and services, creating demand that supports local businesses and stimulates economic activity. Stronger purchasing power translates into healthier domestic markets and can help drive further job creation.

Ultimately, the success of this year’s budget will be judged not only by how many jobs it promises but by how effectively it improves the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The unemployed need opportunities. Workers need better pay. Families need relief from the mounting pressure of rising living costs.

As the Finance Minister prepares to present the budget, Ghanaians will be looking beyond projections and policy statements. They will be looking for practical solutions to the challenges they face every day. A budget that confronts both unemployment and low wages head-on would send a powerful message that economic growth must be matched by improved livelihoods.

The choice before policymakers is clear. Ghana does not simply need more jobs. Ghana needs more jobs, better pay, and a renewed commitment to the dignity of work.

By Dr. Paa Kwesi Eduaful Abaidoo  

Source:  myjoyonline.com

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Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has already initiated clearance operations at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and parts of the Central Business District. The AMA has warned that traders who disregard the directive or return to cleared locations will face sanctions, including prosecution under its by-laws. The Assembly says the exercise forms part of efforts to restore public order, improve road safety and ensure the proper use of public spaces.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) 48-hour ultimatum to traders and hawkers occupying unauthorised bus stops is a necessary intervention that deserves public support. However, the success of this exercise must not be measured by the number of traders removed or structures dismantled, but by whether the Assembly can permanently restore order and make Accra’s public spaces safe and accessible.

Bus stops are not trading centres. They are essential components of the urban transport system, designed to facilitate the orderly movement of vehicles and passengers. When traders occupy these spaces, commercial drivers are compelled to stop at inappropriate locations, while commuters are exposed to moving traffic as they struggle to board or alight from vehicles. Pedestrians, particularly children, older persons and persons with disabilities become even more vulnerable when designated walkways and stopping points are obstructed.

The Accra Road Safety Report released in 2025 recorded a 34 per cent increase in road traffic fatalities in the capital in 2024, with pedestrians accounting for more than half of the deaths. The National Road Safety Authority also reported that pedestrian knockdown deaths nationwide increased from 590 in 2024 to 704 in 2025. These figures should compel city authorities to treat pedestrian infrastructure as a public safety necessity rather than expendable commercial space.

We, therefore, consider the AMA’s decision to reclaim designated bus stops at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and parts of the Central Business District a step in the right direction. The Assembly has a responsibility to enforce its by-laws and protect public infrastructure from unauthorised occupation. Indeed, the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), provides district assemblies with the authority to make by-laws and address obstructions and nuisances in public spaces.

However, the recurring nature of Accra’s decongestion exercises raises an uncomfortable question: why must the city repeatedly clear spaces that should never have been occupied in the first place? Previous enforcement operations, including the introduction of the AMA’s Red Line Policy in February 2026, demonstrate that the problem is not necessarily a lack of announcements or clearance exercises. It is the difficulty of sustaining enforcement after the initial publicity has faded.

The Assembly must therefore resist the temptation to treat this 48-hour ultimatum as another isolated campaign. It needs a properly resourced monitoring team, regular inspections and consistent sanctions against offenders, irrespective of their status or political connections. Enforcement must also extend to those who facilitate illegal occupation or collect unauthorised payments from traders. Selective enforcement will only undermine public confidence.

Equally important is the need to recognise the economic realities of informal trading. Thousands of people depend on street commerce for their livelihoods. While economic hardship cannot justify obstructing public transport infrastructure, the Assembly must ensure that its decongestion policies do not simply transfer the problem from one location to another. It should work with market authorities and trader associations to identify available trading spaces, improve existing markets and establish transparent arrangements for allocating approved vending locations.

The AMA must also improve the design and maintenance of bus stops, provide clear markings and ensure that pedestrian walkways remain accessible. Commercial drivers, too, must respect designated stopping points and avoid picking up passengers indiscriminately along the road.

Ultimately, a well-managed Accra cannot be achieved through forceful clearances alone. It requires planning, discipline, public education and sustained accountability. The Assembly must demonstrate that its commitment to reclaiming public spaces is a permanent urban management policy, not a temporary show of authority.

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A Nigerian-registered articulated truck, registration number T-26001LA (Lagos State), has remained at the location for more than a month, worsening rush-hour congestion on an already busy corridor.

CUTS says the continued obstruction raises concerns about road safety, national security, enforcement and the monitoring of cargo vehicles.

Appiah Kusi Adomako, the Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International in Accra, photographed the truck on 8 October 2026 after observing the vehicle at the location for several weeks.

“I photographed this truck on 8 October after seeing the vehicle parked there for weeks. The truck continues to occupy road space while motorists struggle through congestion. The responsible agencies owe the public an explanation for this prolonged inaction,” Mr Adomako said.

The truck stands less than 100 metres from the point where police officers regularly direct traffic at Neoplan Junction.

CUTS questions how an obstruction so close to routine police operations has remained unresolved for weeks.

According to CUTS, traffic management requires officers to identify hazards and ensure their removal.

The relevant municipal assembly must also report persistent obstructions and coordinate with enforcement agencies to protect road users.

The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, L.I. 2519, provide a basis for intervention. Regulation 235(1)(e) prohibits parking on a road except in an emergency with adequate advance warning. Regulation 235(3)(e) also prohibits parking on a hard shoulder except in an emergency.

Where a vehicle has broken down, regulation 127(1) requires the owner or person in charge to ensure immediate removal. Regulation 127(7) requires the Police or NRSA to tow or authorise towing of a broken-down vehicle left in a dangerous position or likely to cause an accident or injury.

