Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has constituted a 17-member committee to develop a roadmap for establishing 12 new public universities across Ghana as the government intensify efforts to expand access to higher education.
The committee, chaired by former Education Minister Christiana Amoako-Nuama, has been tasked to develop a plan for the establishment of these universities and report directly to the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, on developments related to it.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Ministry on Wednesday, April 15, Haruna Iddrisu said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader “reset” agenda for higher education, targeted at aligning tertiary education with Ghana’s development needs.
He stressed that while expanding infrastructure remains important, the committee must ensure that the new universities are built on strong foundations of research, innovation, and relevance to industry and national manpower demands.
“This is not just about numbers. It is about creating institutions that respond to Ghana’s development priorities and produce the human capital needed for the future,” he stated.
See the list of proposed 12 universities to be established across all regions nationwide
A Technical University in Kintampo (Bono Region), a Technical University in Jasikan (Oti Region), a Science and Technology University in Damango (Savannah Region), the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences at Bunso (Eastern Region), set to begin operations this year following parliamentary approval.
The re-establishment of Ohawu Agricultural College in the Volta Region as a constituent college of the Bunso-based university, with plans to elevate it into a full university, a new college at Acherensua in the Ahafo Region under the same Bunso institution, a College of Mining and Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Kenyasi No. 2 to operate under the University of Mines and Technology, a College of Pharmacy and Biomedical Engineering in the Volta Region as part of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, the elevation of the Agriculture College at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region into a fully-fledged university, the establishment of the “University of Mampong” in the Ashanti Region, a world-class business college in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region, and a new institution at Jomoro Aseem in the Western Region.
The minister noted that the committee’s recommendations will be submitted to the President through the Vice President, after which they are expected to be considered by Cabinet and Parliament.
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale is set to partner with the Education Ministry to promote tertiary education among the populace, particularly the youth.
This forms part of the activities marking two decades since the introduction of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF).
The partnership was revealed during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Education in Accra, where the musician engaged with the Fund’s board and management to discuss the initiative.
Speaking after the meeting, Shatta Wale expressed his excitement and enthusiasm about the collaboration, promising “something great” for students ahead of the celebration of the 20th anniversary, adding that the partnership with GES is an awesome opportunity to support education and positively impact students across the country.
“Education is the key,” the ‘Gringo’ hitmaker stated.
The initiative is expected to form part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the Fund’s work and expand access to financial support for students pursuing higher education.
About SLTF
The SLTF was established in December 2005 under the Trustee Incorporation Act 1962 (Act 106). It is dedicated to managing financial resources efficiently to support students while upholding national principles.
Meanwhile, as part of a series of reforms being implemented under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) in early November last year announced a 50% increase in loan amounts available to tertiary students.
In this regard, regular students will now receive between GHC2,250 and GHC4,500 each academic year, and they will get the funds directly from the SLTF.
This was contained in a statement signed and dated Friday, November 7, by Dr. Saajida Shiraz, Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF. The Students Loan Trust Fund explained that the raise is to ensure that all groups of persons can pursue tertiary education without encountering financial challenges.
“Following President Mahama’s directive, loan amounts have been reviewed upward to reflect current economic realities and to provide meaningful support to students,” the statement said.
So far, beneficiaries amount to 35,608 across 130 public and private institutions nationwide. According to SLTF management, the latest disbursement reflects the John Mahama-led administration’s pledge to ensure inclusive access to education, regardless of students’ backgrounds.
The SLTF, conversely, has reiterated its resolve to release funds on time to allow students to gain admission into their preferred tertiary institutions without financial hindrance.
Interest on student loans slashed by 6%
Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) saw a 50 percent increase in loan amounts, with beneficiaries now eligible to receive between GH¢2,250 and GH¢4,500 per academic year.
The adjustment, which forms part of sweeping reforms unveiled in a press statement issued on Friday, November 7, is aimed at improving access to affordable tertiary education, following directives from President John Dramani Mahama.
“Increased Loan Amounts for Regular Students Loan: Regular student loan amounts, disbursed directly to students, have been increased by 50%. Consequently, loan amounts now range from GHC 2,250.00 to GHC 4,500.00 per academic year,” part of the statement outlining the reforms said.
The interest rate on student loans has also been slashed from 12 per cent compound interest to 6 per cent simple interest during the study and moratorium periods.
“Interest Rate Reduction: The prevailing interest rate on student loans has been reduced from 12% annual compounded interest to 6% simple interest during the period of study and moratorium,”
Government has introduced the “Student Loan Plus,” a flagship initiative under the No Fees, No Stress programme as one major highlight of the reforms.
“Introduction of Students Loan Plus: Tertiary Students can now apply for the Students Loan Plus package, a component of the No Fees Stress Initiative, which provides tertiary students with full fee coverage loans disbursed directly to tertiary institutions,” other parts of the statement read.
The Students Loan Trust Fund also unveiled a streamlined application and disbursement process, concealing the long-standing E-zwich requirement.
“Streamlined Application and Disbursement Process: The E-zwich requirement for loan application is no longer mandated. GCB Bank accounts for disbursement will now be created automatically within the No Fees Stress portal for all new applicants.”
Thanina Gyamfua Mahama is the new member of the Mahama family, following an announcement of her arrival by President John Dramani Mahama earlier today, Wednesday, April 15.
Taking to his official Facebook handle, President Mahama wrote, “Welcoming my latest grandkid, Thanina Gyamfua Mahama” under a photo of the new born.
He further went on to congratulate his son . Congrats, Shafik Mahama and his Asma, who have been married since 2020”.
Although details on the date of birth are not immediately known, the President disclosed that Thanina is the daughter of his son and his wife.
The newborn is a new addition to the Mahama family, which also welcomed their first daughter, Alyazia Frema Mahama, in December 2022, nearly three years after the couple’s marriage.
The announcement was warmly received online, with the President’s brief message reflecting gratitude and family happiness over the latest arrival.
Shafik tied the knot with Asma of Algerian descent in a privately held ceremony that took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, July 16, 2020.
Ghana national football team new coach, Carlos Queiroz, is set to arrive in Ghana in a few days for his unveiling, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Tuesday, April 15, the GFA’s Communications Director, Asante Twum, indicated that the association has begun making arrangements for the veteran tactician to formally present his vision for the senior national team.
“In the next few days, Carlos Queiroz will arrive in Ghana to be properly unveiled, where he will personally outline his plans, expectations, and ambitions for the team. We have only made his statement to us public, but he will be unveiled and made available to the press to answer questions, and then we will make progress from there,” Asante Twum said.
His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive showing on football’s biggest stage.
The Portuguese coach was announced as the senior national team coach after Otto Addo was sacked in early April following a poor run of form. Carlos Queiroz was officially named head coach of the Ghana Black Stars on Monday, April 13.
He has signed a short-term deal (four months) to lead the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, after three high-profile coaches were interviewed on April 10, 2026, before he was selected.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.
The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.
“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.
The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.
Ghana international forward Antoine Semenyo has reported fresh racial abuse targetting him on social media. The Man City player showcased a stunning display during his side’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London, on Sunday, April 12.
The recent abuse marks the second time in the 2025/26 English Premier League season.
Semenyo, who completed the full 90 minutes, later shared a post on Instagram celebrating the victory but was met with a racially abusive comment.
Responding to the abuse, he wrote: “It’s started again…”, referencing a previous incident in December 2025 during his spell at AFC Bournemouth, when he was targeted following a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
The incident has reignited concerns about the persistent problem of online racism in football, despite ongoing anti-discrimination campaigns across the sport.
Meanwhile, the Ghana international was subjected to racist abuse during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.
During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man made an offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked the man to repeat what he said; he did and even threw gum at him.
Semenyo immediately reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. The suspect was subsequently seen leaving the stadium with police and was later held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to Merseyside Police on Monday.
He was, however, granted bail on the condition that he does not attend any regulated football match in the UK and is prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Reacting to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 17, said the sport has zero tolerance for discrimination and any form of abuse, praising Antoine’s resilience and strong display despite the emotional distress.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night. Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination. Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide,” parts of the statement read.
Meanwhile, in May last year, FIFA announced that it had put forward a five-pillar plan aimed at addressing racist abuse in football.
The global governing body stated that it had engaged in an extensive consultation process with current and former players who are committed to instigating change.
One of the plan’s key suggestions involves implementing a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to signal racist incidents during matches.
The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all member associations’ disciplinary codes and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.
Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”.
The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to signal an in-game procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be abandoned in the event of further racism.
In pillar three – ‘criminal charges’ – Fifa called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country, and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.
Fifa also said it would promote education initiatives with schools and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.
In 2023, a FIFA report found almost 20,000 abusive social media posts were aimed at players, coaches and officials during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
And in 2021, England manager Gareth Southgate called the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final “unforgivable”.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed four new cases of Mpox, bringing the country’s total number of infections to 1,062.
The public health body announced this in a statement on its official X handle on Tuesday, April 14.
According to the GHS, the new cases add to the previously recorded 1,058 infections.
“Four new cases recorded, bringing the total confirmed cases to 1,062,” the statement noted.
The Service urged the public to protect themselves and others by maintaining good hygiene and promptly reporting symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness.
“If you notice any of these symptoms, visit the nearest health facility immediately,” the statement added.
In a related development, months earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) supported Ghana’s response to the Mpox outbreak with a donation of essential medical supplies and public health materials to the Ministry of Health.
During a brief ceremony, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s public health response and commended the country’s leadership in managing the outbreak.
The donation, valued at $36,700, included personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, 780 GeneXpert cartridges to enhance diagnostic capacity, and 9,000 risk communication posters along with 40 pull-up banners to support community sensitization.
The PPE is expected to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, while the GeneXpert cartridges will enable faster and more accurate testing, especially at decentralized levels. The communication materials are aimed at improving public awareness and encouraging behavioural change.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who received the items on behalf of the government, expressed gratitude to the WHO for its continued support.
He noted that Ghana is keen to incorporate vaccines into its response strategy and called on the WHO to expedite assistance in that regard.
He also urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices and seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, or skin rashes.
Health officials explain that Mpox spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.
The GHS has advised the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, practice regular handwashing, avoid frequent face-touching, and use masks when caring for infected persons.
The Service added that it is actively monitoring the outbreak, conducting contact tracing, and intensifying public education efforts with support from regional health directorates.
Also, to strengthen the response, the WHO has also provided laboratory PCR reagents to boost Ghana’s diagnostic capacity. The supplies were handed over to the GHS at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.
Receiving the items, Acting Deputy Director-General, Caroline Reindorf Amissah, expressed appreciation for the continued support.
“We will continue to collaborate and actively search for cases to ensure the outbreak is brought under control,” she said.
WHO Country Representative, Fiona Braka, noted that the reagents will support rapid diagnosis and timely public health interventions.
The supplies can test up to 3,400 suspected samples, while additional kits will allow clade determination for 625 confirmed cases.
Historically, Mpox was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research in Denmark. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the WHO, the disease has since remained endemic in parts of Central, East, and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks reported globally.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has closed its teacher recruitment portal just three days after it opened.
The portal, which was originally scheduled to remain open until Friday, April 17, was shut early due to a record number of applications from teachers.
GES says, while it opened the recruitment portal for just 7,000 slots, about 40, 000 prospective applicants have submitted applications, informing their move to close the portal to manage the flow of submissions.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, attributed the limited intake to budgetary constraints, despite the high demand for teaching jobs across the country.
“If resources were available, we would have been recruiting up to 50,000 teachers nationwide, but owing to budgetary constraints, we are unable to do that,” he said.
The Education Minister continued that,
Mr Iddrisu noted that the recruitment process had been conducted in a transparent manner, with approval granted to hire a limited number of qualified candidates.
“The Ministry of Education received clearance to recruit up to 7,000 teachers, both degree and diploma holders, and the process has been advertised in an open and transparent manner,” he explained.
He further described the overwhelming number of applications as a reflection of the growing demand for employment in the education sector.
“When the portal was opened for 7,000 teachers, we received over 40,000 applications. The Ghana Education Service subsequently closed it, and those who were fortunate to apply will be critically assessed based on their readiness, competence, and qualifications,” he added.
The Minister assured applicants that the selection process would be fair and merit-based.
The Ghana Education Service has officially closed its teacher recruitment application portal, just days after it was opened on April 10, 2026, due to an overwhelming response from applicants.
According to the Service, more than 40,000 applications were received, far exceeding… pic.twitter.com/zY8u7xqtwb
Meanwhile, the government is currently making efforts to avert the looming unemployment crisis brooding in Ghana’s health sector.
Consequently, it is collaborating with other international partners to employ some skilled nurses as well as teachers. On Monday, October 27, the Ghanaian government, represented by Ghana’s Minister of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum with with support from Mr Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting with Bahamian officials, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.
The bilateral deal is to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses for employment opportunities in the Caribbean nation.
The signing of the MoU was announced in a communique, which highlighted that the new agreement is an important step forward in the partnership between the two countries, citing that Ghana is becoming a leader in sending skilled workers abroad and that the world has confidence in the talent and professionalism of the Ghanaian people.
“At the heart of this MoU is a shared vision aimed at improving cooperation and relations between Ghana and The Bahamas through people-centred development and mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of the initial phase of this collaboration, the recruitment of experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses to serve in the Bahamas has commenced. This initiative proves that the trust that our international partners have in the quality of Ghanaian educators and healthcare workers, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and dedication in shaping minds and healing the nations,” the communique read.
Under the initial phase of the collaboration, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to serve in the Bahamas.
It added that the programme is “only the beginning,” noting that the broader agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in commerce, culture, tourism, and human capital exchange.
“This initiative is a win-win for both countries. It opens new pathways for Ghana’s skilled professionals to share expertise and gain global exposure while earning decent livelihoods. For The Bahamas, it ensures access to competent teachers and nurses whose professionalism will enhance their education and health sectors.”
It further assured stakeholders that the welfare and fair treatment of Ghanaian recruits will remain a top priority, adding that recruitment processes will be transparent and the rights and safety of participants fully safeguarded.
“Though the conditions of the MoU remain confidential as part of diplomatic protocol, I would like to point out that its spirit and purpose are rooted in cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.”
This is not the first time the Bahamas has recruited Ghanaian nurses to work in their country. Last year, the Bahamas’ national broadcasting service, the ZNS Network, reported in 2024 that Ghanaian nurses were being recruited to help address staffing shortages in Bahamian hospitals.
According to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, 18 Ghanaian speciality nurses were expected to arrive in The Bahamas by the end of October 2024 to support facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital, citing that this early recruitment was part of a bilateral healthcare support initiative.
Ten lives have been lost in a fatal collision between a VIP passenger bus and a diesel trailer at Mile 44 on the Accra–Kumasi highway in the early hours of Monday, April 13.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said it received a distress call around 4 a.m., after which it dispatched a seven-member team. This prompted a swift response from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station, which arrived within minutes to begin rescue operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the crash was caused by wrongful overtaking by the bus driver, resulting in the collision.
At the time of the incident, the bus was carrying 33 passengers. Ten people, nine males and one female, were confirmed dead.
Accra-Kumasi highway to see facelift soon
Roads Minister Governs Agbodza has revealed that the budget allocated for construction works on the Accra-Kumasi bypass has increased by 100% due to galamsey pits and swampy terrain discovered in the area.
The revelation came at a time when the Roads Minister was debunking a report that President John Dramani Mahama had asked contractors to stop work on the bypass.
Speaking to Parliament on the matter on Tuesday, November 25, Mr Agbogza indicated, “Mr Speaker, let me put it on record, “President Mahama’s government never asked any contractor working on the bypasses on the Accra–Kumasi road to stop work. Indeed, I called all the contractors and encouraged them to continue working.”
“However, what they told me was that at the time they were asked to go to site, they were not shown details of the alignment, and this was said in the presence of the Finance Minister. They said they flew a drone and showed them the drone image of the alignment. When they got to the site and started working, they saw galamsey pits and swamp areas. So as we speak, Mr Speaker, almost all the contract prices have increased by more than a hundred percent,” Mr Agbodza clarified.
Parliament on July 30 unanimously endorsed the government’s proposal to divert all royalties that will be received from oil revenues and mineral royalties to support the implementation of the Big Push Programme.
This came after the government requested Parliament approve committing funds to assist in the construction of certain road projects. Chairman of the Parliament’s Finance Committee, Mr Isaac Adongo, while presenting the report by the Budget and Finance joint committee to the plenary, said, “The Committee has carefully considered the Referral, and it is of the opinion that the request is in the right direction.”
The Committee also noted that Parliament had already approved the policy and the allocation to the “Big Push” Programme in the 2025 Budget Statement. Granting the request would enable the Government to enter into multi-year contracts to execute the road infrastructure projects under the Programme.
“The Committee accordingly recommends to the House to approve the Request for the multi-year commitments for the selected road projects under the “Big Push” Programme contained in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, in accordance with Section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921),” Mr Adongo said.
The initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country is estimated at GHC13.8 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources. According to the 2025 budget, the Road Fund owes GH¢5.75 billion, with an allocation of GH¢2.81 billion programmed for road maintenance.
Ghana recorded a 169.7% export trade flow surge in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, according to the latest international trade newsletter from the Ghana Statistical Service. The surge, according to the report, can be attributed to a rise in prices of key exports (like gold, oil, and cocoa) and high patronage by Asian countries positioning Ghana to export more than it mostly import.
Per the data, Ghana made GH₵108.6 billion from exports but spent GH₵61.4 billion on imports between October and December 2025, marking a GH₵47.2 billion surplus, which is much higher than the GH₵17.5 billion surplus it had in the previous quarter.
“This represents a substantial increase from the GH₵17.5 billion surplus recorded in Q3 2025,” the report said, highlighting the scale of the improvement in Ghana’s external trade balance.
In US dollar terms, Ghana’s total trade (exports and imports) was valued at US$15.1 billion, with exports contributing US$9.7 billion, marking about 64% of Ghana’s total trade, highlighting the significance of export flows in the country’s economic performance.
The export boom was largely driven by commodity shipments, with gold bullion valued at GH₵72.7 billion, accounting for 66.9% of total exports.
“Gold bullion was the top export product worth more than seven times the value of the second-highest export,” the report noted, underscoring Ghana’s continued dependence on the precious metal.
Other significant products that contributed to the surge in trade surplus were cocoa beans and crude petroleum, though earnings from both commodities were not as much compared to gold, highlighting Ghana’s heavy dependence on just a few major exports, especially gold.
Most of Ghana’s exports went to Asia, which bought more than half (53.4%) of everything Ghana exported. This was more than twice what Europe bought, showing that Asia is Ghana’s biggest export destination.
India and the United Arab Emirates were the biggest individual buyers of Ghana’s exports. Together, these two countries alone bought almost half of all Ghana’s export earnings.
“Asia led with over half (53.4%) of total exports,” the report stated, highlighting the region’s dominance in Ghana’s trade network.
Even though Ghana’s export earnings looked strong on paper, this was mostly because prices of goods (like gold and oil) were high, not because the country was actually exporting much more in quantity.
When economists adjust the numbers to remove the effect of price increases (so they reflect real economic activity), Ghana actually spent more on imports than it earned from exports. This means the country recorded a real trade deficit, with exports at GH₵30.0 billion and imports at GH₵31.7 billion.
