President John Dramani Mahama has declared Ghana’s strong support for the full operationalisation and capitalisation of the African Union (AU) Peace Fund, saying sustainable and predictable African-led financing is essential to addressing the continent’s persistent security challenges.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says Ghana is making progress in the fight against illegal mining, although the country is yet to achieve the desired results in tackling the galamsey menace.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has cautioned journalists against sensational, inflammatory and unverified reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage of security-related issues could worsen ethnic, religious and political tensions in Ghana.

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Luanda, Angola, to participate in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which is focused on strengthening Africa’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, says Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery has helped restore confidence in the government securities market, with renewed activity in the domestic bond market and stronger participation from institutional investors.

Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has pledged to explore avenues to mobilise funding for the construction of Ghana’s National Cathedral if Parliament approves his nomination and the project receives the backing of the Christian community and President John Dramani Mahama.

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a five-member Bawku Revitalisation Committee to oversee a GH¢1 billion development fund aimed at restoring Bawku and surrounding communities to their former commercial, social and economic vitality.

The National Security Council Secretariat has called for renewed and coordinated efforts to prevent political vigilantism from undermining Ghana’s democracy, warning that organised political intimidation and violence remain a threat to national security and public confidence.

Legal practitioner and policy analyst Martin Luther Kpebu has downplayed the controversy surrounding allegations of extortion against Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, urging the public to focus instead on the broader financial questions surrounding Ghana’s gold purchasing programme.