馃嚞馃嚟GhanaWest Africa
Climate change impacts already visible in Tarkwa, urgent action needed
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Professor Eric Stemn, Head of the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department at the University of Mines and Technology UMaT, stated that climate change is already affecting communities in Tarkwa, necessitating urgent action to prevent further environmental damage. Speaking at UMaT鈥檚 World Environment Day celebration, Prof. Stemn highlighted that residents are experiencing these effects, making it crucial for stakeholders to adapt and invest in sustainable environmental practices. The event, in collaboration with Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, focused on "A Call for Climate Action: Renewable Energy, Forest Expansion and Zero-Waste Initiatives." Prof. Stemn noted that Ghana generates over 13,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with less than 10 percent recycled, and has lost nearly two-thirds of its forest cover since 1950. Research in Tarkwa showed over 1,000 hectares of forest lost in the past four years, contributing to drying rivers and environmental degradation. Despite challenges, Ghana has significant renewable energy potential, and stakeholders should leverage solar and other clean energy sources to meet the 2030 target of 10 percent renewable energy in the national mix. John Kwesi Adingila, Senior Manager for Environment at Gold Fields, emphasized forest restoration as an environmental, economic, and human survival issue, noting Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine's concurrent land rehabilitation practices. Portia Afful, an Environmental Officer at AngloGold A
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
President John Dramani Mahama met with Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance ALMA, in Accra to discuss strengthening public health systems in Africa. The discussions focused on the Accra Reset, President Mahama's vision for an Africa that manufactures its own vaccines, builds resilient health systems, and reduces reliance on foreign aid. President Mahama also highlighted Ghana's Free Primary Health Care programme, which provides free basic healthcare services at CHPS compounds and polyclinics without requiring a National Health Insurance Scheme card, as part of Ghana's efforts towards Universal Health Coverage. Byanyima praised President Mahama's leadership in promoting health sovereignty, recognizing its importance for Ghana, Africa, and the Global South. This meeting took place as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, where African leaders are convening to strategize on strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.
Must ReadThe Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has responded to comments made by a United States immigration judge regarding its investigation into allegations against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The OSP clarified that it was not involved in the US immigration proceedings and that its role concerns extradition proceedings being pursued through Ghana's Attorney General. The OSP stated that the extradition case is separate from the immigration case before the US court and that the immigration court has no authority to determine the credibility of criminal charges against Ofori-Atta. The OSP outlined three separate legal proceedings involving Ofori-Atta: immigration proceedings in the US, extradition proceedings in the US, and criminal prosecution before the High Court in Accra. The office maintained that Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, a valid warrant of arrest has been issued by the High Court, Accra, and he remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana. The OSP assured that the criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue in accordance with the law and the directives of the High Court, regardless of Ofori-Atta's presence in the country. The US immigration judge, David Gardey, had stated that the court found the affidavit filed by the OSP lacked convincing evidence to support the allegations against Ofori-Atta, and that the OSP failed to demonstrate Ofori-Atta's engagement in criminal activity or personal benefit from his role as Finance Minist
Must ReadIMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe stated that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi should initiate broader action against politicians involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political affiliation. Cudjoe described the case as significant, demonstrating that high-profile individuals can be prosecuted when evidence is available. He expressed hope that this outcome would encourage law enforcement to pursue other cases involving politically exposed persons, stating it is the only way to win the war against illegal mining and water pollution. Cudjoe urged that investigations should not conclude with Wontumi and called for all politicians named in former Minister Dr. Frimpong Boateng鈥檚 dossier on destructive illegal mining to be investigated and prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found. He also encouraged President John Dramani Mahama to identify members of his own party involved in illegal mining and called for the expedited investigation of NDC officials Joseph Yamin and Abanga Yakubu by EOCO.