TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • Some Ghanaian business owners willing to employ 120 evacuees from South Africa – Foreign Ministry

    Some Ghanaian business owners willing to employ 120 evacuees from South Africa – Foreign Ministry

    The government has secured 120 job opportunities for one hundred and twenty (120) Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced. The Ministry made the disclosure through a statement on Monday, June 1.

    According to the statement, the Ministry noted that as part of efforts to support the reintegration of citizens returning home, Ghanaian business owners have been engaged to provide employment opportunities for the evacuees. The statement further called on more business owners to support the victims in this difficult time.

    “So far, we have secured 120 job opportunities from patriotic Ghanaian business owners. Be part of this noble project. We invite Ghanaian CEOs and entrepreneurs desirous of employing Ghanaians returning from South Africa to contact the Delivery Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the statement added.

    As part of efforts to safeguard nationals’ investments in South Africa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has emphasised that there must be “realistic compensation” should the South African government seek to take over such businesses.

    The first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27.


    Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was flown home by the government. The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.


    Meanwhile, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has reacted following the evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.


    In a viral video sighted, the politician noted that the Ghanaian government could have responded to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa without resorting to the evacuation of citizens.


    According to him, the best approach could have been to pursue stronger diplomatic engagement and protective measures in collaboration with the South African government.


    He added, “The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement”.


    “And one Ghanaian lady was saying, ‘you see the problem is, and I wouldn’t have taken this option, the problem is we’re being beaten in front of the police, and the police are not doing anything. That’s a problem. And when this opportunity came for me to leave, I left because if the police can’t defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me’.


    “So, we think it was too quick, we will still resolve this, and the president of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We hope they will come back to their senses”.


    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
    Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.
    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.
    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, parts of the statement read.
    To ensure that all the necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.
    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.
    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates
    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.
    In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.
    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.
    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.
    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.
    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight.
    The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.
    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.
    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.
    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula.
    These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • Accident on Peki–Asikuma Highway claims 15 lives, leaves 25 injured

    Accident on Peki–Asikuma Highway claims 15 lives, leaves 25 injured

    Ghana continues to record a surge in road fatalities, with a recent accident on the Peki–Asikuma Highway in the Volta Region claiming the lives of 15 people and leaving 25 others injured on Tuesday, June 2 at about 1:00 a.m.

    According to the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO1 Hope Bedzrah, the two commercial vehicles, which were carrying a total of 40 passengers, collided, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

    “When they got there, they realised that the two vehicles had been involved in a head-on collision. Preliminary investigations at the scene suggest that there were 40 occupants in the two vehicles,” he told Citi News.

    Earlier in May, an accident on the Buipe-Tamale road claimed the lives of four individuals. The fatal crash involved a Sprinter Benz bus traveling from Buipe to Kumasi and a trailer truck at Sawaba No. 2.

    The deceased included two females and two males, two of whom died on the spot. According to the GNFS, the trailer truck fled the scene, leaving behind the victims and wreckage as emergency responders rushed in to manage the situation.


    Meanwhile, 19 passengers are receiving medical attention at the Buipe Government Hospital. Weeks ago, a head-on collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway claimed the life of an individual on Saturday, March 7. The deceased male, reportedly the owner of a Toyota Voxy, crashed into a parked MAN Diesel truck at Teacher Mantey.


    Detailing the incident on Facebook on Sunday, March 8, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) stated that the Toyota Voxy had badly crashed into the stationary truck prior to the arrival of the rescue team.Weeks ago, eleven (11) persons sustained injuries following a head-on collision at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway.

    The victims, eight males and two females, are receiving medical attention at the Elmina Polyclinic. Per the Central Regional Fire Service’s account, the two vehicles, an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) traveling from Cape Coast towards Komenda, collided head-on with a Nissan mini bus (CR 1414-23) heading from Takoradi to Cape Coast. Meanwhile, officials have yet to ascertain the cause of the accident.


    The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase in the first half of 2025.


    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year. Per the data, a total of twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes.


    As a result of these incidents, eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries. Additionally, one thousand three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country.


    According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes. Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.


    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.


    The NRSA has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure road safety and address related matters.


    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:(a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;


    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;(c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years;


    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.


    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.


    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.


    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person:


    (a) causes anything to be on or over a road;(b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or(c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.


    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.


    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to the facility’s statistics.


    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.


    “A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.


    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • Don’t let your guard down; Ebola has no cure yet – Akandoh cautions Ghanaians

    Don’t let your guard down; Ebola has no cure yet – Akandoh cautions Ghanaians

    The Ministry of Health continues to intensify surveillance and public awareness efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases.

    During a media engagement on Tuesday, June 2, Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh warned Ghanaians against letting their guard down, noting that there is still no cure or vaccine for the disease.

    “The reality at the moment is that we don’t have medications or a cure for it, or a vaccine for it, for now. I hear a lot of studies are ongoing to find vaccines, but for now, we don’t have it. I do not want us to sit aloof and not create the necessary awareness so that when we detect cases, we are not found wanting. We all have to be aware of what is going on,” he added.

    The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was officially declared on May 15, 2026, in Ituri province. By May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already classified it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to rapid spread and cross-border cases in Uganda.

    Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding.


    Meanwhile, the public has been advised to maintain good hygiene practices to help prevent an outbreak in Ghana.

    “Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. – Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons. Avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection. Avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals and ensure that all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption. Report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility,” parts of the statement emphasised.


    In a separate development, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it has put measures in place to prevent Hantavirus from entering the country and to ensure a swift response if any cases occur.The assurance follows reports of Hantavirus infections on a cruise ship currently docked in Cape Verde.