“The growth in total export value is driven primarily by increases in the unit price rather than by higher quantities exported,” the report explained, particularly in relation to gold exports.
In the fourth quarter, export prices with the export unit value index increasing by 23.2% quarter-on-quarter, largely reflecting higher gold prices, while import prices remained relatively stable.
Regionally, Ghana continued to expand trade within Africa, maintaining a surplus with the continent since late 2024. Exports to African countries reached their highest level in Q4 2025, led by South Africa.
“Ghana’s trade with African countries has expanded steadily,” the report noted, pointing to the impact of regional integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
However, the report cautioned that Ghana remains vulnerable to external shocks due to its heavy reliance on a narrow range of commodities and limited trading partners.
It recommended stronger efforts to diversify exports, promote value addition, and deepen regional trade integration to sustain gains from the current export-led growth while reducing exposure to global commodity price swings.
The government has been given a 14-day ultimatum by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to dismiss the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, from office, citing what it describes as a coercive administrative style.
This was contained in a petition addressed to President John Dramani in a press briefing held yesterday, Monday 13, April.
UTAG accused GTEC’s leadership of regulatory overreach, issuing unilateral directives, and adopting what it describes as a coercive administrative style.
“UTAG respectfully calls on the President for the following reliefs. The Director-General and Deputy Director-General of GTEC must be relieved of their current roles in order to restore confidence in the tertiary education sector and reset regulatory posture.
“Government must urgently operationalize the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) through a clear and unambiguous Legislative Instrument (LI), including mandatory consultative rule-making, clear limits on interference in internal governance, and a transparent appeals mechanism against regulatory decisions.
“GTEC circulars dated 30 September 2025 and 1 October 2025 should be withdrawn with immediate effect and subjected to structured stakeholder consultation and harmonisation with existing legal frameworks and negotiated Conditions of Service,” UTAG National President, Prof. Vera Fiador, said.
Prof. Vera noted that a circular, which was released by GTEC on September 30, 2025 which discredited some tertiary institutions and blocked admissions into unaccredited programs, citing quality assurance issues.
President of the University of Ghana chapter of UTAG, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, warned that the association may withdraw its services to GTEC or embark on industrial action if their demands are not met.
“We have several tools at our disposal, including withdrawing all services that we render to GTEC. Of course, to the extreme, industrial disharmony can be activated because if members of UTAG are not happy doing the jobs they are supposed to do, there is no point remaining in the classroom. This issue we talked about directly affects us, the students we teach as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that, in January this year, UG-UTAG threatened to embark on industrial action or petition the Office of the Chief of Staff if the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his Deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, did not resign preemptively by January 31, 2026.
The lecturers’ union made this demand in a strongly worded four-page document dated January 19, signed by its president and secretary, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison and Dr Godfred B. Hagan, respectively. The document accused the GTEC leadership of ignoring deep-rooted problems in universities, overstepping its legal authority, weakening university governance, and making harmful policy decisions.
“UTAG-UG calls on the DG, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, DDG, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, to resign honourably by 31st of January 2026. Failure to do so will result in (a) a petition to the Chief-of-Staff for their removal (b) industrial action if necessary”, parts of the statement noted.
According to the union, while the tertiary regulator was mandated to act in the interest of tertiary institutions in Ghana, it had instead shifted its focus to what it described as “tangential and sometimes frivolous actions,” including pursuing individuals with alleged fake degrees, while neglecting systemic challenges affecting public tertiary education.
It also questioned GTEC’s legal mandate, particularly its involvement in the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong. According to UG-UTAG, the conduct of the regulator had negatively affected the quality of education in Ghana.
Consequently, the union sought to clarify GTEC’s mandate, noting that “GTEC appears to have lost its way and is now being used to settle scores. Instead of promoting good governance in public tertiary education institutions, it engages in actions that undermine it. For instance, under what legal mandate did GTEC remove the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong? If GTEC claims regulatory authority, which specific provision in Act 1023 empowers such an Intervention? There is clear confusion at GTEC’s leadership level regarding its advisory versus regulatory roles. Under the advisory role, GTEC is enjoined to ‘recommend standards and norms on governance, financing, academic programmes, staff costs, accommodation and time utilisation, for the approval of the Minister’.”
The Ministry for Sports and Recreation has commended the organisers of “The Legacy Continues”, and its partners, citing their “level of organisation, attention to detail and adherence to recognised international standards” in the just-ended card, which was held on Friday, April 10.
In a statement dated April 11, and signed by the Sports Minister Kofi Adams, the Ministry lauded the boxing promoters for the level of professionalism displayed during the card, stating that it “reflects the direction the Ministry has been driving, to make boxing a safe, clean and properly regulated sport”.
It added that “Legacy Rise is showing clear intent in how professional boxing should be structured and delivered in Ghana”.
One of the key highlights from the Ministry’s remarks was the strong emphasis on discipline in event management, officiating, and safety protocols, elements described as essential to restoring trust and strengthening the credibility of boxing in Ghana.
“What stood out was the discipline around event management, officiating and safety protocols. These are not optional. They are central to restoring trust and building a credible boxing environment that protects athletes while elevating competition”, parts of the statement noted.
The Ministry also stressed that the boxing event gave Ghanaian fighters a good opportunity to fight serious, competitive matches in Ghana (at home) instead of always going abroad.
The event also gave Ghanaian boxers a strong platform to compete in meaningful bouts at home. That exposure is critical for development and progression, and it is how we build fighters who can compete confidently on the continental and global stage.
Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe has formally assumed her role as Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain after presenting her Letters of Credence and Letter of Recall to the Director-General of Protocol of the Kingdom of Spain on Friday, April 11.
This was formally communicated in a statement in which she affirmed of efforts to strengthen the historic friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Spain.
The Protocol ceremony of the formal presentation of the Letters of Credence and Letter of Recall marked her formal commencement of her diplomatic duties, paving the way for her to represent Ghana’s interests and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to her, the moment marked a significant milestone and conveyed optimism about the journey ahead, highlighting her readiness to contribute to diplomatic and development engagements.
The Director-General of Protocol, Adrián Martín Couce, received the credentials on behalf of the Spanish authorities.
Ambassador Baffoe also expressed gratitude to supporters and colleagues, particularly those within her professional circles, for their encouragement as she embarks on her diplomatic assignment.
Also, the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Madrid in a statement officially welcomed its newly appointed Ambassador, in a statement they said, “Her Excellency Kulsoume Sinare Baffoe, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana–Spain relations.
Her appointment reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Spain, particularly in key areas such as trade, tourism and cultural exchange. The Embassy and members of the Ghanaian community in Spain have expressed optimism about the renewed direction of engagement under her leadership.
In her remarks, Ambassador Sinare conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her dedication to deepening bilateral cooperation. She also pledged to support the welfare and interests of Ghanaians living in Spain. Her tenure is expected to foster closer collaboration and further enhance the longstanding relationship between the two countries”.
President Mahama swears Kalsoume into office
Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe was formally sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Spain.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Jubilee House. Her role was to ensure good relations with the Spanish government and to strengthen diplomatic, trade, and tourism relations between the two nations.
Kalsoume succeeded H.E. Regina Appiah-Samacy, who holds a first degree in Public Service and Governance from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.
In his remarks, President Mahama encouraged Mrs Baffoe to apply her skills and connections to build the best possible relationship with the Spanish government, fostering mutual growth and understanding between the two countries.
Qualifications of Mrs Baffoe
The 58-year-old former actress holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a first degree in Public Service and Governance from the same institution.
The swearing ceremony saw the presence of some movie actors, such as Jackie Appiah and Anthony Baffoe.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced during a press briefing yesterday after a meeting with the producers yesterday that producers of sachet water have decided to “ cushion us for the next two months”despite the rising production costs amid the escalating Middle East crisis.
However, a market survey by the Ghana News Agency suggests that, sachet water producers in Berekum in the Bono Region have defied government directives and increased the price of sachet water in the Municipality.
Per the survey, a bag that was previously sold at a wholesale price of GH₵6 has been increased to GH₵8 per bag, with retailers selling it at GH₵9 instead of GH₵7.
Mr Kingsford Acquah, the General Secretary of the Berekum East Sachet Water Association, told the GNA that the Association made the increments because of the escalating costs of raw materials.
He said the new price was necessary to save their businesses from collapse, despite the government’s recommendation to halt the increment insisting that the government’s directive to suspend the increment must also be followed by a gesture, that is a reduction in prices of raw materials.
“Though the government has requested a temporary freeze on price adjustments on sachet water for some negotiations, we have to do the increment to meet production cost. If the government wants us to stop the increase, then they must also intervene to reduce the prices of our raw materials in the market. Without that, there isn’t any way our producers are going to decrease the prices,” he added.
He also cited other factors like high electricity and utility bills, high regulatory fees, and high cost of packaging materials, as well as rising labour and distribution expenses as major contributors for the proposed cost.
He urged consumers to adapt to the changes, saying that the Association had been forced to do so and called on the government to initiate measures to curb the sharp increment in the cost of raw materials.
“Until the cost of doing the sachet water business is significantly reduced, the current rates will be in force to ensure the sustainability of our businesses in the Municipality,” Mr Acquah stated.
When was the proposed increment announced?
NASPAWAP announced the increase in a formal statement issued on Thursday, April 2 and signed by the association’s Director of Corporate Affairs, citing that the escalating Middle East tensions informed the hike.
“The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) regrets to announce an upward revision of the ex-factory and ex-truck prices of sachet water, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. These are recommended price reviews by the national body”, parts of the statement said.
Adding that, “this decision follows the global shortage of polymers and the sharp increase in their prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The rising costs have significantly impacted production, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain current prices”.
The new prices are as follows: “Ex-factory price: GH¢8 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Ex-truck price: GH¢10 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Maximum retail price: GH¢15 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets”
“This adjustment is necessary to sustain production and ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water,” the association added.
Consequently, they urged “retailers and consumers to adhere to these prices to ensure fair trade practices. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time”.
The last price increase in sachet water occurred about 4 years ago, i.e., in September 2022. NASPAWAP announced a price adjustment, raising the retail price of a bag of sachet water to around GHC 7–8, citing rising fuel and raw material costs.
However, before the September increase, the retail price of a bag of sachet water in Ghana was generally around GHC 5–6, indicating that the price had seen about 33% to 40% increase.
Barely a year later, another increase was announced by the association in April 2023, attributing the hike to continued cedi depreciation and higher polymer costs.
This shot the prices to GHC 10 per bag of 30 sachets of 500ml.
What is a polymer, and why is it affecting the pricing of sachet water in Ghana?
Polymer is a plastic used to package water into sachets because they are strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is an essential material in the production processes, as without it, there will be no packaging; hence, if the prices of the material go up, producers increase the commodity prices to make up for it as they experience high production costs.
These plastics are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and are essential for packaging because they are strong and lightweight.
On Wednesday, April 8, it was widely reported that Ghana’s former Finance Minister’s name no longer appears on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee list, raising questions about his current status in the United States.
Responding to the reports, the former Minister’s lawyer, Frank Davs during an appearance on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday April 8, Davies explained that Ofori-Atta had earlier appeared before an immigration court where a bond was posted for his release. However, proceedings were delayed due to the outstanding extradition request against him.
However, Mr Ofori-Atta’s name is no longer on the immigration regulatory body’s website because he had been released on bail.
According to him, the presiding judge directed U.S. federal lawyers to submit details of the extradition request by February 19. But on February 18, only a brief filing was made by the Department of Justice, which lacked the necessary details for the court to proceed.
“As a result, the judge could not continue with the case because the full details of the extradition request were not before the court,” Davies said.
He noted that the case had been adjourned, with the next court date initially set for April 27. However, in line with U.S. immigration procedures, Ofori-Atta has now been granted bail and released from detention.
Ofori-Atta had been in ICE detention since January 2026 over issues related to his immigration status. His release follows confirmation by his legal team that he had reunited with his family after leaving custody.
Earlier, the US judge who presided over the immigration hearing of Ghana’s former Finance Minister declined his bail application, citing an extradition request from Ghanaian authorities.
Mr Ofori-Atta was tried on Tuesday, January 20, in a private hearing following a request for privacy by his lawyers.
He had been in detention since his arrest on 6 January by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Consequently, his lawyers requested bail so that he could be released while his case is pending. However, this was rejected by the government lawyers over his extradition links, though the judge, David A. Gardey, didn’t make any final decision on the extradition but noted that no documents were shown in court to prove that an extradition request had actually been submitted.
“The court cannot act on assertions without proof,” the judge indicated, directing the federal government to file any evidence of an extradition request on or before February 19, 2026.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, April 27, at 1 pm, where the tribunal is expected to hear both the bail application and any documents the government may submit. At the time, Mr Ofori-Atta had to remain in ICE detention.
When his detention was first announced
His detention was first announced on January 7 by his Ghanaian legal representatives, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners (MPOBB), who said he had been taken into custody a day earlier over concerns about his immigration status.
“The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as of January 6, 2026, detained the former Minister for Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, regarding the status of his current stay in the United States,” the firm said in a public notice signed by Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo, Esq.
According to the lawyers, Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process that allows individuals to remain in the US beyond the validity of their visa.
“Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the statement added, stressing that the former minister is “a law-abiding person” and is fully cooperating with ICE.
Official records from the US Department of Homeland Security indicate that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Green, Virginia.
The development has attracted attention in Ghana, especially given Mr Ofori-Atta’s recent legal and medical history.
On January 7, Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners issued a statement confirming their client’s arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over his immigration status.
While it was widely reported that he had been detained for overstaying his visa term, the Attorney General’s Department has clarified that his visa was revoked in June last year and he was given up to November 29 to leave the USA; however, he ignored the order, leading to his detention by ICE.
“ICE will not come for you unless you have visa issues; that is what has happened. In June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration of the Visa. The information we have is that his visa was revoked. So he has been living in America without a visa,” he said on the KeyPoints on TV3 Saturday, January 10.
Consumers are set to purchase sachet water at the same old price as producers agree to suspend proposed increases.
This comes after the government stepped in to intervene and avert the increase. A meeting hosted by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare was held yesterday, Wednesday, April 8,for engagements on the industry’s challenges and to agree on a sustainable way forward.
The meeting brought together the Plastic Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, April 8 at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in Accra, the Minister noted that producers have agreed to suspend the price increase for at least the next two months, while they anticipate a return to normalcy.
According to her, the producers have decided to maintain current prices due to the recent economic gains they have also enjoyed, and are therefore willing to cushion Ghanaians for the time being.
“Because the economy has been stable for a while we think that we have been cushioned so it is a good time for the industry to also cushion Ghanaians. They have agreed to do that so we continue to enjoy the stability that we have in the system. In any economy, there are gains and there are loses. Since we have enjoyed the gains for about 14 months, I am happy that they will cushion us for the next two months. We are hoping that things will come back to normal,” she said.
When was the proposed increment announced?
NASPAWAP announced the increase in a formal statement issued on Thursday, April 2 and signed by the association’s Director of Corporate Affairs, citing that the escalating Middle East tensions informed the hike.
“The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) regrets to announce an upward revision of the ex-factory and ex-truck prices of sachet water, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. These are recommended price reviews by the national body”, parts of the statement said.
Adding that, “this decision follows the global shortage of polymers and the sharp increase in their prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The rising costs have significantly impacted production, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain current prices”.
The new prices are as follows: “Ex-factory price: GH¢8 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Ex-truck price: GH¢10 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Maximum retail price: GH¢15 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets”
“This adjustment is necessary to sustain production and ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water,” the association added.
Consequently, they urged “retailers and consumers to adhere to these prices to ensure fair trade practices. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time”.
The last price increase in sachet water occurred about 4 years ago, i.e., in September 2022. NASPAWAP announced a price adjustment, raising the retail price of a bag of sachet water to around GHC 7–8, citing rising fuel and raw material costs.
However, before the September increase, the retail price of a bag of sachet water in Ghana was generally around GHC 5–6, indicating that the price had seen about 33% to 40% increase.
Barely a year later, another increase was announced by the association in April 2023, attributing the hike to continued cedi depreciation and higher polymer costs.
This shot the prices to GHC 10 per bag of 30 sachets of 500ml.
What is a polymer, and why is it affecting the pricing of sachet water in Ghana?
Polymer is a plastic used to package water into sachets because they are strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is an essential material in the production processes, as without it, there will be no packaging; hence, if the prices of the material go up, producers increase the commodity prices to make up for it as they experience high production costs.
These plastics are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and are essential for packaging because they are strong and lightweight.
The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) suspended their proposed increase in prices of sachet water effective February 7.
This comes after the government stepped in to intervene and avert the increase, indicating that a meeting with relevant stakeholders will be held today, Wednesday, April 8, for engagements on the industry’s challenges and to agree on a sustainable way forward.
The engagement will bring together the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers as part of efforts to make the best out of the situation.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness yesterday indicated in a formal statement that the public is expected to continue purchasing sachet water at the old price, not the proposed maximum retail price of GH¢15 as earlier reported by the association.
“The Ministry, hereby, assures the public that the price of sachet water will not increase today. Consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at the current price.”
While the prices remain unchanged, the Trades Ministry has now added that his outfit would meet with members of the association to discuss the way forward.
“On Wednesday, 8th April 2026, the Ministry will meet with the leadership of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) to urgently address challenges facing the sector.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Ministry’s Chief Commercial Officer, Kofi Addo, expressed optimism that the engagement will lead to a constructive outcome that reflects both industry realities and consumer interests.
He noted that producers have held prices steady for several years despite rising operational costs. “For the past three to four years, they have not increased sale prices, but this was mainly due to the high cost of raw materials,” he explained, pointing to broader global developments that have disrupted supply chains and increased production expenses.
Mr Addo added that the ministry only became fully aware of the extent of these challenges after the announcement of the intended price adjustment, prompting the decision to engage stakeholders more directly.
“Given this information, and because the ministry was not aware, we felt it was important to engage them so that we can look at all the issues relating to the sector and find a balanced way forward,” he said.
He also acknowledged the cooperation shown by manufacturers and producers in pausing the price increase to allow for dialogue.
“We appreciate the manufacturers and the producers for cooperating with the ministry to halt the increment today, so that we can all meet and come up with a workable plan for the sector,” he added.
When was the proposed increment announced?
NASPAWAP announced the increase in a formal statement issued on Thursday, April 2 and signed by the association’s Director of Corporate Affairs, citing that the escalating Middle East tensions informed the hike.
“The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) regrets to announce an upward revision of the ex-factory and ex-truck prices of sachet water, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. These are recommended price reviews by the national body”, parts of the statement said.
Adding that, “this decision follows the global shortage of polymers and the sharp increase in their prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The rising costs have significantly impacted production, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain current prices”.
The new prices are as follows: “Ex-factory price: GH¢8 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Ex-truck price: GH¢10 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Maximum retail price: GH¢15 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets”
“This adjustment is necessary to sustain production and ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water,” the association added.
Consequently, they urged “retailers and consumers to adhere to these prices to ensure fair trade practices. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time”.
The last price increase in sachet water occurred about 4 years ago, i.e., in September 2022. NASPAWAP announced a price adjustment, raising the retail price of a bag of sachet water to around GHC 7–8, citing rising fuel and raw material costs.
