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EPA Announces Nationwide Special Environmental Compliance Enforcement Exercise

EPA Announces Nationwide Special Environmental Compliance Enforcement Exercise

Accra, January 8, 2026 — The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced a nationwide Special Environmental Compliance Enforcement and Monitoring Exercise, warning businesses and institutions operating without valid environmental permits to regularise their operations or face sanctions.

In a public announcement dated January 8, 2026, the EPA stated that it is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504) for any undertaking to operate without a valid environmental permit or licence, operate with an expired permit, or breach the conditions attached to such permits.

According to the Authority, failure to comply with environmental regulations will attract sanctions including administrative penalties, fines, closure of facilities, or prosecution, in line with the applicable laws.

The EPA explained that as part of efforts to ensure full compliance, it will intensify routine environmental enforcement, monitoring, and inspection activities across the country. Businesses and organisations affected by the exercise have been urged to take immediate steps to regularise their environmental status by visiting the nearest EPA office to begin or complete the permitting process.

The compliance exercise covers a wide range of undertakings, including manufacturing industries, fuel and gas service stations, hotels and hospitality facilities, construction projects, health facilities, large-scale agricultural operations, chemical and pesticide activities, telecommunication masts, as well as large-scale and small-scale mining, quarrying, and sand-winning operations.

The EPA further clarified that all statutory fees or fines imposed during the exercise must be paid directly into designated EPA bank accounts or official mobile money wallets, stressing that the Authority does not accept cash payments under any circumstances.

The announcement, signed by Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, advised all regulated entities to seek clarification from the nearest EPA office where necessary.

The Authority says the exercise forms part of broader efforts to protect the environment, safeguard public health, and ensure sustainable development nationwide.

Official Document

Readers and regulated entities can access the full EPA public announcement here:
👉 https://kysafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PUBLIC-ANNOUNCEMENT-SPECIAL-ENVIRONMENTAL-COMPLIANCE-ENFORCEMENT-AND-MONITORING-EXERCISE-ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION-AUTHORITY.pdf

Semenyo shines, wins Man of the Match on Man City debut

Semenyo shines, wins Man of the Match on Man City debut

Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a dream start to life at Manchester City after being named Man of the Match in the Citizens’ 10–1 thrashing of Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Ghanaian attacker, who joined City from AFC Bournemouth just days ago, was handed his first start and made an instant impact. Semenyo scored a goal and also set up a teammate as City cruised to victory at the Etihad Stadium.

He was later withdrawn in the 64th minute and replaced by Ghanaian-born Belgian international Jeremy Doku, after putting up a strong performance that excited the home fans.

It was a special night for Ghana as Semenyo was not the only player of Ghanaian descent to make his mark. 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo, another Ghanaian-born youngster, also found the net on his senior debut for Manchester City.

The emphatic win sealed City’s qualification to the next round of the FA Cup and capped a memorable debut outing for Semenyo, who will be hoping to build on this performance in the coming games.

Adabraka Jewellery Shop Robbery: Police arrest two more suspects, retrieve weapons

Adabraka Jewellery Shop Robbery: Police arrest two more suspects, retrieve weapons

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the recent robbery attack on a jewellery shop at Adabraka, following intelligence-led operations in Ashaiman.

The suspects have been identified as Hamza Agerego, also known as Nene Bawku or Lambert, and Alhassan Elliasu, popularly called Arab Man. They were arrested on January 7, 2026, at different hideouts in Ashaiman.

According to police sources, Hamza Agerego was first picked up and detained at the Katamanso District Police Headquarters over his alleged involvement in the robbery. Further investigations and intelligence gathering later led officers to the second suspect, Alhassan Elliasu, who was also arrested in Ashaiman.

A search conducted at the suspects’ premises resulted in the retrieval of several dangerous weapons and items, including two pump-action guns, 43 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 239 BB cartridges, four bulletproof vests, a pair of black boots, a black face mask, two cutlasses, two Samsung mobile phones, an iPhone 13, a wristwatch, and a CCTV monitor.