CUTS says the circumstances also warrant a security assessment. The organisation has no verified information about the cargo or whether the authorities have inspected the truck. No visible cordon has been observed.

“A loaded truck left beside a busy road for weeks should attract official attention. The Police should establish ownership, verify the cargo and assess the circumstances. Public safety requires active supervision and timely intervention,” Mr Adomako said.

Lessons from Appiaste Explosion and Beirut Port Explosion

CUTS draws attention to the Appiatse disaster of 20 January 2022, when a collision involving a truck transporting mining explosives resulted in an explosion which devastated the community. The incident demonstrates the severe consequences of road incidents involving hazardous materials.

The Beirut port explosion in Lebanon on August 2020 demonstrates the consequences of neglecting hazardous cargo. Ammonium nitrate stored without adequate safety measures for about six years exploded, killing more than 200 people, injuring thousands and devastating surrounding neighbourhoods.

The disaster reinforces the need for authorities to identify cargo, assess risks and act promptly when loaded vehicles or potentially dangerous materials remain unattended. CUTS makes no allegation about the contents of the Achimota truck, but urges the responsible agencies to inspect the vehicle and establish the appropriate safeguards without further delay.

Following the disaster, the Minerals Commission introduced additional safeguards for transporting explosives, including strengthened inspection and escort arrangements. CUTS says the lessons from Appiatse should inform routine monitoring and enforcement.

Regulations 79 and 80 of L.I. 2519 address hazardous-goods transportation, including driver qualifications, cargo documentation, labelling and vehicle safety. If inspection establishes hazardous cargo, the responsible agencies must enforce those requirements and any additional applicable controls.

CUTS calls on the Ghana Police Service, National Security, NRSA and the relevant municipal assembly to inspect the truck immediately, identify its owner and operator, and verify the cargo. The agencies should assess the risks, provide appropriate warnings and arrange safe removal using suitable equipment.

They must also explain the prolonged failure to clear the obstruction, investigate any neglect of duty, and apply the relevant sanctions, including recovery of towing and storage costs where the law permits. To prevent similar situations, CUTS urges the agencies to establish routine checks and clear reporting arrangements for stationary trucks along major roads.

“The owner must take responsibility for the truck. State agencies must also fulfil their enforcement responsibilities. Road users should not continue to bear the consequences of this neglect,” Mr Adomako said.

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Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government remains in close communication with US authorities over the investigations and would not relent until justice was manifestly done.

In a post on his official X account, Mr Ablakwa said the Foreign Ministry and Ghana’s diplomatic missions would continue to actively pursue justice for Ghanaians who suffered attacks anywhere in the world.

He stressed that an attack on a Ghanaian anywhere in the world was an attack on the entire country.

NYPD investigates bullying angle

The latest police developments indicate that investigators are examining whether bullying at Javits’ school played a role in his killing.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny disclosed that three suspects wearing hoods and surgical masks allegedly approached the teenager before chasing and shooting him.

According to police, Javits dropped his backpack while fleeing, which was subsequently taken by a passer-by. The backpack has not been recovered.

Mr Kenny said investigators were considering several possible motives including bullying, robbery and whether the teenager had been mistaken for a rival gang member.

The development follows claims by Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, that two students had recently been suspended after allegedly bullying his son at school.

Police are seeking information from the New York City Department of Education about the reported incidents but have had to pursue a subpoena to obtain the relevant records.

Mr Kenny, however, said investigators had found no indication that Javits was involved in gang activity.

No arrests had been made as of the latest police updates, while investigations continued.

Family members secure US visas

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian Government has facilitated the expedited processing of US visas for Javits’ mother, Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi and his cousin, to enable them to travel to the United States.

Mr Ablakwa commended the US Embassy in Accra for processing the visas within the same day, following what he described as special interventions by US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Kwame Mamdani.

He expressed gratitude to the two US leaders for their intervention, adding that the two relatives were expected to depart Ghana for the United States within hours.

The arrangement is expected to enable the family members to join their relatives following the teenager’s death.

Another Ghanaian reportedly found dead

The development comes amid alleged reports of another Ghanaian death in the Bronx involving 24-year-old Joseph Owusu, reportedly an Organist at the Ghana United Methodist Church.

His body was reportedly discovered at a dumpsite by a scrap collector, approximately two weeks after he went missing.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death have not been independently established and there is no confirmed evidence linking the two incidents.

Ablakwa sympathises with family

Mr Ablakwa expressed sympathy to Javits’ parents and relatives, describing the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death as heartbreaking.

He said no parent deserved to lose a 15-year-old child under such circumstances and assured the family of the government’s continued support.

He reiterated that the Foreign Ministry and Ghana’s diplomatic missions would remain committed to pursuing justice for Ghanaians wherever they found themselves.

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A market survey by DAILY POST on Wednesday showed that NNPCL retail outlets in Abuja and its environs have reduced their petrol price to N1,325 per litre from between N1,370 and N1,405 per litre.

This means the state-owned oil company’s filling stations have reduced their pump price by between N45 and N80 per litre.

The new price has been implemented at NNPCL outlets in Gwarimpa and along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja.

A fuel attendant at an NNPCL outlet in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.

“The fuel price was adjusted downward this afternoon,” she told DAILY POST.

The development comes barely two days after DAILY POST reported that filling stations across Nigeria, including NNPCL outlets, were expected to reduce their petrol prices following the latest gantry price cut by the Dangote Refinery.

The Dangote Refinery had reduced its petrol gantry price to N1,215 per litre.

Credit: dailypost.ng

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