General News
Seth Afum Dankwah Calls for Ban on Food Crops from Galamsey Areas
Seth Afum A. Dankwah, an advocate for food safety, has called on the government to prohibit the transportation of food crops from illegal mining (galamsey) areas to other parts of Ghana, warning that toxic chemicals from mining activities could threaten public health.
In a statement titled Operation Grow Your Own Kontomire, A Fight for Safe Food, Dankwah urged the government to treat illegal mining not only as an environmental problem but also as a growing public health concern.
He argued that chemicals used in illegal mining, including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and cyanide, could contaminate soil and water used for farming, potentially exposing consumers to harmful substances through vegetables and other food crops.
According to him, the contamination of agricultural produce presents a serious risk because consumers cannot determine whether vegetables are safe simply by examining their appearance.
“There is a poison creeping silently into the Ghanaian kitchen, and it does not arrive in a bottle. It arrives on a market woman’s table, in a bundle of kontomire, fresh, green, and deceptively wholesome,” he stated.
Dankwah maintained that the effects of galamsey extend beyond the destruction of rivers, forests and farmland, arguing that the practice could also undermine the safety of food consumed by households across the country.
The statement placed particular emphasis on kontomire, a popular Ghanaian vegetable obtained from the cocoyam plant and widely used in traditional meals.
Dankwah described the vegetable as an important part of Ghanaian food culture, noting its use in palava sauce, ebunuebunu soup, groundnut soup and other local dishes.
He explained that kontomire is commonly eaten with rice, boiled yam, ripe and unripe plantain, ampesi, kenkey, banku and fufu, making its safety particularly important to households.
He also highlighted the vegetable’s nutritional value, including iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and folate, describing it as an important source of nutrients for Ghanaian families.
According to him, the possibility of contamination threatens more than one vegetable because kontomire and other crops form part of the country’s everyday meals.
“To contaminate kontomire with toxins, then, is not to contaminate one vegetable, but to contaminate the very staples around which Ghanaian families gather, laugh, and break bread for lunch and supper,” he stated.
To support his concerns, Dankwah referred to a review of 45 scientific studies published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment and led by researchers at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi.
He said the review examined the presence of toxic metals in vegetables grown in 11 mining districts, including tomatoes, pepper, garden eggs and onions.
According to the statement, the studies found evidence of heavy metals moving from contaminated soil and irrigation water into vegetables.
Cadmium was identified as a particular concern because it could accumulate in crops, with reported transfer rates into tomatoes and garden eggs matching or exceeding its concentration in the soil.
Dankwah further cited findings from heavily polluted sites, particularly in parts of the Ashanti and Western regions, where arsenic levels were reportedly recorded at up to 200 times the limits set by the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, while mercury levels reached up to 400 times the relevant limits.
He also said the cumulative hazard index exceeded the safety threshold in communities where it could be calculated.
The figures, as presented in the statement, underscore the need for further attention to food safety in communities affected by mining. The specific study findings and comparisons with international limits would need to be verified against the original research before being used as definitive national conclusions.
Dankwah warned that exposure to heavy metals through contaminated food could have serious consequences for human health, particularly when harmful substances accumulate in the body over time.
He identified potential risks including damage to the kidneys and liver, neurological disorders, certain cancers and developmental problems affecting unborn children.
He argued that the absence of visible signs of contamination makes the problem especially dangerous, as consumers may unknowingly purchase and consume affected produce.
He further expressed concern that contaminated vegetables could be transported from mining communities to markets in other parts of Ghana and mixed with produce from safer farming areas.
According to him, this situation requires stronger government intervention and more effective monitoring of food crops produced in areas affected by illegal mining.
As part of his proposed response, Dankwah called on the government to introduce a legal prohibition on transporting food crops from galamsey-prone areas to other parts of the country until illegal mining is brought under control.
He argued that public education alone would not adequately address the problem because consumers cannot identify contaminated vegetables by sight.
“Government must, as a matter of national survival, prohibit by law the transportation of food crops from galamsey-prone areas to other parts of the country until illegal mining is brought under control in Ghana,” he stated.
He called on the government, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Food and Drugs Authority to prioritise food safety, including the inspection and monitoring of agricultural produce from areas affected by illegal mining.
The proposed ban, if considered, would require a clear system for identifying affected farming areas, testing crops, enforcing restrictions and protecting farmers whose livelihoods could be affected. It would also need to be supported by reliable evidence identifying which crops and locations pose unacceptable risks.
