KOFI 360

31/08/2026

Egyapa Mercer Hits Back at Mahama Government Over Galamsey Fight

Former Sekondi Member of Parliament, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has criticised the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over what he describes as its approach to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Egyapa Mercer argued that the continued focus on blaming the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration does not address the expectations of Ghanaians, who voted for the NDC to take decisive action against the menace.

Speaking during a television discussion, Mercer questioned the government's approach to the galamsey crisis and suggested that the NDC, while in opposition, presented a strong position on how the problem would be tackled once it returned to power.

His comments come amid renewed public concern over illegal mining and its impact on Ghana's forests, rivers and other natural resources.

According to reports monitored by KOFI360NEWSGH from the programme, Mercer maintained that political blame should not replace concrete action to deal with illegal mining.

He argued that Ghanaians did not vote for a government simply to hear explanations about what the previous administration did or failed to do, but expected the government in power to deliver on its promises.

Mercer's criticism also reflects a broader political debate over the responsibility of successive governments in dealing with galamsey. The issue has remained one of Ghana's most difficult environmental and governance challenges, with both the NPP and NDC facing criticism over their respective approaches.

The former MP has previously criticised the Mahama administration over its handling of the galamsey fight. In September 2025, he argued that the fight against illegal mining had weakened under the current administration.

However, the comments represent Mercer's political assessment of the government's performance and should not be treated as an independent finding that the NDC has failed to combat galamsey.

The Mahama administration has maintained that it is committed to tackling illegal mining and protecting Ghana's natural resources. President John Mahama has also spoken publicly about taking action against activities destroying the country's natural resources.

The renewed political exchanges are likely to keep galamsey at the centre of Ghana's national debate, particularly as the government faces pressure to demonstrate measurable results in protecting the country's water bodies and forest reserves.

The statements attributed to Andrew Egyapa Mercer are presented as his views and political criticism. KOFI360NEWSGH has not independently verified every claim contained in his remarks.

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31/08/2026

Egyapa Mercer Hits Mahama Government Over Galamsey Fight, Says Ghanaians Voted for NDC to End Menace.

Former Sekondi Member of Parliament Andrew Egyapa Mercer has criticised the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over its approach to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Egyapa Mercer questioned the government's continued focus on the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, arguing that Ghanaians voted for the NDC to take action and address the galamsey menace.

According to the former MP, the NDC made strong commitments while in opposition regarding how it would deal with illegal mining once it returned to power. He therefore believes the government must now demonstrate clear and effective action rather than continually blaming the NPP for the problem.

His comments were made during a television discussion on the issue of galamsey — KOFI360NEWSGH monitored the live stream of the programme and confirmed that Egyapa Mercer made the comments concerning the government's handling of the illegal mining crisis.

The former Sekondi MP's criticism comes at a time when galamsey remains a major national concern, particularly because of its impact on Ghana's rivers, forests and other natural resources.

Egyapa Mercer suggested that the expectations of voters were centred on finding solutions to the problem, rather than continued political exchanges over which administration bears responsibility for the worsening situation.

The comments have further intensified the political debate over the government's strategy for tackling illegal mining, with the NDC government facing pressure to demonstrate tangible results in its efforts to protect Ghana's water bodies and forest reserves.

It is important to note that Egyapa Mercer's comments represent his political assessment of the government's performance. They should therefore be understood as criticism from a former NPP lawmaker rather than an independent determination that the government has failed to fight galamsey.

KOFI360NEWSGH watched the live broadcast in which Andrew Egyapa Mercer made the remarks. His comments were also reported by multiple reliable media sources.

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31/08/2026

Egyapa-Mercer Questions Mahama Government Over Failure to Declare State of Emergency on Galamsey.

Former Sekondi Member of Parliament, Andrew Egyapa-Mercer, has questioned why the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has not declared a state of emergency over galamsey if it is genuinely concerned about the lives and wellbeing of Ghanaians.

According to Egyapa-Mercer, the continued destruction caused by illegal mining raises serious concerns about the government's commitment to protecting the lives, health and livelihoods of citizens.

The former MP questioned the government's approach to the galamsey crisis, arguing that if the situation is considered serious enough to threaten the lives of Ghanaians, then the government should consider taking stronger and more decisive measures.

His comments were made during a television discussion on the country's fight against illegal mining.

Egyapa-Mercer has been critical of the government's handling of galamsey and has previously questioned the NDC's approach to tackling the menace after returning to power.