However, before the September increase, the retail price of a bag of sachet water in Ghana was generally around GHC 5–6, indicating that the price had seen about 33% to 40% increase.
Barely a year later, another increase was announced by the association in April 2023, attributing the hike to continued cedi depreciation and higher polymer costs.
This shot the prices to GHC 10 per bag of 30 sachets of 500ml.
What is a polymer, and why is it affecting the pricing of sachet water in Ghana?
Polymer is a plastic used to package water into sachets because they are strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is an essential material in the production processes, as without it, there will be no packaging; hence, if the prices of the material go up, producers increase the commodity prices to make up for it as they experience high production costs.
These plastics are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and are essential for packaging because they are strong and lightweight.
The recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that Ghana’s economy saw a 7.5% in January, showing a continued momentum at the start of the year, although it is 0.7% slower compared to last year’s growth, which was 8.2% in the same month of 2025.
According to the latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) data, the services sector, including finance and banking, education, and healthcare, remained the main driver of growth, expanding by 9.6% and contributing 54.3% to overall economic growth.
The industrial sector, which includes manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, utilities, comes after the services sector is the industrial sector. It followed with a 7.2% increase, accounting for 29.0%, while agriculture recorded the slowest growth at 4.5%, contributing 14.0%.
The growth rate was announced by Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, who noted that the notable performance in services marks the sector’s significant role in the economy, highlighting Ghana’s gradual shift towards a service-led growth model.
While some sectors are recording significant growth, the GSS report also shows a snail-paced growth rate in the Agriculture sector, which is worrying due to its role in granting employment opportunities to a great number of the public; however, adding that, there is still room to make more products and add more value.
Experts say that to keep the economy growing through 2026, the country needs a clear plan. This plan should focus on improving the industry, making agriculture more productive, and continuing to grow the services sector so the economy becomes stronger and more balanced.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s economic outlook for 2025 was slightly downgraded by the World Bank, with the institution forecasting a 3.9% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, lower than both the government’s projection of 4.4% and the World Bank’s earlier forecast of 4.3%.
The updated projection was contained in the April 2025 edition of the Africa Pulse Report, where the Bretton Woods institution also anticipated modest improvements in the country’s economic performance over the next two years, projecting a growth rate of 4.6% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027.
According to the World Bank, weather-related uncertainties remained a major concern, especially as they affected key export commodities such as cocoa in both Ghana and neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire. These climate disruptions also caused ripple effects on global cocoa stockpiles and pricing.
The report noted: “On average, the response to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods has diverted up to 9.0% of African governments’ budgets and rendered losses of 2.0% to 5.0% of economic activity.”
Despite the external challenges, Ghana had begun to show signs of economic rebound. The World Bank highlighted renewed optimism among businesses and improvements in sectors like manufacturing and services during the early months of 2025.
“High-frequency indicators point to activity in manufacturing and services improving across countries in the region at the start of 2025. Business sentiment continues to expand in some countries (Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia), while in others it has bounced back from contraction (Ghana and Mozambique) or remains subdued (South Africa and Uganda),” the report noted.
Specifically, Ghana’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose from 47.9 in January to 50.6 in March 2025, indicating a return to growth territory. The World Bank attributed this recovery to improved demand conditions, fewer supply chain disruptions, and renewed business momentum following the December 2024 presidential elections.
Elsewhere, Sub-Saharan Africa’s overall economic growth was projected to edge up slightly from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, with further acceleration expected to reach 4.3% in 2026 and 2027. However, the region’s growth continued to be weighed down by sluggish performances in some of its largest economies—namely Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa.
In March that year, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) attributed the country’s 5.7% economic growth in 2024 to the strong performance of the services sector, particularly the increased use of data and SMS under the Information and Communication Services category.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, March 11, former Government Statistician Professor Samuel Kobina Anim emphasized that services contributed the most to the overall growth, surpassing other sectors.
“Of the 5.7% growth rate that we saw in GDP, the services sector contributed the most, 2.51% of the 5.7% GDP growth rate that we saw for 2024.
“Followed by the industry sector, which mining and quarrying is part of, which gold is part of, contributed to 2.24% of that.
“Within the service sector, what is driving the service sector is information and communication. And in this case, it’s data and SMS messages that we are using,” he stated.
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has reportedly arrived in Senegal to meet the country’s president and football authorities over the disputed AFCON title.
The 2025 AFCON final was played on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, between Senegal and Morocco, where the former won by a goal.
The game, which was plagued by several incidents, including disputed refereeing decisions, VAR controversies and crowd disturbances, was later appealed by Morocco. The North Africans won the case after CAF’s Appeals Committee controversially overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory and the title.
The move was met with widespread disapproval and disappointment, with many slamming CAF’s credibility and calling it a“disgrace for Africa.” The Senegalese authorities openly defied the ruling by displaying the trophy in Paris.
Following this, the CAF President Patrice Motsepe has arrived in Senegal in an attempt to quell tensions and clear any misconceptions of bias after the AFCON 2025 title strip.
He is expected to meet the Senegalese Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, Mr Abdoulaye Fall, on the working visit.
Meanwhile, CAF’s statement, which announced the new AFCON title winners, indicated that the reversal was on procedural grounds, with the governing body noting that Morocco’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings.
Senegal has since filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports over the decision.
What exactly happened at the AFCON final, detailed chronologically
The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was nothing short of controversial, chaotic and tense; however, the side widely alleged to be at the centre of it all was Senegal.
This followed Morocco being awarded a penalty after their player, Ayoub El Kaabi, tumbled in the box following contact with Senegal defender Abdou Diallo. The referee initially waved play on, but later intervened after a VAR review.
Following the check, Morocco were awarded a penalty, which clearly upset Senegal’s players, who believed the contact was minimal and that El Kaabi had gone down too easily.
Consequently, they staged a walk-off in protest on the pitch. During this time, some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch, with some captured throwing objects onto the field, including a chair.
Sadio Mane’s role in calming chaos
Meanwhile, during the walk-off, the intervention of their captain, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, persuaded them to return and continue the game. However, many believe their return was not solely due to Mané’s intervention but also influenced by Morocco missing the penalty.
Diaz missed the resulting penalty as he bizarrely clipped a Panenka effort down the middle and straight at Edouard Mendy.
In an interesting turn of events, Pape Gueye notched a goal in stoppage time, giving Senegal a lead in the 94th minute, securing the team their second AFCON title.
Sadio explains the motive behind his action
Following their victory over Morocco, Mane, during an interview with the media, explained that even though the referee’s decision might have been wrong, the most important thing is to respect the game and keep playing, hence his decision to call his teammates back o the pitch to play as football is widely love globally and it will have been unfair to the people watching to see the game called off over one disputed call.
He said, “When they decided to go out and not play, I stayed and asked some people, ‘What do you think about this? Is it a good idea or not?’ Then I decided to go and bring everyone back to the pitch. I think it is the best thing to do.
“Because this is just football, I think the referee sometimes can make mistakes. People around the world are watching. It could be a penalty or not, but that is not the most important thing. What matters is respecting the game. It is not fair to stop a match like this.”
Mané went on to reflect on the incident that generated headlines around the world, saying, “Football is something special. The world was watching, and the world loves football. I believe football is about enjoyment, so we must give the game a good image.”
“I think it would be crazy not to play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I’d rather lose than have this kind of thing happen to our football.
“I think it’s really bad. Football should not stop for even ten minutes, but what can we do? We have to accept that we did, but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened, happened.”
19 soccer fans were sentenced to prison over charges of hooliganism at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.
The recently concluded regional tournament had been marred by chaos and extreme hooliganism, with players, coaches, and fans invading the pitch.
Amid the chaos, some fans were arrested by the Moroccan police, 18 of whom were Senegalese and one French.
After months of detention, they were arraigned before the court on Thursday, February 19. Following a hearing that lasted more than five hours, the presiding judge ruled that the fans, 18 Senegalese and a French national, were guilty of more than half a dozen charges, including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event.
Out of the 19, 11 were sentenced to one year in prison and handed a $550 fine. Four were sentenced to six months and given a $218 fine. The remaining four were sentenced to three months and a $130 fine. These were disclosed by lawyer Naima El Guellaf while speaking to The Associated Press.
According to reports, one of the defendants fainted after hearing the sentence, while the others sat unbothered and defiant after being ordered to rise from the defendant’s bench to make way through the small door leading to the holding cells. Family members, visibly shaken, insisted their relatives were innocent.
Attorneys said they planned to appeal the decision, which they viewed as severe.
Renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has made new revelations regarding his alleged assault by the police.
On March 21, Mahama was returning from Eid-ul-Fitr prayers when his vehicle was stopped near the Mariam Hotel junction. He alleged that officers from the IGP’s Special Operations Team (Black Maria) entered his bus, forced him to unlock his phone, and deleted footage he had taken.
In his recent revelation, he noted that the Commander of the Police Special Operations Team, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, was present during his alleged assault and could have stopped it, but failed to intervene.
While noting that the DSP was not involved in the physical assault, he said the commander was right there from the beginning until they arrived at the police station.
“He was not physically involved in the assault, but all the men were acting under his command because he was on the site from the very beginning until we went to the police station,” Mahama said.
He recounted the events in detail, stating that the officer remained present throughout the incident.
“…He was on the site, he was there at the scene, the Mariam Hotel, when the whole thing happened and when we went to the police station, we were in a police pickup behind his car, which we were driven to the police station,, and they asked us to take off our clothes because my clothes were covered in blood.
“There, the officers continued to assault me because they wanted me to delete the video that they thought I was taking of them when they started hitting the car, and I started filming, and that was what they were actually annoyed by, that I was filming them.”
Mahama maintained that the team’s commander was fully aware of the assault but did nothing to stop it.
“For me, it wasn’t a matter of whether he hit us or not. Everything happened under his command. If he wanted it to stop or if he didn’t want it to transpire at all, that would have been the case, but that was not what happened. He did know [it was me] very well,” he stated in an interview with Citi FM.
According to him, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil was familiar with his family and even himself, expressing surprise as to why he left him to be assaulted by his men and watched on during the alleged assault.
His account contradicts an earlier statement from the police team, which denied that any assault took place. The officers stated that the incident arose from a traffic enforcement operation that escalated after a driver allegedly blocked the road and failed to comply with instructions.
According to the police, officers acted to prevent a possible mob attack and arrested those involved for offensive conduct, later releasing them into the custody of their father.
IGP meets Ibrahim Mahama
On March 26, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, alongside the Police Management Board, met the renowned Ghanaian artist as part of investigations into the incident.
The Northern Regional Police Commander was also invited to assist with the probe.
The case was transferred to CID Headquarters and the Police Professional Standards Bureau for independent investigation.
Management of VIP Jeoun Transport announced an increase in transport fares yesterday. In a statement shared on their official Facebook Page on Tuesday, April 7, the transport service indicated that the new fares will take effect today, Wednesday, April 8.
“VIP JEOUN Transport announces fare increase effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026”, parts of the statement noted.
While the management gave no reason for the increase yesterday, their Managing Director, Adakabre Frimpong Manso, later detailed reasons behind the upward adjustment of transport fares.
The company said the decision follows months of maintaining existing fares despite mounting financial pressures, including increasing fuel prices, high spare parts costs and longer travel times on major routes.
The increase in Jeoun’s fares comes at a time when GPRTU is still having discussions with the government regarding the next pricing of transport fares, given the recent increase in fuel prices.
But the management of the transport company insists that they remain independent of any transport union, hence their solo increase without consultations with the government, and is not bound by decisions taken by transport unions.
“VIP is a limited liability company, and we are not part of any union. The meeting we are led to believe is between the Transport Ministry, the GRTCC and the GPRTU. This is a purely private company, and we make our own assessments. Where we believe we need to plug some holes, we have to plug them,” he explained.
He cited the worsening conditions of the Accra–Kumasi highway, one of the most heavily travelled routes by their buses, as a major factor driving up operational costs, according to the manager.
“The buses spend a lot of time on the Accra-Kumasi route. Something that should have been six hours, we are spending up to 10 hours because of bottlenecks at Osino, Nkawkaw, Konongo, and sections of the road that are extremely bad,” he said.
He noted that the prolonged travel times have led to higher fuel consumption and maintenance expenses.
“That increases maintenance costs and also increases diesel consumption. Taking depreciation, wear and tear into consideration, it is even somewhat cheaper,” he added.
Mr Manso revealed that the company had planned to increase fares earlier but postponed the move following engagements with government officials. He also ruled out the possibility of reducing fares under current conditions.
“A reduction of prices does not come in at this stage. What in Ghana was 10 cedis two years ago that remains 10 cedis today? In March 2025, we were going to increase prices, but at the instance of the transport minister, we suspended those prices,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some passengers have expressed concern that the increase comes at a difficult time, as many households continue to face rising living costs. Some criticised VIP over the hike, describing it as unfair, noting that the transport company did not reduce fares when fuel prices dropped significantly a few months ago.
Others, however, acknowledged the company’s concerns but questioned the timing, pointing out that the increase is being introduced at a time when many people are already under financial strain.
New fares
Meanwhile, according to the statement, passengers travelling on standard services will pay Ghc120 from Accra to Kumasi, Ghc170 to Sunyani and Ghc290 to Tamale, among others. Fares to northern destinations such as Bolgatanga and Wa have been set at Ghc330 and Ghc320, respectively.
Executive coach services have also seen upward adjustments, with fares from Accra to Kumasi increased to Ghc150, Sunyani to Ghc200, and Tamale to Ghc360.
Longer-distance routes such as Accra to Navrongo and Bawku will now cost Ghc420 and Ghc430, respectively.
The company also announced revised intercity fares from Kumasi, including Ghc210 from Kumasi to Tamale and Ghc250 to Bolgatanga.
Difference between Standard and Executive coaches
Standard Coaches have a regular seating arrangement, typically four seats per row (2+2), offering basic comfort, legroom, and ventilation. Standard amenities are minimal, usually with no onboard entertainment, and air-conditioning may vary depending on the bus. Fares are lower compared to Executive Coaches.
For the Executive Coaches, passengers enjoy a more spacious seating layout, often three seats per row (2+1), giving extra legroom and wider seats with better comfort levels. Comfort levels are higher, with reclining seats and better suspension for smoother rides. Amenities include air-conditioning, onboard entertainment such as TV screens, and sometimes Wi-Fi and charging ports in newer fleets. Fares are higher due to the added comfort and services, making Executive Coaches suitable for passengers willing to pay more, especially on longer routes like Accra–Tamale or Accra–Bolgatanga.
VIP Jeoun said the new fare structure was approved by management and applies across all its operational routes.
In today’s fast-evolving energy landscape, performance is often measured in megawatts generated, contracts delivered, and uptime achieved. Yet behind every operational milestone lies a far more powerful driver of success: people.
The World Health Organisation defines wellness as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Within organisations, this expands into what we term employee wellbeing: a holistic state shaped by work environment, leadership, access to resources, financial stability, and overall life satisfaction.
For too long, employee wellness has been treated as a “nice-to-have” benefit—gym memberships, fruit baskets, or occasional health talks. While these initiatives have their place, they barely scratch the surface of what wellness truly represents in a high-performance organisation.
If organisations are to achieve sustainable performance, resilience, and innovation, employee wellness must move beyond being a perk and become a core business strategy.
The Business Case for Wellness
In high-pressure sectors such as power generation, where operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable—employee well-being is directly linked to organisational outcomes.
Research and practice consistently show that when employees are physically healthy, mentally resilient, and emotionally supported, they drive:
Higher productivity and job satisfaction
Lower healthcare costs
Reduced turnover
Stronger organisational culture
Increased creativity and innovation
Conversely, burnout, stress, and disengagement quietly erode performance. Absenteeism increases, safety risks rise, collaboration declines, and talent attrition becomes costly.
Wellness, therefore, is not merely an HR initiative; it is a business continuity imperative.
Redefining Wellness in High-Performance Organisations
Wellness is multidimensional. It extends beyond physical health to encompass:
Psychological Safety Employees must feel safe speaking up, challenging ideas, and reporting risks without fear of retribution. In operational environments, this can mean the difference between proactive problem-solving and preventable incidents.
Workload Sustainability High performance should not come at the cost of chronic exhaustion. Sustainable workloads, clear expectations, and realistic timelines are essential.
Financial Wellbeing Financial stress significantly impacts focus and morale. Empowering employees through financial literacy strengthens both confidence and productivity.
Purpose and Meaning In the energy sector, our work powers homes, hospitals, schools, and industries. Connecting employees to this broader impact strengthens engagement and pride.
Beyond these, employee well-being is also influenced by key organisational factors such as company culture, leadership style, job design, access to healthcare, work-life balance, and the quality of communication and recognition systems.
At Karpowership Ghana, we recognise that operational excellence begins with people excellence, and this philosophy shapes how we engage and support our workforce.
From Reactive Support to Proactive Strategy
Many organisations address wellness only after a crisis—a spike in sick leave, a safety incident, or rising turnover. A strategic approach is different. It is proactive, structured, and embedded in corporate decision-making.
A comprehensive employee wellness programme should include:
Physical wellbeing initiatives that support health and energy levels
Mental health support systems and access to resources
Financial wellbeing programmes
Career development opportunities that enhance job satisfaction
Social and community engagement that fosters belonging
To be effective, organisations must:
Identify employee needs through data and feedback
Set clear objectives and measurable outcomes
Allocate dedicated resources and budget
Partner with experts where necessary
Develop strong internal communication strategies to drive participation
When wellness is approached in this structured way, it becomes a driver of performance, not just an employee benefit.
Leadership’s Role: Setting the Tone
Wellness cannot be delegated solely to HR; it must be championed at the executive level.
Leaders set the tone through:
How they communicate under pressure
Whether they model work-life balance
How they respond to mistakes
The priority they give to employee feedback
In high-stakes industries, leadership is not only about technical competence—it is equally about emotional intelligence and empathy. Resilient organisations are built by leaders who understand that people are their most critical asset.
Measuring What Matters
What gets measured gets managed. For wellness to be truly embedded as a strategy, it must be tracked and evaluated.
Key indicators include:
Employee engagement survey results
Absenteeism and turnover rates
Health and wellness screening outcomes
Mental health assessments
Productivity and performance metrics
These insights allow organisations to continuously refine their approach and ensure that wellness initiatives are delivering real impact.
The Link Between Wellness and ESG
Increasingly, investors and stakeholders are scrutinising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. While environmental efforts often take centre stage, the “Social” dimension is equally critical.
A company that neglects its people cannot credibly claim long-term sustainability.
A Strategic Imperative for the Energy Sector
The energy sector operates under intense scrutiny, tight regulatory frameworks, and 24/7 operational demands. Fatigue and stress are not abstract concepts—they have real operational consequences.
Embedding wellness into business strategy leads to:
A stronger safety culture
Reduced operational risk
Greater workforce stability
An enhanced employer brand
Improved talent attraction and retention
For Ghana’s growing energy ecosystem, prioritising employee wellbeing is not just progressive—it is strategic.
The Way Forward
The future of work demands agility, resilience, and innovation. These qualities cannot thrive in environments where employees are overwhelmed, unsupported, or disengaged.
The question for leaders is no longer whether they can afford to invest in employee wellness—the real question is whether they can afford not to.
Wellness is not about perks. It is about performance. It is about building organisations where people are equipped—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to consistently deliver excellence.