Beyond government action, Dankwah urged Ghanaians to take practical steps to improve their household food security through home gardening.
He described Operation Grow Your Own Kontomire as a campaign encouraging families to cultivate kontomire and other vegetables in their homes rather than depending entirely on produce purchased from markets.
He said the initiative could be implemented in backyards, on verandas, in buckets, in sacks filled with soil or in other small spaces with adequate sunlight and drainage.
According to him, households can begin growing vegetables with clean soil, clean water and a few cocoyam corms or seeds of crops such as pepper, tomatoes and garden eggs.
“With a little care, a little love, and regular attention, that small plot will reward you abundantly, week after week, and season after season, with food that heals rather than harms,” he stated.
He argued that home gardening could help families gain greater control over the origin of their food, reduce dependence on produce whose safety has not been verified and potentially lower household spending on vegetables.
However, he stressed the importance of using uncontaminated soil and water, since vegetables grown at home are not automatically safe if their growing materials are polluted.
Dankwah also appealed to landlords to make unused spaces around residential properties available to tenants for vegetable cultivation.
He identified vacant corners of compound houses, idle land behind flats and other underutilised spaces in urban communities as opportunities for small-scale gardening.
He said landlords who allow tenants to cultivate vegetables could contribute to a wider effort to improve household food security and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
The proposal, he argued, would help transform unused residential spaces into productive gardens while promoting greater awareness of food safety.
Dankwah described Operation Grow Your Own Kontomire as more than a gardening campaign, presenting it as a broader call for food safety, environmental protection and individual responsibility.
He urged Ghanaians to recognise that the effects of illegal mining could extend from polluted rivers and degraded land to the food consumed in homes.
“The galamsey menace is real. It is in our rivers. It is in our soil. And now, it is in our stew. But the answer is in our own hands, and in our own soil, clean soil, behind our own houses,” he stated.
He called for collective action to protect future generations, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems.
“Let us plant, for our children.
“Let us grow, for our health.
“Let us live, for Ghana.”
The statement was signed by Seth Afum A. Dankwah of J. G. Knol Technical Institute, Adukrom-Akuapem, in the Eastern Region.
The campaign comes amid continuing concerns about the environmental and health implications of illegal mining in Ghana. Its central message is that efforts to combat galamsey should also consider the safety of food crops, the protection of consumers and the need for reliable testing of produce from mining-affected communities.
Ghana Police Service says the suspect was arrested with suspected narcotic substances packed in travel bags as investigations continue.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 40-year-old man after allegedly discovering 91 parcels of suspected Indian hemp in his possession at Circle in Accra.
The arrest was announced by the Police Service in a social media post on Friday, October 30, 2026, accompanied by photographs of the suspect and the parcels reportedly seized during the operation.
According to the police, the man was apprehended with 91 parcels of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, commonly known as cannabis. The items were shown packed inside travel bags, including a purple suitcase and a blue bag.
The police post identified the location of the arrest as Circle, a busy transport and commercial area in Accra that serves as a major transit point for commuters and travellers.
The arrest forms part of police efforts to clamp down on suspected drug-related activities and the movement of prohibited substances.
Suspected narcotics seized
Photographs released alongside the announcement show numerous yellow-wrapped packages arranged inside open suitcases, as well as an image of the man in police custody.
However, the brief public announcement did not provide details about the suspect’s identity, the precise circumstances leading to his arrest, or whether the substance had been tested to confirm its composition.
The police also did not disclose the estimated weight or street value of the 91 parcels, nor did the post indicate where the suspected substance was allegedly obtained or its intended destination.
Further details about the operation, including whether other individuals are being investigated in connection with the seizure, were not included in the announcement.
Investigations expected to continue
The arrest is expected to be followed by further investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the possession of the suspected narcotic substance and determine whether any additional offences may have been committed.
The seizure also highlights the importance of law enforcement operations targeting the possession and transportation of suspected illegal drugs in major urban centres.
The suspect’s arrest does not, by itself, establish guilt. Any criminal liability will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and the outcome of the applicable legal process.
The Ghana Police Service had not provided further information on possible charges or the suspect’s court appearance in the post shown.
Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as investigations progress and more information becomes available.