Both suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations, and are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days to face the law.

NPP Set for their January 31, 2026 Presidential Primaries

NPP Set for their January 31, 2026 Presidential Primaries

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fully prepared for its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with all key preparatory processes successfully completed and attention now shifting to voting day.

Party officials say that balloting for positions on the ballot paper has been carried out, determining the order in which aspirants will appear when delegates cast their votes. Among the five contestants, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong secured position number one, followed by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

Preparations have included a nationwide voter register exhibition and verification exercise to ensure accuracy in the Electoral College list ahead of the primaries. Officials also organised the printing and distribution of ballot papers, completed security planning, and emphasized party discipline including barring private security from voting centres to ensure an orderly process.

Aspiring flagbearers have ramped up their campaigns and outreach to delegates in recent weeks, with calls for unity and peaceful conduct ahead of the vote. Kennedy Agyapong has publicly appealed for peace across the party as the competition intensifies.

Political analysts and party supporters are watching closely, with some observers projecting strong support for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the primaries.

A total of 214,812 delegates are expected to participate in the voting, underscoring the scale and significance of the internal election.

With all administrative and organisational hurdles now behind it, the NPP is focused on ensuring that voting day unfolds smoothly and transparently, as delegates prepare to elect the candidate who will lead the party into the 2028 general election.

Ghana’s Semenyo Joins Manchester City in €65m Deal

Ghana’s Semenyo Joins Manchester City in €65m Deal

Ghana Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has completed a blockbuster move to English champions Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth €65 million.

The 25-year-old attacker makes the switch after an impressive run in the Premier League, where his strength, work rate and eye for goal made him one of the standout Ghanaian performers in England. His move to the Etihad Stadium ranks among the most expensive transfers involving a Ghanaian player.

Manchester City moved decisively to beat competition from other top European clubs, with head coach Pep Guardiola identifying Semenyo as a perfect fit for his high-intensity, possession-based system. The Ghana international is expected to provide cover across the wings and through the middle.

Reacting to the move, Semenyo described the transfer as a dream come true, saying he is proud to represent Ghana at the highest level of club football and eager to make the nation proud.

The transfer has sparked excitement among football fans across Ghana, with many hailing the move as a major step forward for the Black Stars ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Semenyo becomes the latest Ghanaian to wear the Manchester City shirt, further raising Ghana’s profile on the European football stage.

President Mahama Presents 100 Pickup Vehicles to Enhance Police Operations Nationwide

President Mahama Presents 100 Pickup Vehicles to Enhance Police Operations Nationwide

President John Dramani Mahama has presented 100 pickup vehicles to the Ghana Police Service to enhance policing and improve public safety across the country.

The vehicles were handed over in Accra on Thursday, January 8, and constitute the first batch of several consignments expected to be delivered to the Police Service as part of government efforts to strengthen security operations.

Presenting the vehicles, President Mahama stated that the pickups are meant to support core police duties and are not intended for ceremonial use.

“These 100 pickup vehicles are the first batch of several that will be presented to the Police Service. They are operational necessities,” the President said.

He noted that the vehicles will help improve police patrols, reduce response times, extend security coverage to hard-to-reach areas and enhance police visibility across the country.

According to the President, the additional vehicles will enable officers to respond more effectively to emergencies and carry out their duties more safely, particularly in remote communities.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Service, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, expressed gratitude to the President for the support.

He assured that the vehicles would be properly maintained and deployed judiciously to enhance peace and security nationwide.

“I wish to express the appreciation of the Ghana Police Service to you. We assure you of our loyalty and our commitment to protect these assets, deploy them wisely and use them in the interest of peace, safety and national stability,” the IGP said.

He further reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to supporting national development and ongoing security sector reforms.

Truck Overturns Near Circle Overhead, Causes Heavy Traffic; No Injuries Recorded

Truck Overturns Near Circle Overhead, Causes Heavy Traffic; No Injuries Recorded

A truck overturned near the Circle Overhead, close to the GOIL filling station, on Thursday morning, leading to heavy traffic in the area.