At Karpowership Ghana, we believe that investing in our people’s well-being is a direct investment in operational success and long-term sustainability.
Because sustainable power begins with empowered people.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
One of the country’s leading transport services, VIP Jeoun Transport, has announced an increase in its transport fares across its routes nationwide.
In a statement shared on their official Facebook Page on Tuesday, April 7, the transport service indicated that the new fares are set to take effect tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8.
“VIP JEOUN Transport announces fare increase effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026”, parts of the statement noted.
While the company has yet to give the reason behind the increase, it is suspected to be a result of rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East tensions.
The company said the adjustment affects both its standard tour and executive coach services, covering major routes from Accra to destinations across the country.
“VIP JEOUN Transport last reviewed fares on April, 26,2024. The fares are categorised as EXECUTIVE and STANDARD TOUR”, adding that, “VIP JEOUN Transport first published this notice on 14/03/25 and SUSPENDED on 18/03/25”.
According to the statement, passengers travelling on standard services will pay Ghc120 from Accra to Kumasi, Ghc170 to Sunyani and Ghc290 to Tamale, among others. Fares to northern destinations such as Bolgatanga and Wa have been set at Ghc330 and Ghc320, respectively.
Executive coach services have also seen upward adjustments, with fares from Accra to Kumasi increased to Ghc150, Sunyani to Ghc200, and Tamale to Ghc360.
Longer-distance routes such as Accra to Navrongo and Bawku will now cost Ghc420 and Ghc430, respectively.
The company also announced revised intercity fares from Kumasi, including Ghc210 from Kumasi to Tamale and Ghc250 to Bolgatanga.
Difference between Standard and Executive coaches
Standard Coaches have a regular seating arrangement, typically four seats per row (2+2), offering basic comfort, legroom, and ventilation with standard amenities are minimal, usually with no onboard entertainment, and air-conditioning may vary depending on the bus. Fares are lower compared to Executive Coaches.
For the Executive Coaches, passengers enjoy a more spacious seating layout, often three seats per row (2+1), giving extra legroom and wider seats with better comfort levels. Comfort levels are higher, with reclining seats and better suspension for smoother rides. Amenities include air-conditioning, onboard entertainment such as TV screens, and sometimes Wi-Fi and charging ports in newer fleets. Fares are higher due to the added comfort and services, making Executive Coaches suitable for passengers willing to pay more, especially on longer routes like Accra–Tamale or Accra–Bolgatanga.
VIP Jeoun said the new fare structure was approved by management and applies across all its operational routes.
GPRTU on fuel prices and transport fares
The price of fuel jumped again last week, prompting calls for the government to cut fuel taxes. However, while the government had yet to respond to these calls, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) hinted at a possible price increase in transport fares.
The Deputy Secretary of the Union, Samuel Amoah, urged drivers to exercise patience, noting that discussions on transport fare adjustments were still ongoing.
According to him, the Easter festivities and holidays had delayed their scheduled meeting with the Transport Ministry and other stakeholders to table concerns about transport rates.
Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, Mr. Amoah explained:
“The Minister has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the way forward. Until this meeting takes place, we have not reached a conclusion on whether there will be an increment or the percentage, if any, that will be applied,” he said.
He went on to appeal for the patience of commercial drivers, urging them to desist from taking unilateral actions and stressing that the leadership intended to finalise discussions with the Ministry before any decisions on fare adjustments were announced.
Mr. Amoah stated that the purpose of the upcoming meeting was to formally engage the Ministry before any official announcement was made, assuring members that new updates would be given as soon as possible.
This came after the drivers’ association, on April 1, gave the government a forty-eight-hour (48) ultimatum to cut taxes on fuel, warning of a potential increase in transport fares.
The ultimatum was announced by the Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer during an interview on Joy News’ AM Show.
He said,
“We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it.
If they fail to do what this increment can, then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increment of transport fares for our members.”
Government has announced a list of 4,000 different agricultural machinery to support that is set to be given the proposed 50 Farmer Services Centres nationwide.
The 50 Farmer Services Centres were first announced in late 2025 under Ghana’s “Feed Ghana Programme,” with government pledging to equip them with more than 4,000 pieces of farm machinery.
In a Facebook post on Monday, April 6, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, listed the machinery to be available at the centres detailing the equipment breakdown and deployment plan.
The post read, “So, President Mahama promised to establish Farmer Services Centers in 50 agricultural Districts to provide agricultural services to farmers….He cut sod for work to begin on them a few weeks ago at Afram Plains and they will look like this when completed”.
According to the breakdown, a total of 660 tractors, 200 tractor trailers, 200 mini tractors, 200 mini tractor trailers, 200 mini tractor tillers, 200 mini tractor cultivators, 200 mini tractor ploughs, 200 mini tractor harrows, 200 mini tractor cutter bars, and 200 mini tractor mowers will be provided.
Additionally, the equipment includes 460 three-disc ploughs, 300 four-disc ploughs, 330 sixteen-disc harrows, 100 1,000kg mineral fertilizer spreaders, 100 four-row precision seed drills, 100 six-row precision seed drills, and 100 32-row pneumatic seed drills.
The package also comprises 300 800-litre boom sprayers, 50 combine harvesters, 50 maize headers for combine harvesters, and 25 soy headers for combine harvesters.
These centres would like one-stop shops for farmers. They will have different farming machines, like tractors and harvesters, that farmers can use instead of buying their own. Also, each centre will also have a repair and maintenance section, so if any machine breaks down, it can be fixed quickly and kept in good working condition.
The centres will also be used as training hubs which will allow registered farmers to learn modern farming techniques and best practices to boost productivity and efficiency.
President Mahama, on March 23, broke ground for the construction of the first centre at Takoratwene in the Afram Plains.
So, President Mahama promised to establish Farmer Services Centers in 50 agricultural Districts to provide agricultural services to farmers.
These Centers will have over 4,000 different agricultural machinery with the following breakdown.
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) April 6, 2026
President John Dramani Mahama officially kicked off the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) on Saturday, April 12.
Although initially set for April 11, the launch was rescheduled to allow for other key government activities.
The was held at the Methodist School Park in Techiman, in the Bono East Region.
John Setor Dumelo, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, announced the new date on social media on April 8, stressing how important this programme is.
The Feed Ghana Programme is aimed at tackling food security challenges and improving agricultural productivity nationwide.
The launch will see the participation of policymakers, farmers, and development partners, as the government reaffirms its dedication to transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The initiative is designed to provide critical support to farmers, enhance food systems, and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Ghana Statistical Service on Ghana’s food security
Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, disclosed that the number of food-insecure persons had reduced significantly within the period, although he cautioned that the progress remained vulnerable to economic and seasonal changes.
“Between 2022 Q1 and 2025 Q3, the number of food-insecure people in Ghana declined from about 16 Million to 12.5 Million, a reduction of nearly 22%. The incidence of food insecurity stood at 38.1% in 2025 Q3 down from 41.1% in 2025 Q2 and 38.7% in 2024 Q3 (a year earlier). Progress is real but remains fragile,” he stated.
The latest data released by the Service showed that food insecurity levels had generally declined between the first quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2025, reflecting gradual improvements in household access to food across the country.
The figures indicated that while the overall trend showed improvement, food insecurity levels experienced fluctuations within the period under review.
Mr. Alhassan Iddrisu added that the report highlighted significant disparities in how food insecurity affected different household groups, stressing that household characteristics remained a critical factor.
He explained that female-headed households, particularly those in rural areas, continued to experience higher levels of food insecurity. He noted that households with children, especially those caring for both children and elderly persons, faced the greatest vulnerability.
Mr. Iddrisu further raised concern about the strong link between food insecurity and child nutrition, indicating that the data showed worrying trends across the country.
He stated that households with underweight, wasted, or stunted children recorded food insecurity rates exceeding 44 percent nationally. He added that the situation was more severe among rural female-headed households with underweight children, where food insecurity levels exceeded 80 percent.
About five days ago, the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) announced in a formal statement that prices of sachet water were set for an increase effective April 6 attributing the rise in the commodity’s price to have been influenced by the escalating Middle East tension.
The announcement sparked widespread reaction from stakeholders such as the Minority caucus, civil society organisations and the general public. The Minority criticised NASPAWAP’s announcement, arguing that the hike would worsen the cost‑of‑living crisis, while analysts like Appiah Kusi Adomako (CUTS International) argued that the hike highlighted Ghana’s urgent need for a competition law to prevent price fixing and cartel conduct.
Reacting to the backlash and discontent, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness stepped in to address the situation.
The Ministry, in a statement, commended the association and the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) for their cooperation in averting the price increase, which was to take effect on Monday, April 6.
“The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry wishes to commend Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) for their cooperation and suspending the planned price adjustment that was to take effect today, Monday, 6th April 2026”, the statement noted.
It continued that the “decision reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring market stability”.
Consequently, the public is expected to continue purchasing sachet water at the old price, not the proposed maximum retail price of GH¢15 as earlier reported by the association.
“The Ministry, hereby, assures the public that the price of sachet water will not increase today. Consumers can continue to purchase sachet water at the current price.”
While the prices remain unchanged, the Trades Ministry has now added that his outfit would meet with members of the association to discuss the way forward.
“On Wednesday, 8th April 2026, the Ministry will meet with the leadership of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) to urgently address challenges facing the sector. The Ministry remains steadfast in working with all Trade Associations to resolve issues swiftly and maintain stability in the market.”
The last price increase in sachet water occurred about 4 years ago, i.e., in September 2022. NASPAWAP announced a price adjustment, raising the retail price of a bag of sachet water to around GHC 7–8, citing rising fuel and raw material costs.
However, before the September increase, the retail price of a bag of sachet water in Ghana was generally around GHC 5–6, indicating that the price had seen about 33% to 40% increase.
Barely a year later, another increase was announced by the association in April 2023, attributing the hike to continued cedi depreciation and higher polymer costs.
This shot the prices to GHC 10 per bag of 30 sachets of 500ml.
What is a polymer, and why is it affecting the pricing of sachet water in Ghana?
Polymer is a plastic used to package water into sachets because they are strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is an essential material in the production processes, as without it, there will be no packaging; hence, if the prices of the material go up, producers increase the commodity prices to make up for it as they experience high production costs.
These plastics are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and are essential for packaging because they are strong and lightweight.
Meanwhile, not only has the Middle East crisis affected the price of sachet water, but Ghana also currently faces the risk of high economic pressures. Consequently, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has warned that despite recent improvements in the country’s macroeconomic indicators, Ghana could face economic pressures if tensions in the Middle East intensify.
He gave the caution at the opening of the 129th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Dr Asiama on Monday, March 16. Dr Johnson Asiama said the caution stems from tensions affecting key global energy and shipping routes, potentially causing volatility in global oil markets.
He added “Geopolitical uncertainty tends to support gold prices. Given the importance of gold in our export earnings, this could improve our trade balance”.
The ongoing tensions have been linked to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in strikes by the United States (U.S.) and Israel. This development is significantly impacting travelers from Ghana to Asia, Europe, and North America, as Dubai is a major transit hub connecting travellers through the United Arab Emirates.
Ghana, being one of the dependents of the global oil supply, stakeholders began to express concerns about a possible shortage of fuel across the country. However, the Corporate Affairs Officer of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Godwin Mahama Ayaba, during an appearance on March 11, indicated that Ghana is unlikely to experience fuel shortages despite rising tensions in the Middle East, citing the country’s diversified sources of petroleum imports and growing local refining capacity.
According to him, the NPA recently issued a statement indicating that the situation in the Middle East will not lead to shortages of petroleum products in the country.
“The National Petroleum Authority, which is the regulator, some three to four hours ago issued an official statement assuring all of us that as for shortage, there is no way the Iran–Israel conflict is going to affect us,” he said.
Mr Ayaba explained that Ghana’s fuel import structure significantly reduces the risk of supply disruption because the country imports most of its finished petroleum products from Europe.
“Ghana largely imports from two different areas: Europe and the Arabian region. Where we import most is Europe,” he noted.
“We import about 80 per cent of our finished petroleum products from Europe and about 20 per cent from the Arabian region, where this conflict may have an impact.”
A concerning health alert has prompted the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to warn the public and urge vigilance.
The Authority, in a statement dated April 2, indicated that it has discovered falsified HIV diagnostic kits being sold in the Ghanaian market, particularly the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test kits used to measure CD4 cell counts in patients with advanced HIV disease.
According to the FDA, there are some counterfeit test kits of the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test kits with lot number 0001586. They do not meet the required safety standards, hence the need for the public to stay away from them.
How to identify the fake kits
The FDA also pointed out that the counterfeit kits wrongly list Omega Diagnostics Limited as the manufacturer, whereas the genuine VISITECT CD4 kits are produced by AccuBio Limited.
In addition, authentic VISITECT kits have unique lot numbers, unlike the fake kits that show 0002172, and they include proper product details.
The Authority also pointed out clear inconsistencies in the dates printed on the products. It said the falsified kits show incorrect manufacturing dates as well.
“The Food and Drugs Authority has discovered falsified VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test kits on the Ghanaian market. These counterfeit products, bearing lot number 0001586 and wrongly listing Omega Diagnostics Limited as the manufacturer, pose a serious threat to public health. The genuine kits are produced by AccuBio Limited with lot number 0002172. The public and healthcare providers are advised to exercise vigilance and report suspicious products immediately,” the statement indicated.
The FDA noted that such differences in manufacturer information and dates should serve as warning signs. It advised healthcare providers to pay close attention to these details when handling medical products.
The FDA warned that the presence of these kits in our markets poses serious risks to public health, consequently warning that wrong results could delay treatment for people living with HIV or cause unnecessary fear for those who receive false-positive outcomes.
“Your health is too important to risk,” the FDA stated, calling for increased vigilance across the health sector.
FDA response
As part of immediate measures, the Authority has directed all hospitals, laboratories, and testing centres to check their stock of VISITECT CD4 test kits. It warned that any kits with lot number 0001586 must be removed from use at once.
The FDA further instructed that such products should be returned to the nearest FDA office for proper disposal.
It also encouraged both health professionals and the public to report any suspected fake medical products through its official channels.
The Authority said it has begun investigations to trace the source of the falsified kits and ensure those responsible are held accountable. It also urged the public to verify medical products before use to avoid potential harm.
Meanwhile, statistics from the AIDS Commission revealed that over three hundred and thirty-four thousand (334,000) Ghanaians were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
According to a statement issued on Monday, December 1, Ghana recorded 12,600 AIDS-related deaths in 2024 and over 15,200 new infections.
Last month, the Commission disclosed alarming statistics regarding the number of individuals living with HIV in the Bono Region. Speaking during the inauguration of the Bono Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (RECCOM) in Sunyani on Thursday, November 20, the Regional Technical Coordinator, Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila, revealed that 19,979 residents in the Bono Region are living with HIV and AIDS.
According to him, 875 new HIV infections have been recorded, highlighting an urgent need for attention and immediate action.
44 persosn contract HIV daily
The Ghana AIDS Commission revealed that an average of 42 new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections were recorded daily among adults and children across the country.
According to the Commission’s 2024 National and Sub-National HIV Estimates and Projections, a total of 334,721 people were living with HIV in Ghana. Out of this figure, 105,460 were males, representing 31.5 percent, while 229,261 were females, accounting for 68.5 percent.
The Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional Technical Coordinator of the GAC, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bimbilla, who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, said the data provided crucial insight into the scale of the epidemic and guided effective planning.
He revealed that 15,290 new HIV infections were recorded in the country, comprising 4,987 males, representing 32.6 percent, and 10,303 females, representing 67.4 percent.
Mr. Bimbilla also noted that AIDS-related deaths stood at 12,614, consisting of 5,445 males and 7,159 females. He said approximately 229 deaths were prevented each week through the provision of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services.
Providing a regional breakdown, he said the North East Region recorded the lowest HIV population with 1,717 cases, while Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern recorded the highest figures of 77,821, 63,159, and 44,792, respectively.
He added that seven regions, Ahafo, Upper East, Northern, Upper West, Oti, Savannah, and North East, each recorded HIV populations below 10,000.
According to him, HIV prevalence was highest in the Bono Region with 2.22 percent, followed by the Eastern Region with 2.08 percent and Ahafo with 1.88 percent, while the North East Region recorded the lowest prevalence at 0.43 percent.
He further indicated that five regions, Oti, Upper East, Savannah, Northern, and North East, recorded prevalence rates below 1.0 percent. Mr Bimbilla stated that the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions also recorded the highest number of new HIV infections, with 3,436, 2,997, and 2,019 cases, respectively. In comparison, the North East Region recorded the fewest cases, with 97.
Eleven regions, including Bono, Volta, Bono East, Western North, Ahafo, Upper East, Northern, Upper West, Oti, Savannah, and North East, recorded fewer than 1,000 new infections.
Commenting on the trend, Mr. Bimbilla described the decline in HIV prevalence, new infections, and AIDS-related deaths as a positive development, which he attributed to the growing uptake of ART services.
He expressed optimism that the downward trend would help Ghana achieve epidemic control and urged continued efforts in public education, testing, and access to treatment to sustain progress toward eliminating HIV and AIDS.
Media reportage on a purported under-invoicing in the export of raw rubber last year, which surfaced on Wednesday, April 2, has been vehemently denied by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
Reports that surfaced indicated that within a year, Ghana lost about $70 million to under-declaration of export revenues and excess shipments beyond approved permits, according to a joint investigative audit conducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
In a rejoinder issued over the weekend, the TCDA described the claims as “unverified paid propaganda”.
The Authority expressed its disappointment in media houses that carried the reportage without reaching out to it for verification.
“A genuine investigation would have sought TCDA’s perspective. Its absence demonstrates a predetermined narrative,” the statement said.
Clarifying reports on export volumes and permits, the TCDA noted that earlier reports comparing the number of permits issued in 2024 to those in 2025 were unfounded and misleading, as the permit system for raw rubber exports was only introduced on May 2, 2025.
It added that newspapers and news outlets presented annual average rubber prices as evidence of under-invoicing. The TCDA clarified that monthly minimum producer prices reflect global market fluctuations, making annual averages an inaccurate measure.
Financial Figures Unverified Claims citing figures of $49.6 million and $21 million were described by the TCDA as unverified. No official body, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) or the Ministry of Finance, has authenticated these amounts.
Foreign Exchange Assertions The TCDA emphasised that only the Bank of Ghana (BoG) supervises the Letter of Commitment (LOC) regime under the Foreign Exchange Act.
The TCDA also explained market access and legal compliance following suggestions in the reports that the rubber market be restricted to local processors. It noted that such suggestions were incorrect, highlighting that farmers have the legal right to sell to any TCDA-licensed actor, whether local or international.
On processing capacity and production figures, the TCDA described the numbers as unsourced and “designed to provoke outrage.”
It therefore urged a retraction of the reportage and called for its clarification, as provided in its rejoinder, to be given the same attention as the “unverified” report.
The Authority concluded that these media reports failed multiple standards of responsible journalism. The TCDA requested that a rejoinder be published on the front page with the same prominence as the original articles, urging that this be done by April 10, 2026, to provide the public with a timely, balanced, and accurate account.
Meanwhile, in 2022, the Management of the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) said the current market arrangement on rubber continued to impact investment in the local rubber industry, as continuous exportation of the raw material derailed the chances of investors recovering their investments.