The United States has approved a proposed $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot air defence interceptor missiles to Ukraine, marking a significant development in Kyiv’s efforts to strengthen its defences against Russian aerial attacks.
The US State Department announced the approval on October 30, 2026, confirming that the proposed package includes Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, spare parts and related logistical support.
US Approves Major Patriot Missile Sale to Ukraine
The purchase is expected to be financed through contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway under a US-supported programme, alongside funding linked to the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan. US officials said American government funds would not be used to finance the purchase.
Ukraine seeks to strengthen its air defences
The approval comes as Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure and other locations across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for increased supplies of air defence interceptors, warning that shortages could weaken the country’s ability to protect its population and critical facilities.
Zelenskyy Seeks Stronger Air Defences for Ukraine
Patriot systems are an important part of Ukraine’s air defence network, particularly in countering certain ballistic missile threats. However, the effectiveness of the planned purchase will depend on when the missiles become available and how quickly they can be delivered and integrated into existing operations.
Approval does not mean immediate delivery
Although Washington has approved the proposed sale, the announcement does not establish a confirmed delivery date for all 500 missiles. The package also involves further procurement arrangements, and the missiles remain part of a wider international effort to meet Ukraine’s defence requirements.
The approval follows public complaints from Zelenskyy that Ukraine had been waiting for weeks for authorisation concerning critical missile supplies. The development highlights the continuing importance of US decisions and European financial support to Ukraine’s military needs.
European Allies Back Ukraine’s $2.1 Billion Missile Purchase
European allies take on the financial burden
The arrangement reflects a continued role for European partners in financing US-made military equipment for Ukraine. Canada, Germany and Norway are expected to contribute through the JUMPSTART programme, with additional support linked to EU-backed financing.
Lockheed Martin has been identified as the principal contractor for the proposed sale. The transaction is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s integrated air and missile defence capabilities, although the timing of deliveries remains a key unanswered question.
Ukraine Seeks Greater Protection Against Russian Missile Attacks
What happens next?
Attention will now turn to the implementation of the approved sale, including contract arrangements, production capacity and delivery schedules. Ukraine’s immediate defence needs will continue to be shaped by the intensity of Russian attacks and the availability of interceptor missiles from its international partners.
The approval represents a major financial commitment to Ukraine’s air defence, but its practical impact will depend on how quickly the planned supplies can reach the country.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its earlier decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the continent’s flagship national team competition will return to its traditional two-year cycle.
The decision was unanimously approved by CAF’s Executive Committee on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marking a significant shift in the governing body’s long-term competition strategy.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed the development in an official statement, explaining that the organisation had reconsidered its previous arrangement following concerns about the proposed Africa Nations League.
The four-year AFCON format was announced in December 2025 as part of a broader restructuring of African football competitions. Under that arrangement, the proposed Africa Nations League was expected to become the continent’s major biennial national team competition.
However, CAF has now acknowledged that the new competition would require several years before generating sufficient financial resources to support football development and strengthen the organisation’s competitions.
Motsepe said the reversal was intended to protect the interests of African football, the continent’s 54 member associations and African players representing clubs outside the continent.
Africa Nations League plans influence decision
The proposed Africa Nations League was initially designed to provide a major continental competition every two years while allowing AFCON to move to a four-year schedule.
CAF’s latest assessment, however, indicated that the proposed league would take considerable time to deliver the financial and developmental benefits originally anticipated.
The governing body therefore opted to restore AFCON’s biennial format rather than wait several years for the new competition to become financially sustainable.
The decision also reflects CAF’s intention to maintain the commercial and developmental importance of its flagship tournament.
AFCON 2027 remains on schedule
Despite the changes, the next Africa Cup of Nations will proceed in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda serving as joint hosts.
According to Motsepe, subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
There will be no AFCON tournament in 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup scheduled for that year. CAF says its scheduling arrangement will avoid holding the final stages of its national team competitions during the World Cup year.
What the decision means for African football
The return to a two-year AFCON cycle means national teams, players, supporters, sponsors and football associations can continue to anticipate the continent’s biggest international football tournament at more frequent intervals.
For African football associations, the decision also preserves AFCON’s importance as a major source of competition exposure, commercial opportunities and international recognition.
Motsepe further described the tournament as an important platform for celebrating Africa’s diverse cultures and bringing together people from the continent, the African diaspora and beyond.
With the revised arrangement now confirmed, attention will turn to preparations for the 2027 tournament in East Africa and the implementation of CAF’s updated competition calendar.
