
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, announced that the church has been forced to discontinue traditional river baptisms in certain mining communities due to severe pollution caused by illegal mining activities, known as galamsey. Speaking at the 48th General Conference on April 22, 2026, Apostle Nyamekye stated that the widespread environmental degradation has contaminated river bodies, making them unsafe for religious practices. As a result, the church has adopted alternative methods, such as using synthetic rubber pools, for baptisms in affected areas. He also highlighted the broader negative impact of galamsey on church members who rely on farming for their livelihoods, noting that despite government efforts, the menace of illegal mining and its environmental consequences persist.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre GIPC showcased Ghana's investment potential at the 56th World Trade Centers Association WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia. GIPC Chief Executive Officer, Simon Madjie, presented Ghana's strategic advantages to global business leaders, investors, and policymakers from over 90 countries. Madjie highlighted Ghana's robust trade and investment frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, ECOWAS, AGOA, and trade agreements with the EU and UK, positioning the country as a gateway to regional and global markets. He also emphasized strengthening Ghana-US trade relations and emerging opportunities in agribusiness, energy, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, and the digital economy. A key announcement was the passage of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority GIPA Bill, 2026, designed to boost investor confidence and improve the ease of doing business. Ghana was the sole African nation to deliver a dedicated investment pitch at the forum, underscoring its competitive stance for foreign direct investment. Togbe Afede XIV, Executive Chairman of the World Trade Center Accra and a WTCA Board Member, noted the forum's importance in connecting Ghana's economy to global capital, technology, and markets.
Must ReadThe Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has criticized increasing political interference in traditional affairs, highlighting developments in Sampa in the Bono Region. Speaking at an Asanteman Council meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo recounted an alleged incident involving the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, and residents of Sampa. He accused several government officials, including Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, Minister of Chieftaincy and Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim, the Bono Regional Minister, and the Regional Police Commander, of contributing to uncertainty surrounding the Sampa Traditional Council. The Asantehene stated that the Sampa chieftaincy matter had already been settled through established processes, with the chief having taken the oath, the matter having gone to court, and the chief being registered by the National House of Chiefs. However, he alleged that obstacles continue to prevent the recognized chief from exercising authority, claiming that a regional minister wrote that the chief's security could not be guaranteed when he attempted to go to the town. Otumfuo further alleged bias in law enforcement actions, stating that arrests made during the dispute targeted only one faction, and that the regional minister allegedly contacted a judge on a holiday to have those arrested remanded into custody. The Asantehene also expressed concern over a broader pattern of disregard for judicial decisions in traditional disputes in communities such as Nk
Must ReadGhana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held urgent discussions with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, regarding the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa. Ablakwa stated he contacted Lamola concerning "trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa." He reported that Pretoria's response has been reassuring, with authorities pledging to investigate the incidents and engage diplomatic missions. The South African Foreign Minister expressed empathy for the victims and promised full-scale investigations. Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, is working with officials in Accra to locate and support affected individuals. One individual from the viral footage has been located and is receiving consular assistance. Ablakwa confirmed no Ghanaian fatalities have been recorded and urged calm. He emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens and called for African unity, cautioning against allowing isolated incidents to undermine solidarity.
Must ReadDr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Health and National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, has been appointed as a Secretariat Member of the African High-Level Ministerial Committee AHLMC. This African Union initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s influence in global health decision-making and reform the global health architecture to benefit the continent. Her appointment, announced in a letter dated April 13, 2026, by Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, follows a decision by the AU Assembly in February 2026. The AHLMC seeks to consolidate Africa’s position for a more equitable, coherent, and effective global health system. As a Secretariat member, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, a board-certified general surgeon and public health policy expert, will contribute to advancing priorities such as health governance reform, sustainable financing, equity in healthcare access, resilient health systems, and data and accountability. Her role positions Ghana prominently within Africa’s efforts to reshape global health governance and aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s health agenda, which emphasizes health sovereignty, system strengthening, preventive care, and regional cooperation. President Mahama has prioritized improving public health financing, rebuilding confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme, expanding access to primary healthcare, and launched the Free Primary Healthcare policy