The diversion of unprocessed rubber by some farmers, selling to persons who exported the commodity mostly to the Asian market, affected local financial institutions that had financed the plantations.
Meanwhile, the development also denied the state some tax revenue from the commodity, given that there was no value addition.
Managing Director of GREL, Lionel Barre, during the presentation of a cheque for €668,750 as dividend payment to the Ministry of Finance in Accra, observed that exportation of the raw material compelled GREL to import rubber for processing.
This followed the company’s first phase of a €62 million rubber processing factory, which had started some two years earlier.
Barre noted that they could have developed bigger and faster than they were at the time, and expressed regret that, after all those years, they were still focusing on supply chains instead of investing in value chains. He said this had encouraged more people to export raw material rather than add value to the product.
He also highlighted that failing to ensure firm regulation of the rubber value chain could affect the future investment of GREL, especially since the situation was different in neighbouring countries.
Barre emphasised that GREL had created a supply chain for rubber but not the value chain, and that developing the value chain would encourage value addition before exportation.
GREL, a public-private initiative, was the leader in rubber production in Ghana, employing over 4,000 people directly, with a target to increase the number to 6,000 in the coming years.
The company exported nearly 100 percent of its processed rubber produce abroad, earning millions of foreign exchange for the country.
Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah, who received the payment, acknowledged the company’s challenges. He assured GREL management that the government would act on their concerns, while noting that policies were already being formulated to build a strong value chain in the rubber industry.
He also commended GREL for the prompt and regular payments of its dividend.
A violent clash over farmland between members of the Kwadwoti and Macheri Konkonba communities in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region has left one person dead and six others severely injured.
Several houses belonging to the Nchumuru people in the communities of Wurenja and Beposo were also set ablaze, displacing residents and heightening tensions in the area.
Reports indicate that the conflict stems from a long-standing dispute over the ownership and use of farmland between the two groups.
Meanwhile, the identity of the deceased has yet to be formally confirmed. He is reported to have died from injuries sustained during the clash. The six injured persons are currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
Authorities have deployed security personnel to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further escalation of violence.
Investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Meanwhile,In a similar development, violent clashes between residents and herdsmen in Gbeniyiri and surrounding communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region claimed the lives of four individuals and left five others injured.
The injured were receiving treatment at various health facilities in the area.
The violence erupted after a resident was killed during a robbery attack. In retaliation, some relatives of the deceased launched an attack on herdsmen suspected to be behind the crime.
Last year, several properties were destroyed, with more than 50,000 individuals displaced due to tensions in the area. The conflict in Gbeniyiri stemmed from a land dispute between a resident and the chief’s son, which began on Saturday, August 23.
The unresolved conflict spread to Kalba and other parts of the district. Despite the deployment of 400 police personnel to the area to maintain law and order, clashes between the rival groups persisted.
Unknown assailants shot a middle-aged man to death near Kalba, a suburb of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Savannah Region, on Sunday, September 7.
The gunmen ambushed the deceased and opened fire as he rode his motorcycle. According to the police, the deceased, whose identity was yet to be revealed, had travelled from his community, Uro, to Kalba to charge his mobile phone due to the lack of electricity in his area.
The body of the deceased was later deposited at St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital in Damongo by the Ghana Police Service. The incident occurred amid the protracted conflict in Gbeniyiri, which had claimed multiple lives.
The latest death brought the official toll from the conflict to 32. Residents, however, expressed fear over the security situation. Speaking to the media, a resident noted, “With this killing, who do you think will trust the system again? Some of us suspected this to happen because the guys are still around in Kalba town, and if you deceive yourself and go there, they will just end your life like this farmer. To me, this reaffirms the fears and mistrust in the system. The authorities need to do more than just talk and go”.
Meanwhile, a seven-member mediation committee was established by the Interior Ministry in response to the ongoing land conflict in Gbeniyiri in the Savannah Region.
The committee was tasked with a one-month mandate to assist the government in finding a lasting solution to the tensions in the area.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Interior Ministry in Accra, the sector Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, noted that the establishment of the committee was a recommendation from the National Security Council.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, alongside senior officials from the Armed Forces, Prisons Service, and Immigration Service, had already visited Kalba, Sawla, and other affected communities in efforts to restore calm in the area.
In a related development, President John Mahama initiated steps to restore peace in the Sawla-Bole area of the Savannah Region following renewed tensions between the Gonja and Brifor communities.
Asante Gold Corporation has reported a net loss of $345.44 million for the eleven months ended December 31, 2025, representing a more than 450% increase from the $62.18 million loss reported the previous year, according to the company’s audited consolidated financial statements released on March 31, 2026.
The financial statements, signed by Directors Alex Heath and David Anthony, showed that revenue for the period increased to $482.59 million from $458.88 million, driven by higher gold prices, even as sales volumes declined to 143,138 ounces from 190,985 ounces in the previous year.
Consequently, total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders widened to $345.44 million from $62.18 million, while loss per share rose to $0.55 from $0.16.
Gold equivalent production fell to 146,571 ounces in the period, down from 189,600 ounces a year earlier. At the Bibiani Gold Mine, output dropped to 50,497 ounces from 60,760 ounces, while Chirano produced 96,074 ounces, compared with 128,840 ounces previously.
The company said the decline at Bibiani was due to lower-grade plant feed, as operations focused on reducing a backlog of waste stripping. At Chirano, lower ore grades and reduced recovery rates, caused by issues with intertank screens at the carbon-in-leach plant, were cited as the main factors.
Consolidated all-in sustaining costs rose sharply to $3,902 per ounce for the eleven-month period, up from $2,168 per ounce in the previous financial year. The Bibiani Gold Mine reported the highest cost at $6,036 per ounce, while Chirano’s AISC came in at $2,877 per ounce.
The surge at Bibiani was mainly driven by higher stripping requirements, processing of lower-grade ore from stockpiles, and increased sustaining capital expenditures. At Chirano, the rise in costs was largely due to reduced gold production, which spread fixed costs over fewer ounces.
During the period, the company completed a financing package comprising a senior debt facility of $150 million, a mezzanine facility of $125 million, gold stream agreements totaling $50 million, and equity raisings of approximately $182 million.
The company also restructured deferred payments owing to Kinross Gold Corporation, making a cash payment of $53.42 million, issuing 36.93 million common shares valued at $44.04 million, and issuing a secured convertible debenture of $77.46 million. The debenture was subsequently converted by Kinross in October 2025, resulting in the issuance of 61.74 million common shares and a loss on conversion of $28.38 million.
The company’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, drew attention to a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on Asante’s ability to continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2025, the company had cash of $43.99 million and a working capital deficiency of $229.33 million.
“These conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the auditor’s report stated.
The company has since strengthened its liquidity position through a bought-deal private placement raising C$179.4 million in January 2026, a non-brokered private placement raising C$13.8 million, and an additional advance deposit of $100 million from Fujairah for gold deliveries scheduled to commence in March 2026.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) partnered with the Gold Coast Refinery to enhance Ghana’s gold processing capacity.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, indicated that the agreement would significantly enhance the implementation of a track-and-trace system across the gold sector.
He added that instead of exporting raw gold, Ghana’s daily gold exports, estimated at one tonne, will now be refined to the highest industry standard of 99.9% purity before shipment.
“This development marks a major milestone in Ghana’s gold trade and will help maximise national benefits from our mineral resources,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
He further highlighted the economic benefits, noting: “The millions of dollars we pay as refinery charges to refineries in Dubai, Switzerland, India, Hong Kong, and other foreign countries will now stay in our banking sector. That money will now stay in our economy.”
On job creation, he added: “What this agreement also means is that we are creating more direct and indirect jobs, particularly because Gold Coast Refinery has committed to operating 24/7 in line with the government’s 24-hour policy.”
This major step was taken towards deepening value addition within Ghana’s gold sector to reduce the country’s long-standing reliance on exporting raw gold. This practice has historically led to significant revenue losses that could otherwise be captured through domestic refining and downstream processing.
GoldBod explained that the partnership will strengthen local gold processing so Ghana can fully benefit from its status as Africa’s top gold producer.
A technical, independent report recently presented to GoldBod by economists from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) — Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, and economist Peter Junior Dotse — indicated that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose by 39.4 tons, increasing from 63.6 tons in 2024 to 103 tons in 2025.
According to the report, GoldBod has mitigated the rate at which gold was being smuggled out of Ghana; trading is now conducted officially through the correct channels, leading to an increase in foreign exchange entering the country. The benefits to the economy are much larger than the trading losses reported by the Bank of Ghana.
The report explains that each ton of gold is worth about $96.5 million. Based on this value, the gold that was brought into the formal system is worth approximately $3.8 billion in foreign currency.
This means the benefits are 18 times greater than the $214 million loss reported by the Bank of Ghana. In fact, the report notes that formalising just 2.2 tons of gold would be enough to cover that loss.
The government has announced plans to construct a 60-hectare irrigation facility to boost tomato production in the country, aiming to enable year-round tomato cultivation and address post-harvest losses in the sector.
This comes after an acute shortage of tomato supply on Ghanaian markets, following Burkina Faso’s temporary ban on the export of fresh tomatoes on March 19.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 4, President Mahama indicated that his government is set to intentionally invest in the industry’s irrigation facilities, garnering both internal and local aid to strengthen agribusiness nationwide.
He said the move also forms part of Mahama’s broader agenda to make agriculture and agribusiness central to Ghana’s development strategy.
“We are going to select specific areas where the government is going to intentionally mobilise investment. We will intentionally invest with both local and regional partners to ensure year-round tomato cultivation, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen agribusiness as a pillar of our development agenda.”
When did Burkina lift the ban?
The ban, which was announced to be in effect until further notice, was lifted about two weeks later, following the Ghanaian government’s bilateral talks with the Burkina government, given the country’s heavy dependence on the military-led state’s tomato produce.
Ghana imports about 75,000 tonnes annually, valued at roughly GH¢400 million, particularly during dry seasons.
On April 2, in a press release issued on Thursday, April 2, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said it had “taken note of the decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to lift the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes.”
“The Government of Ghana has taken note of the decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to lift the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes,” the statement reiterated.
Other govt measures to boost tomato production
In March, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, assured Ghanaians that the government has stepped up measures to boost yields, cut post-harvest losses, and expand irrigation-backed production to stabilise supply.
Among the measures are the drilling of over 200 boreholes across the Northern Region, securing more land for tomato cultivation, and improving irrigation systems, as well as introducing improved tomato seeds for better yields.
“Collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement will deliver improved tomato seeds capable of raising yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within months. In addition, the government is expanding irrigation under the Vegetable Development Project, including cluster farming in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, drilling 250 boreholes across the northern regions, and securing hundreds of hectares under existing irrigation systems for immediate tomato cultivation,” he indicated.
He continued, “We have been importing tomatoes from Burkina Faso to supplement local production… a clear indication that if we don’t put in place the right mechanisms to increase production, we are likely to run into challenges,” Mr Opoku noted.
Ghana’s annual tomato demand stands at about 805,000 metric tonnes, while current production is estimated at 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 metric tonnes.
One of the major concerns raised by the Minister was a long-standing trend of post-harvest losses, citing the loss of about 30 percent of local production—approximately 153,000 metric tonnes.
Reducing the losses could significantly close the supply gap, he said, adding that:
“It is not about increasing the size of the land under cultivation. It is about developing the right variety and creating the conditions to maximise output.”
Under the Vegetable Development Project, Mr Opoku said farmers were being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance, alongside irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round production.
The Vegetable Development Project (VDP) is Ghana’s flagship agricultural initiative, launched in November 2025 in Kukuom, Ahafo Region, aimed at boosting local vegetable production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs. It focuses on tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other key vegetables, with strong government support for farmers.
He noted that 60 hectares each had been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites were being prepared for expansion.
A rehabilitated irrigation scheme had made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production after agreements were reached to connect farmers with buyers to guarantee off-take, he added.
One hundred hectares had also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up production.
The Minister said ongoing interventions to improve productivity, reduce waste, and strengthen market systems would stabilise supply and enhance food security in the long term.
Sudan is open to releasing its Ghanaian national team coach, Kwesi Appiah, to serve as a temporary coach for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The national team is currently without a coach after the dismissal of former head coach Otto Addo, following a poor run that culminated in the Black Stars’ abysmal loss in the last pre-World Cup friendlies against Austria and Germany. They ended with a 5-1 thrashing by Austria in Vienna and a 2-1 loss to Germany in Stuttgart.
While the search for Otto Addo’s replacement is still on, the Sudan Football Association (SFA), according to reports from Adom FM and Asempa FM Sports, is prepared to allow Kwesi Appiah to take charge of Ghana’s national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to exclusive reports, Sudan says it will be no hindrance to Kwesi Appiah’s temporary return to his home country to guide them to the World Cup, with barely two months remaining in the lead-up to the global tournament.
“Sudan are open to allowing Kwesi Appiah to coach the Black Stars at the World Cup,”@amoasi_ekow reveals an exclusive on the Black Stars coaching situation.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/pMyQHIpZpO”— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) April 2, 2026
However, as part of the release conditions, the coach will be paid by the GFA while serving in Ghana and not the Sudan Football Association. With an agreement for him to resume his role as head coach of Sudan’s national team, the Falcons of Jediane, after the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the GFA is also said to be considering other high-profile candidates, including Pitso Mosimane of South Africa, Tom Saintfiet of Belgium, and Hervé Renard of France.
Kwesi Appiah’s coaching timeline record
If Kwesi Appiah returns as Ghana’s temporary coach, it will mark his third (3rd) stint as the national team coach after his second stint in 2017. He served as head coach of the Black Stars from 2012 to 2014, becoming the first Ghanaian to lead the national team to a FIFA World Cup. He guided Ghana to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but the team exited at the group stage amid player disputes over bonuses. Following the tournament controversies, he was dismissed in September 2014.
Appiah was reappointed in April 2017 for a second stint, which lasted until 2019. During this period, he led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where the team was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Tunisia. The performance drew criticism over his tactics and squad management, and his contract was not renewed in December 2019, bringing his second tenure to an end.
His record with Sudan, key achievements
Meanwhile, Kwesi Appiah’s record with Sudan has been surprisingly strong since taking charge in 2023. Kwesi Appiah managed Sudan from 2023 to 2026, overseeing a total of 28 matches, recording 9 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses, with an overall win percentage of approximately 32 percent.
At the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Appiah guided Sudan to the semi-finals, a notable achievement given that the country’s domestic football structure had been disrupted by civil conflict. His leadership was widely praised for building a resilient and competitive squad under difficult conditions.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Sudan went unbeaten in their first four matches, recording two wins and two draws. The team also averaged three points per game in the opening rounds, highlighting a strong start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, preparations for the World Cup will intensify in the coming weeks, with the Black Stars scheduled to regroup in May. They will face Mexico in a preparatory fixture before concluding their warm-up campaign against Wales on June 2.
Ghana, making their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, have been drawn in Group L. They will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23, and wrapping up their group stage matches against Croatia on June 27.
After suffering group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 tournaments, the Black Stars will be aiming for a stronger showing at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Modernisation and expansion works are set to begin at the Accra International Airport’s Terminal 2 (arrival) and Terminal 3 (departure) this month, April, according to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye.
The Minister shared this in a Twitter post on Saturday, April 5. According to the post, “The Ghana Airport Company Limited has an ambitious programme to expand and modernise facilities at the Accra International Airport. Work will begin this month on an ultra-modern Concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3 to ease congestion and provide world-class, high-end facilities for the travelling public”
According to him, the project forms part of a broader effort to provide world-class, high-end facilities for the travelling public while improving efficiency at the airport.
The new Concourse
The Minister said, “The New Concourse will have 5 new Passenger Boarding Bridges, 5 passenger holding areas, Bi-directional Travelators, 5 new escalators and elevators, 1 VIP Lounge, 4 Business Lounges, 4 New Retail/Duty Free Pods, among others”.
Renovation works at the VVIP lounge of Accra International Airport
The VVIP Lounge of the Accra International Airport (AIA) has been closed temporarily for renovation works aimed at improving the facility.
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) April 3, 2026
This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, April 3, 2026, in a public statement. The scheduled exercise is expected to last until Friday, April 10, to allow for renovation works.
In a public announcement issued in Accra, officials said the refurbishment is intended to enhance the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility used by high-level dignitaries and official guests.
“The closure is to allow for scheduled renovation works aimed at enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the exercise forms part of broader efforts to upgrade key national infrastructure and improve service delivery.
The Ghana Airport Company Limited has an ambitious programme to expand and modernize facilities at the Accra International Airport.
Work will begin this month on an ultra-modern Concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3 to ease congestion and provide world-class, high-end… pic.twitter.com/mEZMKvCuRl
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) April 3, 2026
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining efficient and high-quality public service despite the temporary disruption.
The VVIP Lounge at the airport is typically reserved for senior government officials, diplomats and other high-profile travellers.
KIA changed to Accra International Airport
Kotoka International Airport was officially renamed back to its original name, Accra International Airport, on February 24, 2026, following a government announcement and ceremony at the airport grounds.
This was announced in a formal statement dated February 3 by the Transport Ministry and released on Monday, 23. The statement read,
“The Ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport. The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the Airport to its former and internationally recognised name”.
It continued that the name change would not affect operations or any existing travel arrangements; however, it will involve the systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and related communication materials.
“This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained “ACC”.
Consequently, the Minister urged the general public and all other stakeholders to comply with the relevant authorities for a seamless transition.
“ The general public, stakeholders, and international partners are kindly requested to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders”, the statement noted.
About Kotoka and the redesignation to Accra International Airport
The renaming of Accra International Airport to Kotoka International Airport took place in 1969, after it opened in 1961, when the then-military government redesignated the facility in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a Ghanaian army officer who played a key role in the 1966 coup that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah.
The airport originally served as a military base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II, and was then handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under President Kwame Nkrumah, a project was launched to convert the site into a passenger terminal.
The project was completed in 1958, transforming the former military installation into a civilian airport capable of handling about 500,000 passengers a year.
The renaming was announced on February 3 by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during a parliamentary leadership briefing, noting that the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe, was going to present a bill in Parliament to legally effect the name change.
Trade, tourism, educational and cultural exchange across Africa is set for a boost following President John Mahama’s new visa policy.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the policy on April 2, during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Ghana’s Eastern Region at the Peduase Presidential Lodge. He said Ghana will introduce a visa-free regime for all African nationals starting May 25 to coincide with Africa Day.
He said, “I am also pleased to announce that, effective 25th May, 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” President Mahama announced at the end of a bilateral meeting with his visiting Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region.
However, President Mahama noted that citizens of Ghana and Zimbabwe do not require visas to travel between the two countries.
“But between Ghana and Zimbabwe are in-laws, have a visa-free environment already. We can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa. You just hop onto the plane and arrive in each other’s country.”
Ghana identifies as a cradle of Pan-Africanism, President Mahama said; consequently, it has a historic responsibility to remain open to Africans across the continent, adding that Ghanaians are firmly of the view that African governments must accelerate the integration agenda for which Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah toiled and sacrificed.
He noted that the visa-free policy forms part of a broader e-visa reform programme to be rolled out in May this year.
He, however, assured the safety of all tourists and visitors while ensuring that the security of Ghana remains uncompromised, adding that while it has announced free visas for all Africans, it shall continue to pursue visa waivers for Ghanaians as well as from other countries.