The galamsey crisis remains a major national concern, with illegal mining activities linked to the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of water bodies and concerns over the long-term impact on communities that depend on rivers and other natural resources.

The former Sekondi MP's comments therefore add to the growing political debate over whether the government's current measures are sufficient to deal with the scale of the problem.

However, his call for a state of emergency represents his political position on how the galamsey crisis should be addressed. KOFI360NEWSGH has not independently established that the legal conditions required for declaring a state of emergency have been met.

KOFI360NEWSGH monitored the television discussion in which Andrew Egyapa-Mercer made the remarks. The statement is therefore attributed directly to him and should be understood within the context of his political commentary on the galamsey situation.

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31/08/2026

Ghana Has Improved in Galamsey Fight but More Work Remains – Elikem Kotoko.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says Ghana's fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is not yet where it needs to be, although the country has made progress compared with the situation in the past.

According to Elikem Kotoko, the government and relevant state institutions still have more work to do to fully address the galamsey menace and protect Ghana's forests and water bodies.

He, however, maintained that Ghana is no longer in the same position it was previously, suggesting that measures taken to tackle illegal mining have resulted in some level of progress.

His comments come amid continued public debate over the effectiveness of efforts to combat illegal mining across the country.

The galamsey menace remains a major national concern because of its impact on Ghana's forest reserves, rivers, farmlands and communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Kotoko's assessment presents a position that acknowledges both progress and the challenges that remain. While he believes the country has moved forward, he also concedes that the fight has not reached the desired level.

The comments are likely to fuel further discussions about the government's strategy, enforcement measures and what more needs to be done to bring illegal mining under control.

KOFI360NEWSGH monitored the discussion in which Forestry Commission Deputy CEO Elikem Kotoko made the remarks. His comments are presented as his assessment of the current state of Ghana's fight against galamsey.

KOFI360NEWSGH has not independently quantified the extent of the progress he referred to and therefore does not present that assessment as an independently established measurement.

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31/08/2026

Declare State of Emergency on Galamsey Threat to Forests and Water Bodies – Emmanuel Kotin

The Executive Director of the Africa Center for Security & Counterterrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has called for a state of emergency to be declared over Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies, arguing that the illegal mining menace has reached a critical stage.

According to Emmanuel Kotin, the scale of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become a serious national security and public safety concern, particularly because of its reported impact on lives, forests and water resources.

He believes the situation has reached a point where ordinary measures may no longer be sufficient to contain the menace, and stronger national action is required to protect Ghana’s critical natural resources.

Kotin’s call comes amid continued public concern over the activities of illegal miners and their impact on Ghana’s rivers, forest reserves and surrounding communities.

Illegal mining has remained one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental challenges, with concerns about the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of water bodies and the potential consequences for communities that depend on those resources.

For Kotin, the growing concerns over deaths and other consequences associated with galamsey require the country to treat the issue with greater urgency.

His proposal for a state of emergency would represent a significant escalation in the country's response to illegal mining, although any such declaration would have to follow the appropriate constitutional and legal processes.

Kotin's comments also add to a growing national debate over whether existing measures are strong enough to stop illegal mining and protect Ghana's natural resources.

KOFI360NEWSGH reports Emmanuel Kotin’s call as a position expressed by him during his discussion on the galamsey crisis.

His assertion that the menace is claiming more lives is presented as his assessment and has not been independently quantified by KOFI360NEWSGH in this report.

KOFI360NEWSGH therefore makes no independent claim that a state of emergency is legally required at this stage.

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31/08/2026

The North East Regional NADMO Director has addressed the public on the spillage of the Bagre Dam, outlining the situation, potential impact on communities, and measures being taken by authorities to protect residents and minimise the effects of possible flooding.

31/08/2026

SkyTrain, Adu-Boahene Cases Among Key Oral Cases Before Ghana Courts.

Accra, Ghana — August 31, 2026

Several high-profile criminal matters are scheduled for proceedings before Ghana’s courts on Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the ongoing SkyTrain case and the cybersecurity software case involving Kwabena Adu-Boahene and another among the cases being closely watched.

According to information confirmed by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, the following matters are listed for oral proceedings.

Monday, August 31 — Supreme Court. Republic v. Solomon Asamoah & Another — SkyTrain Case

The Supreme Court is scheduled to sit at 10:00 a.m. today, Monday, August 31, 2026, to deliver its ruling on a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction in the SkyTrain case.

The application is connected to former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chief Executive Officer Solomon Asamoah, who is seeking to halt proceedings at the trial court pending the determination of a separate application invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on the application on August 28, with counsel for Mr Asamoah, Victoria Barth, presenting the applicant's case, while Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai represented the Attorney-General in opposition.

