News Guide Africa

Tag: Ga Mantse

  • Julius Debrah demands responsible mining as Ghana’s gold output soars

    Julius Debrah demands responsible mining as Ghana’s gold output soars

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    …At the National Mining Dialogue in Accra, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah outlined a bold vision for domestic industrialization, while the Ghana Gold Board introduced its “IPE” strategy to empower host communities…

     

    Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Julius Debrah, has issued a stern reminder to mining executives, traditional authorities, and policymakers: Ghana’s rise to become Africa’s leading gold producer and the sixth-largest globally must be viewed as a solemn duty to the nation, rather than a mere point of pride.

    Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Dr. Debrah emphasized that global leadership in mining demands equal leadership in environmental protection, host-community development, and economic transformation.

    “Ghana’s position as the 6th largest gold-producing nation in the world places a huge responsibility on us,” Dr. Debrah declared. “It is a responsibility to mine responsibly, to safeguard our rivers and forest reserves, and to ensure that the wealth beneath our soil translates into tangible prosperity jobs for our youth, roads for our communities, and opportunities for generations yet unborn.”

     

    Transforming Gold into Domestic Industrial Strength

    Addressing state officials, foreign investors, and traditional leaders including His Royal Majesty the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II Dr. Debrah outlined the government’s commitment to reforming sector governance. He stressed that raw gold exports must give way to domestic refining, local manufacturing, and sustainable community development.

    “We will not preside over an industry that enriches a few while impoverishing the many,” Dr. Debrah stated. “The time has come for mining that respects our land, empowers our people, and expands our economy beyond the pit… Let us convert the gold in our ground into the factories, schools, and hospitals of tomorrow.”

     

    Dr. Debrah also urged a united civic effort to protect natural resources and hold operators accountable.

    “Our chiefs must guard the land. Our media must inform the people. Our civil society must hold us all to account. This is a national project,” he urged.

     

    GoldBod Unveils Strategy to Support Sector Reform

    Aligning with Dr. Debrah’s national mandate, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) delivered a keynote address on the event’s core theme, “Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate.”

    Highlighting recent trade data—which showed gold generating $20.2 billion (63.1%) of Ghana’s $32.0 billion total exports in 2025, with small-scale miners producing 52.4% of total output—the GoldBod chief noted that young people in mining districts must become direct beneficiaries of the sector.

    “A social license cannot survive where the youth believe mining has no place for them except as casual laborers… Mining communities must no longer be treated as land donors. They are custodians of the resource hence must be treated as development partners and economic shareholders,” the GoldBod CEO asserted.

     

    To turn this philosophy into practice, GoldBod detailed its operational IPE Framework:

    ● Involve: Giving host communities a formal stake in licensing decisions, increasing local royalty retention, mandating CSR contracts, and supporting indigenous mine ownership.

    ● Protect: Enforcing environmental laws, reclaiming degraded forests, formalizing small-scale operators, and rehabilitating critical water treatment facilities across affected regions.

    ● Expand: Boosting domestic refining, constructing the upcoming Ghana Gold Village for jewelry manufacturing, introducing an airport-based ISO National Assay Laboratory by late 2026, and launching a gold tokenization initiative in 2027 to democratize gold ownership for citizens.

    Key Targets and Sector Impact

    ● Formalized ASM Exports: Over 170 tonnes exported through formal channels since 2025, generating more than $17 billion in foreign exchange to stabilize the currency and bolster national reserves.

    ● Local Offtake Mandate: A shift to 30% local output acquisition from large-scale producers starting July 2026 to supply domestic refineries and pursue global LBMA certification.

    ● National Assay Laboratory: Groundbreaking scheduled for November 2026 at Accra Airport to install ISO-certified Fire Assay standard testing for all gold exports.

    ● Environmental Rehabilitation: Reclaiming 150 total hectares of degraded lands in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve and funding the rehabilitation of 6 Ghana Water Limited treatment plants.

    The summit concluded with shared agreement between state leaders and industry players that long-term commercial success in Ghana’s gold fields will ultimately depend on local value creation, active youth participation, and environmental restoration.

     

  • ADB Supports Ga Mantse Ahead of 2026 Homowo Climax

    ADB Supports Ga Mantse Ahead of 2026 Homowo Climax

    The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening relationships with traditional authorities by supporting the Ga State ahead of the climax of the 2026 Homowo Festival.

    A high-powered delegation from the Bank, led by the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse and presented a donation comprising an undisclosed amount of cash, assorted drinks, bottled water, and schnapps to support this year’s Homowo celebrations.

    The donation formed part of ADB’s longstanding commitment to promoting national unity, preserving Ghana’s cultural traditions, and partnering with communities in celebrating important festivals that define the country’s rich identity.