“Let me assure the public that adequate systems have been put in place to protect prospective visitors and to ensure that the security of our nation is not compromised. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to pursue additional visa waiver agreements for Ghanaians, holders of all kinds of Ghanaian passports,” he said.
Visa waivers secured so far by govt
According to President Mahama, his government, since assuming office in 2025, has signed 23 such visa waiver agreements, as part of efforts to enhance the value of the Ghanaian passport and ease travel for our citizens.
President Mahama said the Government of Ghana and the Government of Zimbabwe were determined to ensure their full and effective implementation so that their people might derive measurable and lasting benefits from them.
On continental and global issues, President Mahama said they affirmed their shared commitment to pan-Africanism, African solidarity and closer collaboration with the African Union, the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
He said they would continue to work to further advance their common positions and protect their shared interests in an increasingly complex international environment.
“We also reviewed the current geopolitical situation marked by deepening conflict, supply chain disruptions and volatility in global energy markets,” he said.
“We exchanged views on these developments and reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to international law in addressing current global challenges.”
President Mahama said they remain committed to supporting a just and equitable international world order that fairly serves the interests of all nations.
He noted that President Mnangagwa’s State visit had been productive, substantive and forward-looking.
Adding that it had provided them with a clear roadmap, renewed political will and fresh momentum to deepen the relations between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I wish to thank my brother, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, and his delegation for honouring us with this state visit and for the spirit of partnership that has characterised our discussions,” he said.
He said the state visit had provided them with an important opportunity to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher strategic level.
“We remain rooted in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation, and a shared aspiration for African prosperity,” he said.
The police have apprehended a 31-year-old woman in the Western Region following her alleged severing of her 9-year-old daughter’s toe as punishment for returning home late.
According to reports, the suspect, identified as Vivian Anto of Sefwi Proso, is currently assisting police with investigations into the incident, which has shocked residents of the Juaboso District.
A situational report received by the police indicates that, at around 4:20 p.m. on April 3, a relative named Stephen Anto reported the incident, approximately seven hours after it occurred.
Police said the suspect allegedly used a pair of scissors to sever the right index toe of the child, identified as Diana Boakye. The victim was quickly rushed to the Kofikrom SDA Hospital, where she is currently on admission and responding to treatment.
Police officers confirmed the injury during an examination upon their visit to the facility.
According to investigators, the severed toe was retrieved and is currently being kept as evidence as part of ongoing investigations.
Police have indicated that the suspect will be arraigned before court after the Easter break, as further inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, in November last year, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service arrested a man captured in a viral Facebook video physically assaulting a woman believed to be his wife at their residence in Ofankor, in the Ga East Municipality.
The suspect, identified as John Odartey Lamptey, was arrested on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the family residence.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, on November 18, two of the suspect’s siblings attempted to attack a female tenant due to their suspicion that she recorded the incident that drew the attention of authorities.
“Following his arrest, two of his siblings, Grace Kushie Lamptey and Louis Odartey Lamptey, who attempted to attack a female tenant they suspected of recording and circulating the video, were also arrested, and the tenant was rescued to ensure her safety,” part of the statement said.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has strongly condemned the violent assault, describing it as an act that infringes on the victim’s rights and is highly punishable by law.
In a statement, the Ministry stressed that no individual has the right to subject another person to any form of abuse under any circumstances.
“The Minister has also reached out to the Ghana Police Service to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and justice is served. We also encourage eyewitnesses with vital information to assist law enforcement agencies immediately,” part of the statement read.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate and ensure the safety of the wife, who fled the scene before the police arrived.
The Ghana Police Service emphasised that it remains committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators face the full rigour of the law.
A disturbing video also surfaced last month, prompting the intervention of the military police. The CCTV footage showed a man of muscular build assaulting a young male pharmacist and a young woman in a pharmacy.
The incident, which took place at Burma Camp in Accra, came to light late on Wednesday, October 29. In the widely circulated footage, the tall, dark-complexioned man was seen slapping the pharmacist.
The suspect, identified as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Mensah Williams of the Ghana Air Force, was further seen attacking the woman with several blows to her head after she attempted to record the incident. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, he continued the assault.
In response to the incident, the military police arrested Mensah Williams. He is currently in the custody of the Cantonments Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. The video has since sparked intense debate on social media, with many Ghanaians calling for swift and firm disciplinary action against the soldier.
According to reports, the assaulted woman is the daughter of the former Provost Marshal of the Military Police. The Provost Marshal is a senior military officer responsible for law enforcement, discipline, and security within the armed forces and oversees investigations into crimes involving military personnel.
The VVIP Lounge of the Accra International Airport (AIA) has been closed temporarily for renovation works aimed at improving the facility.
This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, April 3, 2026, in a public statement. The scheduled exercise is expected to last until Friday, April 10, to allow for renovation works.
In a public announcement issued in Accra, officials said the refurbishment is intended to enhance the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility used by high-level dignitaries and official guests.
“The closure is to allow for scheduled renovation works aimed at enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the exercise forms part of broader efforts to upgrade key national infrastructure and improve service delivery.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining efficient and high-quality public service despite the temporary disruption.
The VVIP Lounge at the airport is typically reserved for senior government officials, diplomats and other high-profile travellers.
In a Twitter post shared by the Minister of Government Communications today, April 4, it noted that the Airport Authority project is set for an expansion and renovation. The project will include five new passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, five new escalators and elevators, one VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four new retail/duty-free pods, among other facilities.
KIA changed to Accra International Airport
Barely a week after the government announced the reversal of the International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport, it has formally done so.
This was announced in a formal statement dated February 3 by the Transport Ministry and released today, Monday, 23. The statement read,
“The Ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport. The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the Airport to its former and internationally recognised name”.
It continued that the name change would not affect operations or any existing travel arrangements; however, it will involve the systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and related communication materials.
“This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained “ACC”.
Consequently, the Minister urged the general public and all other stakeholders to comply with the relevant authorities for a seamless transition.
“ The general public, stakeholders, and international partners are kindly requested to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders”, the statement noted.
About Kotoka and the redesignation to Accra International Airport
The renaming of Accra International Airport to Kotoka International Airport was done in 1969, after it was opened in 1961, when the then military government redesignated the facility in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a Ghanaian army officer who played a key role in the 1966 coup that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah.
The airport originally served as a military base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II before being handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under President Kwame Nkrumah, a project was launched to convert the site into a passenger terminal.
The project was completed in 1958, transforming the former military installation into a civilian airport capable of handling about 500,000 passengers a year.
The renaming was announced on February 3 by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during a parliamentary leadership briefing, noting that the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe, was going to present a bill in Parliament to legally effect the name change.
The proposed name change is intended to honour the Ga people, reclaim Ghana’s historical identity, and reflect democratic values other than glorifying a coup leader, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a military officer who played a central role in the 1966 coup d’état that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
He explained that the airport was originally called Accra International Airport, but its name was later changed.
“It is not fair to the people of Accra that they gave out their land for the construction of an airport that was named after them, and the one who received the land changed it and named it with his name,” he said.
“To honour the people who gave the land, government is going back to using it,” he added.
Minority reacts to name change
However, some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, including its leader, Afenyo-Markin. Speaking during a media engagement yesterday, February 3, he defended the current name of the airport and criticised the decision to rename it.
On his part, the name “Kotoka” is among the very few names on national monuments, such as the airport, that celebrate the heroism of Voltarians; therefore, renaming it would deny the people of the Volta Region the recognition they deserve.
He said, “All these years, we’ve had General Kotoka’s name on the airport, and suddenly it’s being changed. The name Kotoka International Airport, Accra, is already there, so you don’t need to remove Kotoka’s name.
“How many prominent Voltarians have their names on national assets or monuments? This is the only thing the people of Volta can also see as something that recognises heroism from the Volta Region, and they’re being denied.”
He added that successive governments had retained the name and accused current NDC leaders from the Volta Region of remaining silent on the issue.
He described the move as an indictment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and urged key figures within the party, particularly those from the Volta Region, to oppose the proposal.
“Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, they’re from Volta, they’re in government and are watching Volta lose its pride. It’s up to them,” he said.
In February last year, the Democracy Hub, in partnership with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), took legal action at the Supreme Court to push for a change in the name of Ghana’s international airport, Kotoka.
They asserted that associating the facility with Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka goes against the country’s democratic values, as he was instrumental in the 1966 government takeover.
“For 59 years, Ghana has lived with the contradiction of denouncing coups while honouring one of the architects of the first military overthrow of an elected government,” the group stated.
The CPP and advocacy group Democracy Hub contended that the continued use of Kotoka’s name for the country’s main airport represents an official approval of military takeovers. They argue that renaming the facility would reinforce Ghana’s dedication to democratic governance.
“It is time for Ghana to make a clear statement that it stands against unconstitutional rule, not just in rhetoric but in practice,” the statement added.
This court case, initiated with the support of legal professionals from Merton & Everett LLP, follows in-depth historical and legal examinations.
Democracy Hub appealed to civic organisations, youth movements, and champions of democracy to endorse the lawsuit, describing it as “more than a legal battle—this is about confronting our history.”
Prominent among those calling for the airport’s name to be changed back is Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. She has repeatedly suggested that the facility should return to its original name, Accra International Airport.
Thousands of health professionals who have been unemployed for years after graduating are set to be employed by the government after the Health Ministry announces the commencement of a nationwide recruitment of health professionals effective 16th April, following the granting of financial clearance.
The Ministry announced this in a formal statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Tony Goodman, shared on its official Twitter handle on Thursday, April 3.
“The Ministry of Health announces the commencement of a nationwide recruitment of health professionals effective 16th April 2026, following the granting of financial clearance”, the statement said.
The Ministry noted that, “Recruitment will be decentralised and conducted at the district level based on verified vacancies” adding that the exercise will be decentralised and conducted at the district level based on verified vacancies.
It continued that it has outlined strict guidelines for its upcoming recruitment exercise, assuring fairness in selection while urging applicants to rely on official platforms for updates.
“The process will be competitive, transparent, and guided by an approved quota system across all cadres and year groups. All recruitments will be undertaken within approved budgetary limits. Qualified health professionals are reminded to monitor official Ministry of Health and district health administration channels for vacancy announcements and application guidelines”, it noted.
Interested applicants have until are expected to get all necessary documentation and paperwork intact ahead of the rollout in the next twelve (12) days, noting that the financial clearance is valid until the end of this year.
“Applicants should prepare the required documentation and credentials ahead of the recruitment rollout. This financial clearance is valid until 31st December 2026. All recruitment activities must be completed within this period. The Ministry urges all eligible professionals to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery across Ghana.
Meanwhile, in early November, the Health Ministry announced the allocation of doctors nationwide, with about 80% of the earmarked for district health facilities.
Fast forward to November 5, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh revealed that his outfit was processing about 700 junior medical doctors for posting.
According to the statutes of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), newly posted medical officers are generally expected to report to their assigned health facility within two weeks of receiving their posting letter.
However, a recent report dated November 28 released by the health authority shows that about 70% of the newly posted doctors have yet to report to their new posts.
An overwhelming 305 doctors, or 66%, have still not shown up. This means that 7 out of 10 doctors failed to report to their assigned regions.
According to the data, urban facilities in Greater Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Eastern region, are recording the highest turnout, with many doctors reporting to their posts, representing over 60% of the total turnout, to the neglect of rural centres. Several health centres in rural areas still wait in hopes of the appearance of medical officers deployed to their districts.
Out of the 20 medical officers allocated to Greater Accra, 16 have reported, with only 4 left to show up. representing an 80 percent turnout. In the Ashanti Region, there were 33 allocations, and so far, 25 have reported, representing a 76 percent turnout. Also, the 36 allocations to the Eastern Region had 23, representing a 64 percent turnout.
On the other hand, regions in the North have recorded an abysmal turnout. North East so far has recorded a zero turnout after a 19 medical officers’ allocation. The Upper West Region also had no reporting despite an allocation of 32. Oti, with 21 allocations, saw only one officer reporting (4.8%), Western North recorded two out of 31, representing a 6.5% turnout, and Savannah had seven officers reporting out of 19 allocated, representing a 36.8%. In the other low-performing regions, Upper East recorded seven reports out of 35 allocations, representing a 20% turnout, while the Northern Region saw seven out of 32 officers reporting, representing 21.9% percent.
Following this, GHS have encouraged Regions to intensify engagements with the medical officers to improve the current numbers.
The low turnout recorded in Ghana’s rural centres, particularly in the |Northern sectors, is nothing new as it is a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s health sector. Over the years, doctors have refused or delayed postings to rural and deprived areas, mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of accommodation, and limited career opportunities.
Consequently, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his healthcare manifesto and policy statements, some reforms his government intends to make in the health sector to make postings to these rural areas attractive. Part of these include providing affordable accommodation at health facilities, offering home ownership schemes, and introducing risk exposure insurance for health workers.
The doctor–patient ratio in Ghana is about 1:10,450, with most doctors concentrated in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, while areas like the Upper West and Northern regions have historically faced severe shortages, leaving rural populations underserved.
The posting of these doctors came about a month after the President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour, disclosed that approximately 800 doctors are jobless because they are waiting to be posted to various institutions to commence work.
The price of fuel jumped again this week, prompting calls for the government to cut fuel taxes. However, while the government is yet to respond to these calls, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union GPRTU has hinted at a possible price increase in transport fares.
But the Deputy Secretary of the Union, Samuel Amoah, has urged drivers to exercise patience as discussions on transport fare adjustments are still ongoing.
According to him, the Easter festivities and holidays have delayed their scheduled meeting with the Transport Ministry and other stakeholders to table concerns about transport rates.
Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, Mr Amoah explained that
“The Minister has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the way forward. Until this meeting takes place, we have not reached a conclusion on whether there will be an increment or the percentage, if any, that will be applied,” he said.
He went on to appeal to the patience of commercial drivers, urging them to desist from taking unilateral actions, stressing that the leadership intends to finalise discussions with the Ministry before any decisions on fare adjustments are announced.
Mr Amoah stated that the purpose of the upcoming meeting is to formally engage the Ministry before any official announcement is made, assuring members that new updates will be given as soon as possible.
This comes after the drivers’ association on April 1 gave the government a forty-eight-hour (48) ultimatum to cut taxes on fuel, warning of a potential increase in transport fares.
The ultimatum was announced by the Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer during an interview on Joy News’AM Show.
He said, “We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it.
“If they fail to do what this increment can, then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increment of transport fares for our members.”
The ultimatum comes as the National Petroleum Authority announced new ex-pump price floors for April 1 to April 15, setting petrol at a minimum of GHS 13.30 per litre and diesel at GHS 17.10 per litre.
This increase in petroleum products has been linked to the escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, the USA and Israel.
Transport operators say any further increase at the pumps will inevitably be passed on to commuters, as operational costs surge. The GPRTU has indicated that while fares have remained unchanged for now, sustained fuel price hikes will force a review.
Meanwhile, GPRTU’s commitment to increase fares comes just a few weeks after assuring commuters that it will not rush to adjust transport fares despite the recent increase in fuel prices.
New prices of fuel took effect on Monday, March 17. As a result, petrol priced at GHȼ10.46 per litre moved to GHȼ11.57. The price floor for diesel has jumped from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, and LPG rose from GH¢9.38 to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme.
The assurance follows growing public concern that recent increases in fuel prices at the pumps could trigger a corresponding rise in transport fares across the country.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, backed the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, who earlier mentioned a possible upward adjustment of the fares following the fuel price hikes, citing fares were not determined solely by fuel prices but also by other operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants and taxes.
“We all agreed that where it is now, we will not rush into making any decision but will wait to see what will happen next. We are going to maintain the fares we are taking for now because who knows, the fuel price may stabilise or there may be an increase or reduction in the next pricing window,” he said.
According to him, authorities and other stakeholders met with the leadership of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana on Monday, March 16, and after the meeting, it was concluded that the current fares are to remain for the time being.
According to Amoah, the unions rely on a technical team to monitor market conditions and provide guidance on when fare adjustments may be necessary.
“We have a technical team that goes out to check all these things and reports. Per their report, there is a need for us to hold on to see what will happen in the next pricing window. We do not know where it will go. What if we increase, and then in the next pricing window, it goes up to where we can’t control the situation? We will not know what to tell our members, and we can’t come back to tell the public that we are coming in for another increment,” Amoah said.
Mature students admissions was initially designated for prospective students with a minimum year of 25 however a reported growing trend in some tertiary institutions where some applicants below the required were gaining admissions have informed revised rules from the country tertiary education regulator, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
In a formal statement issued on April 2, the regulator announced the new rules governing mature students admission in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Earlier rules vs revised rules
Earlier,applicants only needed to be at least 25 years old and sit for and pass an entrance examination organized by the institution with a documented proof of work experience of five (5) years not strictly required or enforced. Institutions also had considerable discretion in setting additional requirements, which led to inconsistencies across different schools.
However, under the revised rules, the minimum age requirement of 25 years remains unchanged, and the entrance examination is still compulsory. However, the major shift is that applicants must now provide evidence of at least five years of verifiable work experience. This requirement is no longer optional but mandatory.
Also, GTEC added tha applicants must have at least grade E in core and elective subjects under both the SSSCE and WASSCE systems, including English Language and Mathematics.
It also noted that all prospective mature students must pass entrance examinations in English, Mathematics and an aptitude test, particularly for admission into chartered institutions. For mentored institutions, the exams must be moderated and vetted by the designated mentor institutions.
Non-compliance consequences
The directive, according to GTEC, is mandatory, and any deviation would lead to the admission of unqualified candidates, undermining academic standards warning that non-complianece by institutions could lead to revocation of accreditation.
Meanwhile, in October last year, a list of 50 tertiary institutions was released by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for operating against approved standards. The Commission’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, through a statement dated October 20 cautioned the public against engaging with these institutions.
“The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) wishes to formally notify all Heads of Tertiary Institutions that the institutions listed below are currently not recognised by the Commission due to various accreditation and quality assurance breaches.Treat this caution with the seriousness it deserves,” part of the statement read.
Among the institutions are: University Azteca, Mexico, Indian School of Management and Studies, India, Breyer State Theology University, USA, Debest College of Science, Arts and Business, Ghana, Osiri University, USA, Atlantic International University, USA, Atlantic International University, USA, Faith University Seminary (FUS), Ghana, Christian University College, Monrovia, Liberia, Rhema Bible Training College (RBTC), USA, Universidad Empresarial deCosta Rica, Costa Rica, Selinus University of Science and Literature, Italy.
In September, the GTEC closed down Some 149 institutions running open distance learning across the country without accreditation.According to the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, the centres of such institutions are “unfit for purpose.”
At a two-day workshop in Accra last week on implementing Ghana’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) policy for quality assurance and tertiary education stakeholders, he noted that the operations of several institutions fall short of being recognized as legitimate distance learning.
“Unfortunately, distance education seems to be replaced with distance education. Distancing education manifesting in institutions moving across this country to replicate what is happening in traditional classrooms cannot be deemed as distance education.”
“In fact, as we speak, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has flagged some 149 distance learning centers that we think are not fit for purpose. These centers are found in second cycle institutions, institutions that are overstretched as a result of the double track”“We have centers being organized in churches, public services, public works departments, and electricity companies. In fact, we cannot allow this to happen,” he stated.