According to reports, the truck lost control, veered off the main road and fell onto the outer lane, blocking traffic and causing serious congestion.

As at the time of filing this report, the truck, with registration number BV 8083, was still lying on the road, making it difficult for vehicles to move freely.

Traffic has been diverted from Nima through Equip as officers from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service work to clear the scene and tow the truck.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and be patient while efforts are made to remove the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The driver and his assistants are safe and remain at the scene as recovery work continues.

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Detained by U.S. Immigration Authorities

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Detained by U.S. Immigration Authorities

Former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by officials of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over issues related to his immigration status in the United States.

In a statement released by his law firm, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, it was confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta was detained on Tuesday, January 6, while U.S. immigration authorities review the status of his stay in the country.

According to the statement, the former finance minister has an ongoing application for adjustment of status. This is a legal process under U.S. law that allows a person to remain in the country even after their visa has expired, while their application is being considered.

The law firm explained that such applications are normal and lawful within the U.S. immigration system.

It also disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers in the United States are currently engaging with ICE officials and are confident that the issue will be resolved soon.

The law firm stressed that Mr. Ofori-Atta is a law-abiding citizen who is fully cooperating with U.S. immigration authorities to ensure a quick resolution of the matter.

The public has therefore been advised to remain calm as the legal process continues.

SSNIT Announces 10% Pension Increase for 2026

SSNIT Announces 10% Pension Increase for 2026

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a 10 percent increase in pensions for 2026 to help pensioners cope with the rising cost of living, while also making sure the pension scheme remains strong.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Chief Actuary of SSNIT, Evelyn Adusei, said the increase is in line with the National Pensions Act, 2008, which requires pensions to be reviewed every year.

She explained that the 10 percent increase will not be shared equally among all pensioners. Instead, SSNIT is using a system that favours low-income pensioners.

Under the new arrangement, all pensioners will receive a 6 percent increase on their pensions, plus a fixed amount of GH¢91.56 added to their monthly pay. This means pensioners who earn less will see a bigger percentage increase.

For instance, the minimum monthly pension will go up from GH¢300 in 2025 to GH¢409.56 in 2026, representing an effective increase of about 36.5 percent. Those on the highest pensions will receive an increase of just over 6 percent.

Mrs. Adusei said the new pension adjustment will cost SSNIT an extra GH¢660 million, bringing total pension payments in 2026 to almost GH¢7 billion, excluding payments to new pensioners and lump sum benefits.

She also announced that the minimum pension for new pensioners starting in 2026 will increase from GH¢300 to GH¢400.

SSNIT further indicated that about 70 percent of pensioners will receive an effective increase of 10 percent or more under the new pension structure.

Minority Says Ghana’s Security Has Gotten Worse Under Mahama as Crime Increases

Minority Says Ghana’s Security Has Gotten Worse Under Mahama as Crime Increases

The Minority in Parliament has warned that Ghana’s security situation has become worse under President John Dramani Mahama, with rising crime making many Ghanaians live in fear.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, January 8, during a review of the President’s first year in office, Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, blamed the situation on what she described as the politicisation of the police and neglect of the country’s security services.

According to her, cases of armed robbery and other violent crimes have gone up in the past year, reducing public confidence and making people feel unsafe in their own communities.

“Ghanaians are now sleeping with one eye open. Our once peaceful country is slowly being taken over by fear and uncertainty,” she said.

Madam Appiagyei stated that one year into President Mahama’s return to office, the country is facing serious security problems, adding that even figures from the Interior Minister confirm the worrying trend.

She disclosed that between January and July 2025 alone, about 628 armed robbery cases and 314 murder cases involving illegal firearms were recorded.

“Today, many Ghanaians do not feel safe in their own homes. The duty of protecting lives and property has weakened because the police service has been politicised and the security sector has been neglected,” she added.