The court, presided over by Justice Senyo Dzamefe sitting as a sole judge, subsequently adjourned the matter to August 31 for its ruling.

The ruling could determine whether the underlying trial proceedings are temporarily halted while the related Supreme Court challenge is considered.

The SkyTrain case concerns an alleged US$2 million transaction connected to the proposed Accra SkyTrain project, which was never constructed. The accused persons have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the courts.

Tuesday, September 1 — Court of Appeal. Republic v. Solomon Asamoah & Another — SkyTrain Case

The Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear the matter at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The case concerns a repeat application for a stay of proceedings by the second accused (A2), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, in the continuing SkyTrain litigation.

Reports from Graphic Online and Citi Newsroom confirm that a fresh application seeking a stay of proceedings pending appeal was filed on August 21, with September 1 given as the hearing date.

The development comes after the High Court granted the two accused persons additional time to file their defence processes, setting September 23, 2026, as the deadline for their witness statements.

Tuesday, September 1 — Specialised Court 1. Republic v. Kwabena Adu-Boahene & Another — Cybersecurity Software Case

Also scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, before Specialised Court 1, is the ongoing criminal case involving former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and another accused person.

The case has been progressing through cross-examination of prosecution witnesses. Recent proceedings have focused on financial transactions and evidence presented by an Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) investigator.

During the latest proceedings, the defence questioned the prosecution's evidence concerning alleged financial movements, including a reported GH¢1.5 million transaction. The witness acknowledged that a specific withdrawal slip or SWIFT message relating to that transaction had not been produced before the court.

The court has scheduled the matter to continue on Tuesday, September 1, with cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness expected to continue.

The Adu-Boahene case has also been affected by legal arguments surrounding proceedings during Ghana's legal vacation. The High Court previously rejected a request to suspend the trial pending a Supreme Court review application concerning the continuation of selected criminal cases during the vacation.

The three proceedings are expected to attract significant attention because of their potential implications for the ongoing criminal cases.

KOFI360NEWSGH will continue monitoring the proceedings and provide readers with updates as the courts make their decisions.

Where proceedings involve allegations, claims or disputed evidence, KOFI360NEWSGH will distinguish between the prosecution's case, the defence's position and matters determined by the courts.

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29/08/2026

A Number of Judges Are Retiring Soon, Mahama May Have Known Before Appointments — Akwatia MP.

Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has suggested that President John Dramani Mahama may have been aware that a number of judges are due to retire soon, which could have influenced his decision to nominate new justices to the Supreme Court.

Speaking on JoyNews’ NewsFile programme on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Mr Baidoo was asked about the decision by President Mahama to nominate three individuals for appointment to the Supreme Court.

In response, the Akwatia MP said he was confident that the President had information about upcoming retirements within the judiciary.

«“I am sure the President knows a number of judges are retiring soon and that may have informed his decision to make the appointments,” Bernard Bediako Baidoo said.»

The MP’s comments come amid a political debate over President Mahama’s recent Supreme Court nominations, with the Minority in Parliament questioning the timing and necessity of the appointments.

According to a report by MyJoyOnline, Mr Baidoo rejected claims that the nominations amounted to an attempt by the government to “pack” the Supreme Court. He argued that the circumstances surrounding the current nominations are different from the controversy over judicial appointments during the previous administration.

The controversy follows President Mahama’s nomination of Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr for appointment to the Supreme Court.

Parliament subsequently approved the three nominees following consideration of the Appointments Committee’s report.

The Minority has raised concerns about the process and timing of the nominations, while the governing side has defended the appointments.

Mr Baidoo’s explanation introduces another dimension to the debate: that the President may have been acting with knowledge of forthcoming retirements among members of the judiciary.

KOFI360NEWSGH reviewed the available reporting and the NewsFile discussion in which Bernard Bediako Baidoo made the comments regarding judges who may be retiring soon. JoyNews also published the MP’s position on the Supreme Court nominations.

However, the specific number of judges expected to retire and the exact retirement dates were not established in the material reviewed by KOFI360NEWSGH. The claim that upcoming retirements influenced the President’s decision is therefore presented as Mr Baidoo’s explanation, rather than as an independently established fact.

The development is likely to keep the debate over judicial appointments and the future composition of Ghana’s Supreme Court in the public spotlight.

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29/08/2026

29/08/2026

NPP communicator reacted to Prof Gyampo