According to Mr. Asuman, the destructive activities of illegal miners are rapidly eroding the foundations of cocoa production by destroying vast stretches of fertile farmland, polluting critical water bodies, and drawing labour away from cocoa farms.

Speaking at Samahu in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality during the presentation of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, he said more than 19,000 hectares of productive cocoa farms have already been lost to illegal mining activities in major cocoa-producing regions, including Ashanti, Western and Central.

He noted that excavators are being deployed on cocoa lands to remove topsoil and create deep mining pits, leaving once-thriving plantations permanently damaged.

“Illegal mining is currently the biggest obstacle facing Ghana’s cocoa industry. It is destroying fertile land, contaminating our rivers with harmful chemicals and creating labour shortages that are affecting cocoa production across the country,” he stated.

Mr. Asuman warned that the continued destruction of cocoa farms is contributing to declining national output and reducing Ghana’s cocoa export volumes, with serious implications for foreign exchange earnings and the financial sustainability of COCOBOD.

He explained that falling production levels are limiting the cocoa regulator’s ability to meet its financial obligations and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of cocoa farmers.

“If urgent measures are not implemented, the cocoa industry in Ghana will perish,” he cautioned.

The Cocoa Farmers Support Programme forms part of efforts to boost cocoa yields, improve household incomes and strengthen the long-term resilience of farming communities in cocoa-growing areas.

The Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, also expressed concern about the growing trend of cocoa farmers selling their lands to illegal miners in exchange for immediate financial gains.

He said many farmers fail to appreciate the long-term value of cocoa cultivation, opting instead for short-term benefits that ultimately leave them worse off.

“The money they take from galamsey operators may sustain them for a short period, but cocoa is a lifelong investment that can support generations,” the MP noted.

Mr. Cudjoe commended initiatives such as the Gold Fields Foundation’s support programme, saying they provide much-needed incentives for farmers to remain committed to cocoa production and resist the temptation to engage in illegal mining activities.

Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the programme is designed to increase cocoa productivity, raise farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods in both mining and cocoa-growing communities.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the economic well-being of farmers while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The incident occurred during break time when pupils were playing on the school compound. The victim, identified as Christiana Opare, is said to have been bitten by a snake believed to have emerged from the bushy surroundings of the school.

According to reports, Christiana was immediately rushed to the Ekutuase CHPS Compound for medical attention. However, due to the severity of her condition, she was referred to the Elmina Hospital for further treatment. Sadly, she died while being transported to the facility.

The father of the deceased, Ernest Opare, has expressed disappointment over what he described as the poor state of the school environment. He alleged that overgrown vegetation on the compound created a habitat for dangerous reptiles, including snakes, thereby putting pupils at risk.

Mr. Opare also suggested that delays in seeking medical intervention may have contributed to his daughter’s death, arguing that a quicker response could have improved her chances of survival.

The child’s mother, Ama Vida, who was unwell at home when the incident occurred, recounted the heartbreaking moment she received news of her daughter’s condition.

Meanwhile, the Wassa East District Education Directorate has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragedy has sparked concerns among residents and parents about safety conditions in schools, particularly the maintenance of school compounds in rural communities.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Western Regional launch of the policy in Takoradi, Mr. Nelson stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to achieve the policy’s objectives.

According to him, the active involvement of healthcare professionals, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, and community leaders will be critical to the policy’s success.

“The government cannot achieve these objectives alone. We need the support and commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that quality primary healthcare services become accessible to every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live,” he stated.

Mr. Nelson noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at both the district and community levels would significantly improve access to healthcare services and enhance health outcomes across the region.

He described the Free Primary Healthcare Policy as a transformative intervention aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare access and improving the well-being of citizens.

The Minister further assured the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders of the unwavering support of the Western Regional Coordinating Council in rolling out the policy successfully across the region.

“The Western Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to supporting this initiative. We will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that the policy achieves its intended impact in our communities,” he added.

At the launch, the District Director of Health Services for Ellembelle, Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoako, provided stakeholders with an overview of the policy framework and its implementation strategy.

Dr. Amoako explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by improving access to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations and residents in underserved communities.

“This policy seeks to strengthen our healthcare delivery system and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to essential primary healthcare services without financial hardship,” he said.

He noted that the successful implementation of the policy would contribute significantly to the country’s efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.

The Free Primary Healthcare Policy forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access, strengthen preventive healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of care available to Ghanaians.

