News
Small-scale miners call for probe into US$200 million anti-galamsey spending
The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM) has called for a full-scale independent investigation into the management of resources allocated to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
The association, led by its president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, raised concerns about the alleged misappropriation of funds and equipment, which they believe have hindered progress in the anti-galamsey campaign.
In a press statement issued on Monday, January 27, Peprah detailed how over US$200 million allocated by the government in 2017 to combat illegal mining was allegedly mismanaged.
These funds were reportedly spent on initiatives such as procuring drones, GPS tracking systems, and branded pickup trucks under the “Operation Galam Stop” campaign. However, the association says these measures have yielded little to no tangible results.
According to the statement, over US$2 million was used to acquire drones for monitoring illegal mining activities, while an additional US$1 million was spent on the development of a “GalamStop” application to fast-track licensing and monitoring of small-scale mining operations.
Funds were also allocated for training drone pilots and installing GPS tracking devices on excavators to ensure regulatory compliance.
Despite these investments, the association revealed that several drones are now missing, equipment is unaccounted for, and the GalamStop app has failed to deliver its intended purpose.
Reports of misappropriation of confiscated mining equipment, including excavators, have further fueled the association’s call for accountability.
Demands for Government Action
The association called for the establishment of an impartial committee to audit the use of the US$200 million allocated for the anti-galamsey campaign.
They demand an investigation into the fate of confiscated mining equipment, including reports of equipment being sold, burned, or diverted for private use.
The government is being urged to provide explanations for failed projects such as the GalamStop application and other technological initiatives.
The association calls for legal action against individuals found culpable in misusing public funds and resources.
The association emphasized the need for a transparent and collaborative approach to tackling illegal mining. “The fight against illegal mining cannot succeed if resources meant for this purpose are mismanaged or misappropriated,” the statement read.
The NCASSM also urged the government to consult industry stakeholders about developing practical solutions and monitoring initiatives to ensure effectiveness and prioritize accountability in future anti-galamsey efforts.
Peprah reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the government in its fight against illegal mining, provided the campaign is rooted in transparency and good governance. He called on Ghanaians to join in demanding accountability to safeguard the future of the mining sector and protect the country’s natural resources.
The government is yet to respond to the concerns and demands raised by the National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.
The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.
Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.
“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.
“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.
The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.
According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.
“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.
It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.
The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.
“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.
The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.
The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.
According to a statement by the university’s public relations unit and made available in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.
The action, the university said, followed approval by the Senate following recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).
“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.
“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts,” it said.
The others are in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,” the statement said.
The university directed the acting chief security officer, deans, heads of departments, and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.
(NAN)
Wike Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu At 66, Says “She’s a pillar of support for Nigerians”
*WHEN PRIVACY BECOMES CONTENT*
JAMB sacks staff member over extortion of candidates
-
News23 hours agoTinubu mourns former Kogi governor, Ibrahim Idris
-
News21 hours agoECOWAS Parliament Seeks Urgent Action as Climate Change Fuels Displacement, Insecurity
-
News20 hours agoKalu hails Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Praises Support for Women, Vulnerable Nigerians
-
News17 hours agoFCT minister Wike’s words on marble
-
News17 hours ago
2027: Wike Reveals Why APC Governors Are Opposing Rainbow Coalition
-
News23 hours agoForest guards in Borno undergo counter-terrorism training under army’s supervision
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login