    Presenting the items on behalf of the Bank, Mrs. Nyante conveyed warm greetings from the Board; Managing Director, Edward Ato Sarpong; Executive Management; and Staff of ADB to the Ga Mantse and the people of the Ga State. She noted that Homowo is more than a festival, it is a celebration of resilience, gratitude, unity, hope, and values that resonate strongly with ADB’s corporate philosophy.

    She stated that ADB remains proud to identify with Ghana’s traditional institutions and believes they play an indispensable role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and national development.

    “At ADB, we recognise that our success is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Supporting the Homowo Festival reflects our respect for Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and our commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional authorities and the people of the Ga State,” Mrs. Nyante stated. “As a proudly Ghanaian bank, we remain dedicated to initiatives that unite our people and preserve the values that define us as a nation,” she added.

    The DMD Operations further reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to community development while creating lasting value for customers and stakeholders across the country.

    Receiving the donation, the Ga Mantse expressed appreciation to ADB for its thoughtful gesture and continued support for the Homowo Festival. He commended the Bank for recognising the significance of Ghana’s traditional institutions and for consistently demonstrating its commitment to community development and national progress.

    The Ga Mantse also invoked blessings upon the Board, Management, Staff, and customers of ADB, praying for continued growth, prosperity, and success for the Bank and its customers.

    Homowo, one of Ghana’s most celebrated traditional festivals, commemorates the triumph of the Ga people over famine and serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, thanksgiving, unity, and shared prosperity. The annual celebration brings together chiefs, elders, families, residents, and visitors from across the country and beyond to honour the customs and traditions of the Ga State.

     

    ADB’s support for this year’s celebration underscores the Bank’s enduring commitment to corporate citizenship and its belief that sustainable development is achieved by working closely with communities and preserving the cultural heritage that binds the nation together.

    As one of Ghana’s leading indigenous banks, ADB continues to champion initiatives that promote economic empowerment, social inclusion, and cultural preservation, remaining true to its promise of delivering value that goes beyond banking.

    Other members of the ADB delegation included: Leon Bannerman Williams, Chief Risk Officer; Enoch Benjamin Donkoh, General Manager in charge of Business Banking; Kwame Asiedu Attrams, General Manager in charge of Agribusiness; Mohammed Ali, Head of Marketing and Communications; and Mrs. Obaapa Yeboah Addo, Head of Customer Care.

     

  • U.S. investors target Ghana’s cocoa sector …as Ga Mantse and COCOBOD push for strategic partnerships

    U.S. investors target Ghana’s cocoa sector …as Ga Mantse and COCOBOD push for strategic partnerships

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    In a major push to boost foreign direct investment and promote sustainable development within Ghana’s agricultural sector, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, yesterday led a high-level delegation of potential investors from the United States on an official courtesy call to the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

    The strategic visit aimed to provide the American delegation with firsthand insight into Ghana’s renowned cocoa value chain, opening doors for prospective collaborations in cocoa plantation development, environmental management, processing, research, and long-term sustainable investments.

    Unlocking Opportunities Across the Value Chain

    Addressing the delegation and COCOBOD officials during the meeting, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II underscored the importance of leveraging international partnerships to modernize the agricultural landscape and maximize local value creation.

    “Our goal is to build bridges that bring sustainable development, technology, and capital into key sectors of our economy,” the Ga Mantse stated. “Ghana’s cocoa industry remains a pillar of our national heritage and economy. Partnering with international investors who bring expertise and capital will ensure that we not only sustain this vital sector but also transform it for the benefit of future generations.”

     

    The delegation expressed strong interest in expanding beyond raw bean exports, focusing heavily on local processing capacity, advanced agricultural research, and eco-friendly farming practices.

    Reforms and Resilience at COCOBOD

    Welcoming the traditional monarch and the U.S. delegation, COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey briefed the visitors on the board’s proactive transformation agenda. He highlighted major structural shifts currently underway, particularly the transition to a new domestic financing model set to take effect for the upcoming 2026/2027 cocoa season.

    Dr. Abbey emphasized that while Ghana’s cocoa sector holds massive investment potential, protecting the ecosystem and addressing systemic industry challenges remain top priorities.

    “We are aggressively reforming our operations to build a more self-reliant and resilient cocoa sector,” Dr. Abbey explained. “Increasing our domestic processing capacity and transitioning to sustainable financing are key steps forward. However, realizing the full value of our cocoa requires strong strategic partnerships to tackle critical threats such as the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), illegal mining, deforestation, and climate change.”

     

    He added that COCOBOD’s vision aligns perfectly with investor interests that prioritize environmental stewardship and local community development.

    “We are open to partnerships that do not just extract value, but actively invest in our environment, our research institutions, and our farmers,” Dr. Abbey noted.

    A Vision for Sustainable Growth

    Members of the U.S. delegation praised the Ga Mantse for his leadership in facilitating the meeting and commended COCOBOD for its forward-thinking reforms. A representative from the investor group noted that the stability of Ghana’s cocoa sector and its shift toward localized processing present a compelling environment for sustainable impact investment.