According to him, clearly defined boundaries among the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will eliminate jurisdictional conflicts and strengthen coordinated development efforts in the region.

Speaking on the Morning Light Show, Mr. Addey-Blankson, who also serves as President of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors in the Western Region and Chairman of the Western Regional Tender Review Committee, stressed the need for authorities to pay urgent attention to spatial planning and infrastructure expansion in the fast-growing metropolis.

“The boundaries between the assemblies within the Greater Sekondi-Takoradi area must be properly defined to avoid conflicts and also support effective revenue generation within the various jurisdictions,” he stated.

He further underscored the importance of improving the road network across the metropolis, noting that better accessibility would accelerate socio-economic development and ease movement within the area.

Mr. Addey-Blankson observed that although Takoradi was originally designed with a sound planning structure, rapid population growth over the years has placed enormous pressure on the city’s infrastructure and spatial arrangement.

“Takoradi was well planned, but the increasing population means there is a need to revisit the spatial planning structure to reduce congestion and improve the city’s layout,” he noted.

Touching on the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle, the surveyor argued that authorities should have established functional satellite markets before embarking on the project to minimise congestion and disruptions to trading activities.

He explained that the absence of alternative market centres has contributed significantly to traffic congestion and pressure on commercial spaces within the central business district.

Mr. Addey-Blankson also appealed to assemblies across the Western Region to improve communication with residents regarding ongoing development projects.

He said regular updates and stakeholder engagement would help reduce misinformation, speculation, and public misunderstanding surrounding government projects.

“As assemblies undertake developmental projects, residents must be adequately informed to avoid unnecessary speculation and build public confidence in the process,” he added.

The move is expected to pave the way for the construction of what authorities describe as Africa’s largest integrated petroleum and petrochemical complex.

Speaking during a media engagement, Dr Aubynn identified land acquisition as the most significant hurdle delaying the project’s take-off. He disclosed that the government has scaled down the project’s land requirement from an initial 20,000 acres to 5,000 acres, with compensation payments to affected farmers and landowners currently in their final stages.

According to him, completing the acquisition process will unlock the next phase of development, as investor interest in the project remains strong.

The ambitious Petroleum Hub Project, to be located in the Western Region, is designed to include three refineries with a combined processing capacity of 900,000 barrels per day, alongside five petrochemical plants, extensive storage facilities, and port infrastructure.

Phase One of the project alone is estimated at $12 billion. It is expected to contribute to Ghana’s economic growth significantly, positioning the country as a key energy hub on the continent. Officials have also projected that the development will transform Jomoro into the “Rotterdam of Africa,” in reference to Rotterdam, one of Europe’s largest oil and logistics centres.

Dr Aubynn emphasised that beyond its industrial scope, the project will generate thousands of jobs, enhance Ghana’s energy security, and reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

However, the initiative has not been without criticism. Some stakeholders have raised concerns over the project’s financing structure, potential environmental implications, and its alignment with Ghana’s climate commitments.

Despite these concerns, the PHDC remains optimistic that the successful completion of the land acquisition process will mark a major milestone toward delivering one of Africa’s most transformative energy infrastructure projects.

The vehicles, bearing registration numbers GE 8965-12 and GS 3368-17, were stopped at the Assorku Barrier in the Shama Municipality and later at Nkroful Junction at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Western Regional Police Headquarters, Superintendent Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, officers first intercepted a truck traveling from the Accra highway towards Takoradi. The vehicle was loaded with bags containing a substance concealed under sawdust.

She explained that although three occupants of the truck fled the scene, one suspect was arrested. The arrest led to intelligence that resulted in the interception of a second vehicle at Nkroful Junction, which was also found transporting the same suspected substance.

In total, police retrieved 152 bales from the two vehicles. Each bale reportedly contained approximately 80 parcels of substances believed to be Indian hemp.

Superintendent Adiku further disclosed that two additional suspects — Kwabena Forson, 55, and Isaac Kwame Kontor, 44 — were arrested for attempting to bribe officers with GH₵69,000 in a bid to secure the release of Moses Kweku Tawiah, 44, who had earlier been arrested at the Assorku Barrier.

In a press release dated November 5, 2025, the police stated that the rescue operation was carried out by the Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).

According to the police, the breakthrough came after the victim’s father, Ogbonno Onuigbo, reported his daughter missing in Nigeria in October 2025. He later received a call from his distressed daughter on October 24, 2025, during which she revealed she had been trafficked to Ghana and was being abused.