He further emphasized that distance learning is not merely an alternative to conventional education but a central pillar for expanding access, promoting equity, and fostering innovation in tertiary education.Consequently, the Commission gave institutions a grace period to follow the proper procedures and secure authorization to run these programmes in approved facilities.
“As a commission, we’ve issued a moratorium to all these institutions to teach our students in these centers and to seek accreditation for facilities that are fit for purpose. Today, we are launching this particular policy involving quality assurance.”
“What we’ve realized as a commission is that quality assurance in most of these institutions becomes overly transactional. Institutions do what they are supposed to do to please us and once we leave, then it’s business as usual. We cannot allow that,” he noted.
Commonwealth Consultant for the Open Distance Learning Policy, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, stressed the need for Ghana to reach a consensus on the definition of open distance learning and provide clear guidance for its implementation.
“What are you doing? Which is fantastic. However, we must begin from the beginning. And that’s where we think it’s better for us, not only to listen to aspects of the policy that has been put out, we should actually come to a concerted, a negotiated agreement as to what distance-learning means.”
“What does distance-learning mean? If I ask everybody, we’ll have more than 40 different answers. But we want to have a single, negotiated understanding of what distance-learning means, as well as what open-learning means. There’s a difference between distance-learning and open-learning,” he added.
Last month, operations at the Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology were brought to a halt following a directive by GTEC.
The order came after GTEC’s investigations uncovered that Nyarkotey University College had been operating against the standards for tertiary education in the country. The university college was said to be offering an unapproved Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programme in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine with various specializations.
According to GTEC, the university does not hold the required accreditation. The college had also been instructed to cease promoting the school through advertising until all regulatory requirements are fully met. The Authority has demanded that Nyarkotey University College fast-track the necessary processes to acquire the proper certification as a condition for resuming its academic services.
The government announced Friday and Monday, April 3 and 6, respectively, as public holidays.
This was formally communicated in a statement dated March 30 and signed by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed, which declared both days as nationwide holidays in commemoration of Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The statement read, “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 3rd April 2026, and Monday, 6th April, mark Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively, which are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country.”
Meanwhile, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Republic Day, was reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament, on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amended Act 601.
However, the government noted that statutory holidays that fell on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday would be commemorated on Monday or Friday. As such, the government declared July 4 a holiday.
The passage of the bill followed an assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.
While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.
He emphasized that Republic Day held great significance in Ghana’s history, which was why the government reinstated it as a full public holiday.
According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.
The bill was introduced to Parliament by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in his capacity as Interior Minister the previous week and was passed under a certificate of urgency after its first reading.
In 2024, President John Dramani Mahama expressed regret over his predecessor, former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to abolish Republic Day as a public holiday and pledged to reinstate it.
He wrote on Facebook, “It was most regrettable that the current government had scrapped commemorating this important day as a public holiday. However, as we reflected on the significance of Republic Day, we used it as a rallying call to rekindle the spirit of dedication and commitment that our forebears demonstrated. We had to continue building a better, renewed Ghana where opportunities were created for everyone to thrive.”
During his Thank You tour in the Western Region on February 5, President Mahama revealed that he planned not only to declare July 1 a statutory holiday but also a day when Ghanaians would gather and pray.
The proposed day was expected to provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on and appreciate the country’s achievements and progress.
“We would have the opportunity as a nation to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says, ‘In all things, give thanks,’” he stated.
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo also called on Ghanaians to support President Mahama’s declaration of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
“All of us had to support this initiative. It was a worthwhile initiative that we had this one day where all of us came together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings He had bestowed upon us,” he said.
To facilitate a seamless observance, President Mahama established a committee of religious leaders responsible for coordinating preparations for the event.
The final burial rites of legendary gospel musician Yaw Sarpong are set for May 9, the family has announced.
Yaw Sarpong, the legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo group, died on 20th January 2026 in Kumasi at the age of 66 after a brief illness.
About two months down the line, he is scheduled to go home in May.
The rites
On Friday, May 8, the rites will begin with a wake-keeping and be followed by a lying-in-state on Saturday, May 9, at the Asuofua Town Park. The burial service and final funeral rites will also take place at the park.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, at Sokoban-Ampayoo, after which mourners will return to Asuofua Town Park at 12:00 pm for further proceedings.
The family has requested that attendees adhere to a dress code: red and black for Saturday’s burial, and white and black for Sunday’s Thanksgiving service.
His passing came a few weeks after the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community.
Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.
He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.
Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.
In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The family of the late gospel musician Yaw Sarpong has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant him a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
In a video, the head of the family recounted the musician’s role in promoting peace during politically tense periods in Ghana’s history, particularly around elections under former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the late Jerry John Rawlings.
He said that at a time when the country was experiencing significant tension, Yaw Sarpong sold his private car to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful elections, driven by his desire to prevent violence similar to what occurred in Rwanda.
The family head also noted that the late musician used his music to raise funds to support the maternity unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, saying he was deeply concerned about the hardships women faced there. He added that Yaw Sarpong extended similar support to the prison system.
“On behalf of the family, we humbly ask President John Dramani Mahama to organize a state burial in honour of our cherished Yaw Sarpong,” the family head appealed.
About Maame Tiwaa
Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.
After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.
Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.
The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Within a year, Ghana lost about $70 million to under-declaration of export revenues and excess shipments beyond approved permits, according to a recent joint investigative audit conducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
The report attributes the revenue loss to widespread under-invoicing and regulatory breaches in the sector, raising concerns about revenue losses and the survival of local processing firms.
According to GRA’s data, 89.68 million tonnes of raw rubber were exported in 2024; however, no permit had been issued by the Tree Crops Development Authority (the body controlling, monitoring, and issuing permits for exports of tree crops like rubber) for that year.
In 2025, although permits were granted for 13,000 tonnes, official export figures reached 39,000 tonnes, an excess of 26,000 tonnes.
The report highlighted significant under-invoicing, noting that while the TCDA set minimum prices at GH¢8.62 per kilogramme in 2024 and GH¢9.08 in 2025, exporters declared Free on Board prices as low as GH¢0.99 and GH¢1.91, respectively.
“This means that every kilogramme of exported raw rubber in 2024 and 2025 was under-invoiced by an average of GH¢7.63 and GH¢7.17, respectively,” the report said, adding that exporters declared only about 12% of the actual export value in 2024 and 22% in 2025.
According to Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), Section 15, exporters are required to send all the money they earn from selling goods abroad back to Ghana through official, licensed banks.
In 2024, exporters earned $55.83 million from rubber exports, but only $6.17 million of this money was sent back to Ghana through licensed banks. This means that $49.66 million, or about 89% of the earnings, was kept abroad instead of being repatriated.
In 2025, the situation was similar. Out of $26.03 million earned from exports, only $4.48 million was returned to the country. This means that $21.55 million, or roughly 83% of the earnings, remained outside Ghana.
The situation has also impacted the local industry. Despite having a combined processing capacity of over 171,000 tonnes annually, Ghana produced only about 110,800 tonnes of raw rubber in 2025, leaving a deficit of more than 60,000 tonnes.
This shortfall has forced local factories to operate below capacity, with production dropping to less than 40 percent and job cuts exceeding 35 percent. One processing company has reportedly halted operations entirely, while others have scaled down significantly.
Meanwhile, in 2022, the Management of the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) said the current market arrangement on rubber continued to impact investment in the local rubber industry, as continuous exportation of the raw material derailed the chances of investors recovering their investments.
The diversion of unprocessed rubber by some farmers, selling to persons who exported the commodity mostly to the Asian market, affected local financial institutions that had financed the plantations.
Meanwhile, the development also denied the state some tax revenue from the commodity, given that there was no value addition.
Managing Director of GREL, Lionel Barre, during the presentation of a cheque for €668,750 as dividend payment to the Ministry of Finance in Accra, observed that exportation of the raw material compelled GREL to import rubber for processing.
This followed the company’s first phase of a €62 million rubber processing factory, which had started some two years earlier.
Barre noted that they could have developed bigger and faster than they were at the time, and expressed regret that after all those years, they were still focusing on supply chains instead of investing in value chains. He said this had encouraged more people to export raw material rather than adding value to the product.
He also highlighted that failing to ensure firm regulation of the rubber value chain could affect the future investment of GREL, especially since the situation was different in neighbouring countries.
Barre emphasized that GREL had created a supply chain for rubber but not the value chain, and that developing the value chain would encourage value addition before exportation.
GREL, a public-private initiative, was the leader in rubber production in Ghana, employing over 4,000 people directly with a target to increase the number to 6,000 in the coming years.
The company exported nearly 100 percent of its processed rubber produce abroad, earning millions of foreign exchange for the country.
Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, who received the payment, acknowledged the company’s challenges. He assured GREL management that the government would act on their concerns, while noting that policies were already being formulated to build a strong value chain in the rubber industry.
He also commended GREL for the prompt and regular payments of its dividend.
Ghanaians are set to brace themselves for a possible 50% increase in the price of 500ml sachet water, following the announcement by the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) that prices will rise, effective Monday, April 6.
The trade association, in a formal statement issued on Thursday, April 2 and signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NASPAWA, mentioned that the escalating Middle East tensions have influenced the hike.
“The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) regrets to announce an upward revision of the ex-factory and ex-truck prices of sachet water, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. These are recommended price reviews by the national body”, parts of the statement said.
Adding that, “this decision follows the global shortage of polymers and the sharp increase in their prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The rising costs have significantly impacted production, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain current prices”.
The new prices are as follows: “Ex-factory price: GH¢8 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Ex-truck price: GH¢10 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets, Maximum retail price: GH¢15 per bag of 500ml x 30 sachets”
“This adjustment is necessary to sustain production and ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water,” the association added. Consequently, they urged “retailers and consumers to adhere to these prices to ensure fair trade practices. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time”.
Last sachet water price increase
The last price increase in sachet water occurred about 4 years ago, i.e., in September 2022. NASPAWAP announced a price adjustment, raising the retail price of a bag of sachet water to around GHC 7–8, citing rising fuel and raw material costs.
However, before the September increase, the retail price of a bag of sachet water in Ghana was generally around GHC 5–6, indicating that the price had seen about 33% to 40% increase.
Barely a year later, another increase was announced by the association in April 2023, attributing the hike to continued cedi depreciation and higher polymer costs.
This shot the prices to GHC 10 per bag of 30 sachets of 500ml.
What is polymer, why is it affecting influencing pricing of sachet water in Ghana?
Polymer is a plastic used to package water into sachets because they are strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is an essential material in the production processes, as without it, there will be no packaging; hence, if the prices of the material go up, producers increase the commodity prices to make up for it as they experinece high production costs.
These plastics are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and are essential for packaging because they are strong, lightweight,.
Meanwhile, not only has the Middle East crisis affected the price of sachet water, but Ghana also currently faces the risk of high economic pressures. Consequently, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has warned that despite recent improvements in the country’s macroeconomic indicators, Ghana could face economic pressures if tensions in the Middle East intensify.
He gave the caution at the opening of the 129th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Dr Asiama on Monday, March 16. Dr Johnson Asiama said the caution stems from tensions affecting key global energy and shipping routes, potentially causing volatility in global oil markets.
He added “Geopolitical uncertainty tends to support gold prices. Given the importance of gold in our export earnings, this could improve our trade balance”.
The ongoing tensions have been linked to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in strikes by the Unites States (U.S.) and Israel. This development significantly impacting travelers from Ghana to Asia, Europe, and North America, as Dubai is a major transit hub connecting travelers through the United Arab Emirates.
Ghana, being one of the dependents of the global oil supply, stakeholders began to express concerns about a possible shortage of fuel across the country. However, the Corporate Affairs Officer of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Godwin Mahama Ayaba, during an appearance on March 11, indicated that Ghana is unlikely to experience fuel shortages despite rising tensions in the Middle East, citing the country’s diversified sources of petroleum imports and growing local refining capacity.
According to him, the NPA recently issued a statement indicating that the situation in the Middle East will not lead to shortages of petroleum products in the country.
“The National Petroleum Authority, which is the regulator, some three to four hours ago issued an official statement assuring all of us that as for shortage, there is no way the Iran–Israel conflict is going to affect us,” he said.
Mr Ayaba explained that Ghana’s fuel import structure significantly reduces the risk of supply disruption because the country imports most of its finished petroleum products from Europe.
“Ghana largely imports from two different areas: Europe and the Arabian region. Where we import most is Europe,” he noted.
“We import about 80 per cent of our finished petroleum products from Europe and about 20 per cent from the Arabian region, where this conflict may have an impact.”
While acknowledging that the Middle East tensions could affect that 20 per cent supply, he said Ghana’s domestic refining capacity is expected to fill the gap.
“So we are likely to lose that 20 per cent, but with TOR coming on stream, we will be able to block that gap,” he said.
Mr Ayaba revealed that the refinery is currently producing about 28,000 barrels and expects output to increase significantly after ongoing upgrades.
“Currently, we are producing about 28,000 barrels. After the tie-in, we will move to about 45,000 and further move to 60,000,” he explained.
He added that increased output from other refineries in the country will also contribute to stabilising supply.
“Sentuo is doing around 36,000 to 40,000 barrels a day, Akwaaba is doing somewhere less than 10,000, and Platon is around a little below 3,000,” he stated.
“Together, all these companies will be able to block that 20 per cent that would have come from the Arabian region.”
The Supreme Court has set April 21 to hear a case challenging alleged religious practices at Wesley Girls Senior High School.
This comes after a dispute started when reports surfaced that Wesley Girls Senior High School was restricting Muslim students from practising their faith, i.e., fasting and prayers.
On November 28, Imam Sahamudeen Bamba publicly reignited the controversy, accusing Wesley Girls’ SHS of continuing to restrict Muslim students.
His accusations come on the back of a pending lawsuit which was filed at the Supreme Court of Ghana by lawyer Shafic Osman, challenging Wesley Girls’ SHS for allegedly restricting Muslim students from fasting and wearing hijabs.
Shafic argues that these actions constitute a violation of the rights of Muslim students.
Two separate applications have been filed in the case, one by the school’s Board of Governors, which is a party to the suit, and another by the Catholic Church of Ghana.
Reacting to the suit, the school’s Board of Governors have challenged their inclusion, citing that they are the wrong people to be sued, as the school is originally owned by the Trustees of the Methodist Church.
Osman, in response, contends that the board’s claim, citing the Ghana Education Service Act, which he says mandates the board to manage the affairs of the school, makes it a proper party to the suit.
He also implicates the Ghana Education Service and the Attorney General, and states that any attempt to strike out the writ based on the board’s alleged lack of legal capacity would be regarded as misguided.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has filed an application to participate in the case as a friend of the court.
In its submission, the Secretariat challenges the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the matter is a human rights issue that should be heard by the High Court.
On the substantive issues, it maintains that faith-based schools have the right to uphold their religious values, and that students of other faiths who voluntarily enrol in such institutions may be considered to have accepted certain limitations on practising their own religion.
The case was initially scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, but was relisted to April 21.
Meanwhile, following Sahamudeen’s allegations, he openly called on President Mahama to intervene.
Consequently, the President, speaking during a meeting with the National Peace Council on Wednesday, December 10, expressed his surprise at the tensions, citing that an MoU signed by these missionary schools clearly spell out the institution’s acceptance of recognition of diversity.
Hence, President Mahama expressed confidence in the Supreme Court’s ruling, saying, “There is a matter before the Supreme Court which is yet to be determined. If you read what the faith-based organisations agreed in their own MoU, I don’t see any point of dispute.
“They all accept that if there is a mission school, it has its faith orientation, but within that faith orientation, there must be recognition of diversity. It is right there in the MoU. I don’t want to suggest it, but I think the Supreme Court has its work cut out for it because the same people signed that MoU, so I don’t see what the contention there is”.
The President also referred to a part of the MoU that spelt out regulations about fasting for both the Christian and Islamic religions. According to him, the agreement was that in cases where a student, by religious obligation, sought to fast, it would be subject to the approval of their parents. Once approved, any repercussions or health implications resulting from the fast would be the responsibility of the parents and not the school.
“And there is even a section that talks about fasting because Christians fast and Muslims fast. You can find a Christian student in a Muslim school and a Muslim in a Christian school. And it says that yes, the student can fast if the parents approve. And if there are any health consequences from the fasting, the responsibility shall be that of the parent and not the school”, the President said.
It will be recalled that, in 2024, the National Peace Council facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between faith-based organisations and the Ghana Education Service, which was aimed at regulating and managing religious diversity in mission schools, covering practices like fasting, worship spaces, and dress codes.
Ghana will welcome the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Wednesday, April 1. His visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
In a formal statement shared by the Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Fosu, on March 31, he indicated that His Excellency Emmerson will be hosted in Ghana for three days, from 1st to 3rd April, for a state tour.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana is pleased to announce that H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, will undertake a three-day State Visit to Ghana from Wednesday, 1 April to Friday, 3 April 2026.”
He is expected to arrive in Ghana at 3 pm and will be welcomed by President Mahama with ceremonial honours, as is traditionally done.
“President Mnangagwa will arrive at the Accra International Airport at 3:00 pm, where he will be received by President Mahama with full military honours, including an inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces and a 21-gun salute,” the statement said.
President Mnangagwa will engage in bilateral talks, official ceremonies and key site visits during his three-day state visit to Ghana.
President Mahama to welcome Zimbabwe president
Itinerary schedule
In the evening, President Mahama will host a State Banquet in honour of President Mnangagwa to celebrate the friendship between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
“The main event of the visit will be bilateral talks at the Peduase Lodge, preceded by a tête-à-tête between the two leaders. Both Presidents will lead their respective delegations in detailed discussions on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in several areas, including trade, tourism, health, sanitation, agriculture, the fight against corruption and tackling unemployment. The talks will be followed by the signing and exchange of Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas of mutual interest.
President Mnangagwa will visit the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC) and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant, where he will receive briefings on Ghana’s progress in healthcare delivery and waste management technologies.
“President Mnangagwa will also visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s founding father”.
Also, “The President will depart Ghana on Friday with full departure honours at the Jubilee Lounge.
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to depart on April 3, with full honours at the Jubilee Lounge, marking the conclusion of the visit.
In November last year, the German President, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, arrived in Ghana for a three-day state visit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced.
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the Foreign Affairs Minister, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, announced the arrival of the President, highlighting the impact of his visit on Ghana-Germany relations.
He arrived on the evening of Sunday, November 2, and was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and an entourage of a cultural group at the Kotoka International Airport.
His post read, “An honour to welcome the President of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Ghana on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. Ghana is absolutely elated to host the German President on a three-day state visit. The inseparable bond between Ghana and Germany is about to get even stronger and more beneficial to the citizens of our two countries. God bless Ghana and Germany.”
On Monday, the President embarked on about seven activities, including holding bilateral talks with his host, President John Mahama, at the Presidency, after which a state luncheon was held in his honour. He later met IT specialists in Ghana and attended a reception at the German Ambassador’s Residence.
“The official programme commenced on Monday with President Steinmeier’s inspection of a full military Guard of Honour at the forecourt of the Presidency. President Steinmeier and his host, President Mahama, held a closed-door meeting before joining their respective delegations for bilateral talks in the Credentials Room. The discussions focused on strengthening Ghana-Germany relations, particularly in areas of trade, investment, technology, and development cooperation.