    The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to set up technical working discussions to map out specific investment frameworks, particularly in modern plantation management and sustainable processing facilities.

    COCOBOD reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to forging robust global alliances aimed at securing a prosperous, sustainable, and climate-resilient cocoa industry for Ghana.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Haruna Iddrisu donates GH₵100k to Ga Mantse’s education fund

    Haruna Iddrisu donates GH₵100k to Ga Mantse’s education fund

    The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has donated GH₵100,000 to the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s Education Fund to support the academic development of children and youth within the Ga State.

    The Education Fund is expected to provide scholarships, learning materials, and other forms of academic support to students from vulnerable backgrounds in the Greater Accra Region.

    The donation was made during a courtesy call on the Ga Traditional Council on Monday, January 26, 2026, as part of the minister’s engagement with traditional authorities to strengthen partnerships in advancing education across the country.

    Speaking at the event, Haruna Iddrisu said investing in education remains a top priority for the government, stressing that access to quality learning opportunities is essential for national development.

    He noted that traditional institutions play a critical role in mobilising communities and supporting policies aimed at improving literacy, school enrolment, and skills development, especially at the grassroots level.

    “This support is part of our broader effort to ensure that no child is left behind,” the minister said, adding that community-based initiatives such as the Ga Mantse’s Education Fund complement government programmes in expanding access to education.

    In response, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, expressed gratitude to the minister for the donation. He pledged the continued support of the Ga Traditional Council for government initiatives and future endeavours.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving: Afriyie-Ankrah Pays Courtesy Call on Ga Mantse

    Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah in a pose with Ga Mantse at his Palace

     

    As part of preparations for the maiden celebration of Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, the National Planning Committee, led by its Chairman Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council.

    The visit aimed at officially informing His Royal Majesty about the upcoming national observance scheduled for 1st July, and to seek his royal blessings, guidance, and partnership.

    Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah at Ga Mantse Palace

    During the engagement, His Royal Majesty welcomed the initiative and commended the Committee for the vision behind the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. He, however, emphasized the importance of ensuring that Ghana’s traditional customs and practices are not left out of the national celebration. According to the Ga Mantse, these traditions play a critical role in preserving the identity and unity of both the Ga State and the nation as a whole, and he felt the Committee may have initially overlooked that.

    In response, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah expressed his appreciation for the Ga Mantse’s counsel and assured him that the Committee would take the advice in good faith. He noted that since Ghana has diverse traditional practices, and given that chiefs are the custodians of these customs, the Committee has planned to invite traditional leaders from across the country to take part in the observance. Their presence and involvement will serve to represent the full spectrum of Ghana’s cultural and spiritual identity.

    Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah further assured that, as a Committee working under a national mandate, all feedback and recommendations from the Ga Mantse will be relayed to the appropriate appointing authorities for consideration and alignment.

    The visit forms part of the Committee’s broader stakeholder engagement with key religious and traditional leaders, to ensure inclusiveness, cultural relevance, and nationwide support for the 1st July National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

     

  • Ga Mantse Calls for Collective Action Against Prostate Cancer

    Paul Kobla Mensah Kudonoo, President of The Cancer Project Foundation Ghana

     

    In a powerful call to action, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has urged Ghanaians to join forces to combat prostate cancer and prostatitis, two pressing public health issues that affect countless men in the country.

     

    Speaking at a press conference held today at the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized the need for collective responsibility and national awakening to address the silent threats to men’s health. The campaign, themed “Men United Against Prostate Cancer and Prostatitis,” aims to raise awareness, promote early screening, and demand better access to treatment across all regions of Ghana.

     

    According to the Ga Mantse, too many men in Ghana are suffering in silence, unaware or afraid to speak about their prostate health due to myths, stigma, and lack of accessible healthcare. He stressed that the time has come for Ghanaians to speak boldly and act decisively to change this narrative.

     

    King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who has accepted to lead and support the campaign alongside The Cancer Project Foundation Ghana and other stakeholders, called on traditional leaders, political authorities, medical professionals, civil society, and the media to join hands in this noble cause.

     

    The campaign will be officially launched on July 2, 2025, but the Ga Mantse emphasized that the press conference marks the beginning of a united front against prostate-related diseases. He urged Ghanaians to unite, educate, and advocate until no man suffers or dies needlessly from these diseases.

     

    The Ga Mantse’s call to action has been welcomed by stakeholders, who are eager to join forces to combat prostate cancer and prostatitis. As the campaign gains momentum, Ghanaians are encouraged to support this noble cause and make a difference in the lives of men affected by these diseases.

    Campaign Launch Details:

    – Date: July 2, 2025

    – Theme: “Men United Against Prostate Cancer and Prostatitis”

    – Partners: The Cancer Project Foundation Ghana and other stakeholders

    Let’s join hands to make a difference and ensure that no man suffers or dies needlessly from prostate-related diseases.