This report triggered a police investigation that led to the arrest of 25-year-old Joy Ogbonna at Aboso, near Tarkwa, on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Police findings outline a harrowing sequence of events. The investigation indicates that the victim was initially lured from Enugu, Nigeria, to Lagos by a woman identified as Golden Blessing, who is currently at large.

The suspect allegedly promised the teenager a cleaning job. Instead, she was handed over to Joy Ogbonna, who transported her to Tarkwa in Ghana.

Upon arrival, the victim was confined to a room, coerced into sex work, and all the money she earned was taken from her by the suspect.

The victim’s ordeal only ended after an intervention of a helpful passerby, who enabled her to contact her father. This crucial act led directly to her rescue by the police.

A medical examination following her rescue confirmed that the victim is five weeks pregnant.

The suspect, Joy Ogbonna, is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before the court soon. The police have also intensified efforts to arrest her accomplice, Golden Blessing, who is believed to have fled to Nigeria.

The Western Central Regional Police Command, in its statement, commended the public for their support and timely intervention. The command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons from all forms of exploitation.

The violence erupted after an attack on the Divisional Chief of Butre, Nana Egya Butia and his entourage, during a visit to Asemkow.

The chief reportedly sustained multiple cutlass wounds and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. One of his aides was killed during the assault.

In apparent retaliation, some residents of Butre allegedly mobilised and stormed Asemkow, setting fire to homes, shops, and other properties. The attack forced many residents, mostly women and children to flee for their lives, leaving the once-bustling community in ruins.

A visit to the area by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by Minister Nelson and Nana Kobina Nketsia V, revealed extensive devastation, with Asemkow described as “a ghost village.”

Minister Nelson condemned the violence and directed the security agencies, particularly the police, to arrest all those involved.

“Those responsible must face the law. Justice must be served to restore confidence and peace,” he stated.

The Ahanta West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ebenezer Aidoo, and Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, joined the delegation on the fact-finding visit.

Bissue appealed for calm, urging both communities to pursue peaceful resolutions to longstanding chieftaincy disputes.

“Ahanta West must move beyond these disputes and position itself for growth. I call on companies and individuals to support efforts to rebuild Asemkow,” she said.

Security personnel have since been deployed to the area to maintain peace and order as investigations continue.

With a population of over 2 million, accounting for nearly 7% of Ghana’s total, the region has re-launched the Western Regional Investment and Business Centre, an initiative aimed at attracting investors, fostering innovation, and creating jobs through strategic collaboration and resource coordination.

At the official launch, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson emphasized the urgent need to shift from rhetoric to action.

“We have lamented for far too long,” he stated. “Now is the time to take the bull by the horns, take control of our destiny, and ensure this region finally receives the attention and benefits its people rightfully deserve.”

Minister Nelson noted that the centre’s core mission is to unite key stakeholders, streamline resource utilization, and create a business-friendly environment that directly improves local livelihoods.

“The journey has just begun,” he added. “But I am confident that we will soon look back and see the significant progress we’ve made.”

Inclusive Leadership for Strategic Growth

To oversee the centre’s operations and ensure its long-term success, a 15-member committee has been inaugurated. The committee brings together representatives from strategic sectors, including agriculture, tourism, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Free Zones Authority, and traditional authorities.

Representing the traditional leadership, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, highlighted the longstanding disconnect between the Region’s resource wealth and the well-being of its people.

“We must find a way to participate in the utilization of the resources God has naturally endowed us with,” he said. “This centre is the vehicle through which we will uplift our people and ensure they are at the heart of every investment.”

Nana Nketsia underscored the importance of local involvement in all investment activities, insisting that the community must be viewed as a partner—not a bystander.

“Let me be clear: no investor comes here for charity. Every investor comes for profit, and we must be part of that profit-making,” he declared. “This local partnership provides a fundamental sense of security for any investor, signaling that the community supports their venture.”

A New Era of Local Empowerment

The re-launch of the Western Regional Investment and Business Centre marks a strategic turning point in the region’s development narrative. By fostering public-private partnerships and prioritizing local empowerment, the initiative aims to unlock the region’s full economic potential.

With a coordinated push from government, traditional leaders, and the private sector, the Western Region is poised to become not just a resource-rich area but a model of inclusive growth and sustainable development.