A state luncheon was held in honour of President Steinmeier and his delegation at the Presidential Banquet Hall in the afternoon. Later in the day, the German President was conducted on a guided tour of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he laid a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He also engaged young Ghanaian IT specialists before attending a reception at the German Ambassador’s Residence,” the statement said.
On Tuesday, November 4, President Steinmeier travelled to Kumasi on the third day of his visit, where he performed a sod-cutting ceremony at the Kumasi Technical Institute. He also interacted with the Vice Chancellor, staff, and alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He also visited the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research before paying a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
After completing these activities, President Steinmeier departed Ghana on Tuesday evening.
A former inmate has provided an insider’s view of life inside Nsawam Prison, shedding light on the internal hierarchy, strict rules, and alleged illegal activities within the facility.
Speaking on Y’asetenam on Asempa FM, the ex-convict explained that power within the cells is largely controlled by “cell leaders,” who oversee daily activities and operations. Some of these leaders are reportedly involved in fraudulent activities, allegedly using smartphones to carry out such operations.
He noted that while many inmates possess mobile phones, most use basic keypad devices, as smartphones are more expensive within the prison environment.
The former inmate also described the role of “cell boys,” who are responsible for guarding the belongings of cell leaders, including money and phones.
These individuals rarely leave the cell, given their close monitoring duties. Despite certain privileges such as a designated sleeping area, many inmates avoid the role due to its demanding nature.
He further revealed the existence of strict internal regulations, referred to as the “99 laws,” which govern inmate behaviour. Inmates are expected to be in their cells by 6 p.m., and complete silence is enforced by 9 p.m., with punishments for any violations.
An informal economy also exists within the prison, he said, with inmates running businesses selling food items such as fufu, rice, and beans to fellow prisoners. These ventures are typically managed by inmates serving longer sentences or those considered influential within the prison system.
The ex-inmate’s account offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of prison life, raising questions about discipline, control, and alleged illicit activities within Nsawam Prison.
The government has announced a new twist in its sponsorship of supporters for the 2026 World Cup, which is set for June.
This comes after President Mahama, while speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
The President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
However, following the government’s fundraiser, the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that the government plans to sponsor about 800 supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He disclosed that the cost per supporter is estimated at $9,250, covering airfare, accommodation, and local transportation throughout the tournament.
“The cost is quite high, so we’re thinking about not doing more than 800. The Supporters’ Union are many; we can’t take all. If we’re successful at sending [this number], the calculations we did, even at the group stage, will cost you about $9,250 per head. We’re paying for their air tickets, accommodation, and transport,” he said in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, March 30.
According to him, the $9,250 per head expenditure does not include feeding and visa. He said these two would be handled by the supporters as a form of contribution.
“They have to pay for their visa fees, which should be their contributions, and feeding fees,” he added.
Mr Adams further revealed that the ministry has declined requests from individuals seeking contracts to provide meals for the supporters during the tournament.
“A lot of people have come to the ministry looking for a feeding contract, but I told them we’re not doing that,” he revealed.
Why fly supporters when Ghanaians are abroad to support Black Stars
Citing the Dzamefe Report, which recommended that taxpayers’ money should not be used to sponsor fans for such tournaments, the Minister explained that the government is supporting the travel of members of the supporters’ union through funds raised at a recent fundraiser at the Kempinski Hotel. He emphasised the group’s critical role in energising and mobilising fans during the tournament.
“We are doing a fundraiser because, per the Justice Dzamefe Commission’s report, the state government is not to use budgetary funds to support fan participation in a tournament. But we know the role of these fans, organised fans, in tournaments such as this. You cannot go there empty and say you will mobilise individuals. You need a certain level of energy that will attract and bring on board the unorganised ones.
“So, we are preparing to send our supporters’ union that has been with us and loyal during the qualifying process. That organised group, through drumming and other activities, energises those you mobilise ordinarily to the stadium. When the supporters’ union starts singing, they energise the atmosphere, even when everyone else is tense. The report said we shouldn’t use state resources to send fans. Yes, so we have to raise funds, and the government’s white paper accepted this recommendation,” he continued.
Budget for the tournament
Mr Adams also revealed that his outfit has a budget for the tournament, which has been approved as part of the government’s official budget, and currently, an initial amount of GHC 160 million has been given to them, while the Ghana Football Association (GFA) hasn’t reported any developments that will require alterations to the budget.
“Yes, we have a budget, and you said that the 16 million is what has been given as an initial amount. So, this 16 million was proposed during the consideration of the 2026 budget, and this year, I have followed up and asked the FA if anything has happened that will throw this budget off track. They said no, so it means that we have a budget. So that’s about 170 million cedis. No problem. No, it’s about 150, per the current exchange rate,” he stated.
Otto Addo has been sacked as Ghana Black Stars head coach following his poor run of form, and especially after the team’s defeat to Germany in yesterday’s friendly.
In a formal statement shared on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) official social media platforms yesterday, Monday, March 30. It indicated that Ghana has parted ways with the former German scout.
“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo, effective immediately”, part of the statement read.
GFA expressed its appreciation to Otto Addo. “The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours”
Addo’s departure marks another significant change in the technical setup of the national team as Ghana continues its preparations ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Ghana FA said: The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo admitted that his job was never secure, regardless of whatever results he achieves with the Black Stars.
He made these remarks after his side suffered a wanton 5-1 defeat to Austria during the international friendly on Friday, March 27, in Vienna.
The 50-year-old former Ghana international has faced mounting pressure since returning to the role, with concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances growing louder in recent months.
Despite increasing calls for his dismissal, Addo insists he remains focused and undistracted by public criticism.
“Even when we qualified for the World Cup, people were calling for me to step down. So, [my job] is always under threat, but I don’t really care,” the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach said.
On his part, his focus is to give his best for the team and make the best out of the squad as well.
“For me, the most important thing is that I prepare my best for the team to the best,” he added.
Addo now turns his attention to Ghana’s next test against Germany in Stuttgart, where he will be hoping for a stronger response from his side.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 18:45 GMT, forms part of the Black Stars’ build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, an amount of at $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars’ fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Ghana suffered a 5-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna on Friday, in the first of two pre-World Cup friendly matches. The Black Stars performed well in the first half but conceded four goals in the second to Ralf Rangnick’s side, after which coach Otto Addo spoke to the press.
The boss gave his opinion on the performance, the next match against Germany and more.
Read a full transcript below:
On the result
It was a very difficult game for us. We had some really, good situations where we could have scored. We knew that they are pressing high and once we win the ball and we try to get to a striker and who starts with great situations that we had. And yeah, out of three or four situations, we should have scored one. I think we were more intelligent in certain situations. I know this was difficult decisions. I think one or two could have been a penalty. But this is football and then at the end, we collect the goal where we must drop earlier to attack the ball better. Unluckily, it got to the hands of Jonas Adjetey and they got a penalty and scored. But also, before that, I think there was a foul. There was no ball play. He played the ball and we got an attack. But yeah, this is football. And still, then we must do better. The second half was a really, big disaster. Yeah, surely second goal was a good. And then I know it’s going to be tough here in Austria. We are behind 2-0. They brought in freshmen. I think also transition wise it was difficult after the third goal and that is where we must learn to do better.
On Second half performance
The second half was really, not good enough at all. I mean, everybody is playing for the World Cup. We need to play more intense, I think. And I’m not saying that we must foul the opponent, but we have to protect ourselves better. And they had a lot of fouls. And I think we saw some few. We got one yellow card. And I expect much, much more against the ball, especially to go with the men, with the one-on-one teams. We know what they were doing. And then we must do much, much better. So, the second half was not good.
On lessons
At the end, surely, I think it was a little bit too high. We could have had two halves. But there are big, big lessons to learn, especially for the young players. And now it doesn’t help to talk too much about it. We have to look forward to the upcoming match. And yeah, we’ll be even a tougher opponent. But we must put everything in that match to bring back the belief in our team and to show that we can compete at the highest level. And so yes, it was a difficult evening for us.
On disappointing night
I can’t say that we would have been so good. Of course, that’s a disappointment. But I have to say that it was a good first half and a bad second half. We had a lot of situations where we could have scored one or two goals. For example, Prince had quite good options. There were situations where we should have scored a goal. So there were tight situations. There was also a situation against Austria but was ignored. I also think that the penalty was relatively unfortunate. There was also a foul against our team. That means it was unfortunate. But I have to say that the second half was just not good at all. It was really like this that Austria was on fire after the 2-0. They had some fresh players. And after the third goal, the situation was not so good. It was a very intense game. We knew that the best would come from the Austrian team. There were also a lot of fouls. Of course, that also has to be improved when you look at the second half. We have to be able to expect more from Austria in the second half. But everything was not good enough in this sense. That means there are a lot of conclusions and things that young players can now take into account for the future. And it is as it is. We have to look ahead. We have another match that is coming. And that is a tougher opponent. That means we have to focus on the next match and draw conclusions accordingly.
On taking responsibility for the result
I take full responsibility when we win. I take responsibility. But we are all together. It’s not all about me. When we win, it’s not only about me. It’s also about the team. Everybody in the technical staff, the players. We all have to take responsibility. Surely, we have to do much better. It’s a matter of the team. If we win, we take responsibility. If we lose, we take responsibility. But it’s about the team. It’s a matter of taking responsibility from the team, from our teammates and from the players. The first two goals, surely avoidable.
On defensive problems
Defensively, we have problems. We have to be stable especially psychological. The third goal, we still have to keep our head up, keep the intensity. I can understand that the players were disappointed. But these are the situations where we still need to step up. We have to overcome this. Let’s talk about the defence. The first two goals were easy. In goal 3, 4 and 5, there was a lot of defensive issues. We have to work on that psychologically. The next step is to stay strong and stay focused. The players have to focus. Stay focused so that this doesn’t happen again.
On playing Caleb Yirenkyi at right back instead of his midfield role at club side
We have problems at that very position. We have a lot of midfielders. Our problem is at that side. We have to see for the future but at the moment, we don’t have many options on the right side unlike in midfield where we have a lot of options. There are others who are not called. That’s why he predominantly played there. Surely, it’s easy now to say he didn’t do well there especially when we won the World Cup qualifiers, he was so good. He is 20 years old. He has a lot of things to learn. Under this pressure, he has time to grow. I know he will have a great future. He is a great player. Today was not his day.
On visiting Edmund Baidoo at Red Bull Salzburg but not inviting him
He is a player who is clearly on my mind, and he is an option for the future.
On next match against Germany
This is my job. I try to give the boys a positive result all the time even in the midst of defeat. We have to analyse this game well even though we have little time. Tomorrow we will talk about some things. We have to improve them. We have to improve them quickly. I know that the team has the quality to keep up with Germany. There were a lot of things wrong today. We have to learn a lot. We have to learn from the head. We have to trust ourselves. We have to play our game. And it’s clear that we need to talk about things, things that have gone wrong tonight. But I have to work with the guys to keep up, that they have a good mindset, that they will be focused on the next match. So, we’re going to talk about that. And I know that we can do well against Germany, and we also have to get that into our heads. So, in this respect, I’m proud of the team.
On making six substitutions and switching to three back when we were down 3-0
So, with that very situation, to be honest, when you conceded the third goal. I think I just wanted to break the runs that Austria had after the third goal. We needed to try and stabilise the defence. Surely, it’s a situation where it’s not so easy to just continue like that. We have to give others a chance to show what they can do and to show how hard they really want to be in the World Cup. It would have been the same if we were leading and I would have made changes also. So, it’s easier to make these kinds of changes and the number of changes when the result is high. If it’s tight, you doubt to change, because surely, first, you want to win the game. But this is a situation where I think we needed fresh players. Austria changed it up during the half-time and wanted to bring fresh energy inside. It didn’t go the way we wanted, to be honest. Like I said, football is also a psychological thing. Sometimes, when you have chances, you don’t score and then you concede. It’s not easy to take this away, especially for young players. This is always the same.
On calls for his dismissal
This is the job of a coach. When we lose, people are mainly trying to bring you down. I don’t really read too many things. Even if we win, I’m not too much into social media or reading anything. Whatever people say, its normal, especially on an evening like this when the team didn’t play well and we also lost.
On impact of new technical team members
Surely, the more people you have… I had one assistant before, now, we have three. It’s easier, because it’s easier to delegate. There’s a lot of work to be done. Even now, after this evening, there’s even more work to be done. It’s easier to put it on more shoulders, so that we can divide ourselves. One for the set-pieces, one for the defence, one for the offence. I can have an overview about everything. It’s always good to get different opinions, different perspectives. In the end, we go out and analyse and give feedback to the players as well.
On performance of Lawrence Ati-Zigi
He had some good saves. I can’t say he played bad. He was a little unlucky. We want to use these games to give chances to other players and to have a competition in various positions. Like I said, we have a lot of things to analyse. I think the five goals were not his fault, especially the first two. There is nothing he can do. At the end, it was an unlucky evening for him as a goalkeeper. He didn’t deserve to concede five goals. But this is football. We have to learn and move on. This is the most important thing. It’s not about the goalkeeper or this player or that player, we all as a team have to learn and find a better solution for the problems we had this evening.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has admitted that his job is never secure, regardless of whatever results he achieves with the Black Stars.
He made these remarks after his side suffered a waton 5-1 defeat to Austria during the international friendly on Friday March 27 in Vienna.
The 50-year-old former Ghana international has faced mounting pressure since returning to the role, with concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances growing louder in recent months.
Despite increasing calls for his dismissal, Addo insists he remains focused and undistracted by public criticism.
“Even when we qualified for the World Cup, people were calling for me to step down. So, [my job] is always under threat, but I don’t really care,” the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach said.
On his part, his focus is to give his best for the team nad make the best out of the squad as well.
“For me, the most important thing is that I prepare my best for the team to the best,” he added.
Addo now turns his attention to Ghana’s next test against Germany in Stuttgart, where he will be hoping for a stronger response from his side.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 18:45 GMT, forms part of the Black Stars’ build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, an amount of at $10m at launch of Black Stars fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23 ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.
The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.
“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.
The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.
A report from Asempa FM indicates that Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, may face dismissal if he suffers another embarrassing defeat against Germany in the friendlies scheduled for tonight.
This comes after the Black Stars suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat to Austria on Friday, March 27, in a friendly, which sparked several concerns from fans and stakeholders over the team’s ability to succeed at the global tournament in June.
Otto Addo came under heavy pressure as many questioned his tactical prowess and capability to take the national team past the group stage or even go further in the tournament.
The Austria-Ghana friendly
Austria opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Marcel Sabitzer converted a penalty to make it 1–0. A return from the first half also saw another Austria goal from Michael Gregoritsch in the 51st minute, and just eight minutes later, Stefan Posch headed in Austria’s third goal, cementing their lead and firm control of the game.
Ghana’s Jordan Ayew managed to find the back of the net in the 77th minute, finishing off a rare attacking move to reduce the deficit to 3–1. However, just 8 minutes after Ayew’s goal, Carney Chukwuemeka scored to affirm their lead. In stoppage time, Nicolas Seiwald sealed the victory with a long‑range strike in the 92nd minute, completing Austria’s 5–1 win over the Black Stars.
This sequence of goals highlighted Austria’s dominance throughout the match, while Ghana struggled defensively and created very few chances. Jordan Ayew’s goal was the only bright spot in an otherwise difficult outing for the Black Stars.
Attention now turns to Ghana’s final friendly against Germany in Stuttgart tonight. The technical team, led by Addo, has been tasked with delivering a marked performance improvement.
Reports suggest that another poor result could prompt a review of Addo’s position. Kick off for the game is slated for 18:45 GMT.
The matches form part of Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Following this window, the Black Stars are scheduled to face Mexico in May and Wales in June before heading to the tournament, where they will compete in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Black Stars robbed in Austria ahead of friendlies
Ahead of the game, Ghana’s national football team was targeted in a robbery incident in Vienna ahead of their international friendly against Austria on Friday, March 27.
Earlier reports had suggested that some team members were robbed during their stay. Two Rolex watches and $2,250 in cash, belonging to some management committee members and players, had been taken from their rooms.
“The report that came in indicates that two valuables have been stolen: $2,250 in cash and two Rolex watches. The report indicated that the cash belongs to management committee members, and the watches are for the players,” he said.
He added that the CCTV cameras at the hotel where the Black Stars were lodging were not functioning, making it difficult for Austrian police to quickly identify the alleged robbers.
“Regarding where the police are camping, the hotel indicated that their CCTV cameras are not functioning, which has made it difficult for the FA to furnish the Austrian police with proper evidence.”
Despite the incident, officials said the situation was under control, with players and technical staff remaining calm and focused ahead of the scheduled match.
The GFA said it was working closely with relevant authorities in Austria and would provide further updates as more information became available.
An amount of at $10m at launch of Black Stars fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23 ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.
The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.
“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.
The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.
Yesterday, Sunday, March 29, a three‑storey building belonging to the Accra Newtown Experimental School collapsed after heavy rainfall in the early hours of the day.
Later in the evening, the building collapsed while it was being used as a makeshift church for worshippers.
A resident who claims to have lived in Accra New Town for about two decades said the collapse, which has claimed the lives of three (3) people (two females and one male), didn’t come as a surprise to him, as many of them knew the building wasn’t fit to be used.
“I have been living here for over 20 years, and this building was very, very weak. Everybody in the community knew it was unstable, yet they allowed services and activities inside, which is very bad,” the resident said.
Two people were earlier confirmed dead after confirmed dead after the structure caved in on Sunday, with rescue teams, including the Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), using floodlights and heavy equipment to continue rescue operations after dark. Later reports confirmed another fatality, bringing the tally to three.
The Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, confirmed the fatalities, and twenty people confirmed to be hospitalised after efforts by rescue teams. 23 persons (15 females, 8 males, including 3 minors) were trapped inside the building.
Another resident also indicated that, “They should have known that the building had collapsed. Very, very sad,” the resident lamented.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, but the incident has already raised fresh concerns about safety standards and enforcement in the area.
Meanwhile, according to reports, the 14‑year‑old, three‑storey school block had already been declared unsafe by the Assembly and earmarked for demolition before it caved in on Sunday. Images showed it was not fully completed and structurally weak.
Similar cases of building collapse
In August 2024, a partially completed residential building collapsed in Madina, Accra. The incident occurred during construction and left several workers injured, requiring hospitalisation. Preliminary investigations pointed to poor construction practices, inadequate geological surveys, and weak supervision by municipal authorities as the main causes.
The collapse added to a string of similar incidents that year, including the Kasoa New Market tragedy, where four people died after a three‑storey building fell. In response, professionals in Ghana’s built environment called for mandatory geological surveys before permits are issued and stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent future disasters.
In early 2025, another collapse occurred in Adenta, Greater Accra Region, when a church building gave way during a worship service. Several congregants were trapped inside, though emergency services managed to rescue them.
The incident was attributed to structural weakness and poor maintenance, with visible cracks and incomplete reinforcements noted before the collapse. Public reaction was swift, sparking nationwide calls for stricter inspections of churches and public buildings, especially those hosting large gatherings.
Religious leaders, including Prophet Nigel Gaisie, publicly warned about unsafe structures in the Adenta–Pantang area, urging both spiritual vigilance and physical safety measures.