The reversal brings an end to the proposed four-year AFCON arrangement, restoring the competition’s traditional biennial identity while CAF continues to assess its wider football development plans.
Namibia’s President has urged African countries to make better use of their natural resources and youthful population to strengthen the continent’s influence in global affairs.
The call highlights the importance of economic self-reliance, investment in human capital and stronger cooperation among African nations as the continent seeks a greater role in shaping the global economy.
Africa is home to significant deposits of minerals, oil, gas and other natural resources that are increasingly important to global industries, particularly in the energy transition, technology and manufacturing sectors.
However, the challenge for many African countries remains how to translate these resources into long-term economic benefits through local processing, industrial development, job creation and improved infrastructure.
The President’s remarks also draw attention to Africa’s youthful population, which represents an important source of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
With millions of young Africans entering the labour market, investment in education, technical training, digital skills and business opportunities will be essential to harnessing this demographic potential.
The call further reinforces discussions about Africa’s position in international negotiations, trade partnerships and global economic decision-making.
African countries have increasingly advocated for greater value addition to their natural resources rather than relying heavily on the export of unprocessed commodities.
The President’s message places emphasis on the need for African nations to work together, strengthen their economies and build the capacity to participate more meaningfully in global affairs.
Key Details of the President’s Remarks
The comments were made by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during an interview on Diplomatic Affairs with Harriet Nartey on Joy Prime, aired on Ghanaian television.
She called for:
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Stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Increased trade among African countries.
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Greater African control over economic priorities and trade negotiations.
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Better use of the continent’s natural resources and population as sources of economic strength.
- Trade policies that reflect Africa’s interests rather than depending entirely on externally developed frameworks.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South African financial services group Absa has opened its first office in the Gulf region, establishing a presence in Dubai as it seeks to strengthen business, trade and investment connections between Africa and the Middle East.
The new office is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the region’s major financial hubs. The expansion is expected to bring Absa closer to businesses, institutional investors and financial organisations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while creating additional opportunities for international investors interested in African markets.
Unlike a conventional banking branch, the Dubai office will not provide lending directly from its own balance sheet. Instead, it will serve as a strategic connection point, linking Gulf-based companies and investors with Absa’s banking operations across 16 African markets.
The office operates under a Category 4 licence issued by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, which became effective on 15 July 2026. The authorisation allows the branch to arrange investment transactions, provide financial product advice and arrange or advise on credit facilities for eligible clients.
Growing economic relationship between Africa and the Gulf
Absa’s expansion comes at a time when commercial relations between the United Arab Emirates and African economies are gaining momentum.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Africa reached approximately $158 billion in 2025, compared with around $112 billion in 2024, according to UAE government figures cited in Reuters reporting.
Dubai continues to attract international financial institutions seeking access to global markets.
The growing relationship presents opportunities in several industries, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods. These sectors are attracting interest from Gulf-based sovereign wealth funds, asset managers and other institutional investors looking to expand their investments across Africa.
Absa’s senior executive officer for its Dubai branch, Clinton Clarke, indicated that the office would help the bank engage more directly with investors and businesses interested in African opportunities.
The bank intends to use its understanding of African markets and its existing corporate banking relationships to help Gulf-based organisations navigate different commercial environments across the continent.
Absa joins other South African banks in Dubai
Absa’s arrival adds another major South African financial institution to Dubai’s growing international banking community.
It joins other South African banking groups, including Investec, Standard Bank and Nedbank, which have also established offices in the city.
The Dubai International Financial Centre will host Absa’s first Gulf office.
The move reflects the importance of Dubai as a financial gateway connecting businesses and investors across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
However, the expansion also comes against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. Absa representatives have acknowledged the risks but maintain that Dubai remains an attractive location for engaging regional clients and supporting cross-border business.
What the expansion means for Africa
Absa’s Dubai office could strengthen access to international capital for African businesses seeking investment partners, financing advice and opportunities to enter new markets.
For Gulf investors, the presence provides a closer connection to African business networks and sector expertise, potentially making it easier to assess commercial opportunities across different countries.
The longer-term success of the initiative will depend on the volume of business it attracts, the investment transactions it supports and the strength of relationships established between African and Gulf-based organisations.
For Absa, the opening represents a significant step in expanding its international reach while maintaining Africa as the centre of its banking operations.
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