    The cruise ship reportedly carried crew members primarily from the Philippines, with passengers from the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.


    In a press statement, the GHS noted that eight suspected cases, five confirmed infections, and three deaths have been recorded on the vessel as of May 7.


    Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have urged calm worldwide, stating that the risk assessment remains low.

    Although the virus is yet to be detected in Ghana, the GHS has noted that its Port Health Division and other public health structures have been activated to reduce the risk of importation as part of its precautionary measures.


    Enhanced surveillance has been deployed at all ports of entry, including airports and seaports. Health facilities nationwide, on the other hand, have been directed by the Service to intensify monitoring and reporting of unusual respiratory illnesses.


    The public has also been advised to maintain proper hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.


    In a separate development, the government’s flagship Free Primary Health Care Programme was launched on Wednesday, April 15, by President John Dramani Mahama at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.


    The Free Primary Healthcare Policy is Ghana’s bold initiative to ensure that every resident, especially vulnerable populations, can access essential health services without paying out-of-pocket at the point of care.


    The government is poised to officially roll out the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative on September 1, 2025. This forms part of the key steps adopted towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.


    Over 24,534 pieces of medical equipment have been received by the government ahead of its Free Primary Healthcare policy rollout. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated, “In preparation for implementation, we have procured and are ready to deploy 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment across the country. This is intended to ensure our facilities and health workers are equipped and ready.”


    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed over GH¢392 million in vetted claims to healthcare providers across Ghana between December 2025 and January 2026.

    The payments cover services provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to the Finance Directorate of the NHIA, the funds were released following an extensive vetting and approval process of claims submitted by health facilities. In December 2025, the Authority paid GH¢301,658,338.13, while in January 2026, healthcare providers received GH¢90,373,513.13.


    The NHIA in early July 205 disbursed an amount of GH¢267.67 million as claims to health facilities across the country. The disbursement became possible following approval by Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare-Bampoe.
    The total payments made by the NHIA in the past seven months stand at over GH¢1.5 billion.


    Out of the total amount, public health facilities received GH¢120,700,932.62, which constitutes 45 percent of the total.Private health facilities have been paid GH¢100,210,906.44, representing 37 percent of the total amount, while mission health facilities have been allotted GH¢446,761,808.96, which makes up 17 percent of the total funds.


    One of the ways the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) seeks to ease the financial burden on citizens, ensure equal access to healthcare, and reduce illegal fees is by proposing a 120 per cent increase in service tariffs, pending approval from its Board and the Minister of Health.


    This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, November 26. According to Dr. Bampoe, the proposed tariff increase, if approved, would help reduce the extra charges patients pay at hospitals for medical care and services.


    He explained that the proposed increase was planned in consultation with a group of independent experts mandated to review tariffs under Sections 33 and 34 of the National Health Insurance Act, which require annual revisions of both medicines and service tariffs.


    “Regarding the 120% tariff increase: this is proposed after comprehensive work by a group of experts. The law requires an annual review of service and medicine tariffs (Sections 33 and 34). Although the review was delayed, the proposal is now ready and will go to our board and the Minister of Health for approval. Once approved, it will be implemented. This is partly to address the problem of illegal fees at hospitals, ensuring health providers are paid realistic tariffs so patients no longer have to pay out-of-pocket,” he said.


    As the “cash manager” of Ghana’s health insurance system, Dr. Bampoe explained that the NHIA is mandated to collect funds, set tariffs, and pay hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies for services provided to insured patients.


    However, he noted that the Authority plans to move beyond this traditional role and become more of a “strategic health purchasing provider.”


    “But the NHS is more like a spending entity; we do not generate money on our own. So, we are a spending entity. One of the things we’re trying to do is move away from being a claims payment mechanism to a strategic health purchasing provider, which means that we are able to dictate health outcomes because of the financial muscle that the government provides us with.


    “We’re able to determine the prices of medicines, the prices of services, and even go on the global stage and provide a platform to discuss what kind of health outcomes we want, as you saw with the ACRA Health Sovereignty Summit that happened on August 5. So it’s an interesting time, and His Excellency the President, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Health have given us the tools to be able to deliver on this mandate,” he said, citing the government’s commitment to ensuring that his outfit can deliver on its mandate.


    As part of its vision to move from just paying claims to becoming a “strategic health purchasing provider,” Dr. Bampoe highlighted that the NHIA also seeks to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under three distinct pillars. Lauding the NHIA for its success in granting health coverage, he revealed that out of over 35 million Ghanaians, the Authority has provided coverage for about 20 million.


    So essentially, the health insurance scheme was set up in 2003 (Act 650) and amended in 2012 (Act 852), and its primary purpose was to pay claims. But now what we are looking at is getting universal health coverage for all Ghanaians. Universal health coverage has three pillars: population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection. I am proud to say that we are at 20 million in population coverage, which is unprecedented.”


    He noted that while the medicines tariff review has already been completed, the service tariff review, initiated in 2022, took longer due to its comprehensive nature.


    “There are two types of reviews that we need to do, but this was a really comprehensive one, so I think they could not finish on time, and so it is now that they have finished,” he explained.


    Dr. Bampoe stressed that implementation now depends solely on statutory approvals. “Now it has to go to the Board for them to look at it and give their view on it. It has to go to the Minister of Health to give his assent, and then we will implement it if they all think it is okay,” he stated.


    The NHIA CEO applauded the government for removing the cap on NHIA funds. Regarding funding, we are dependent on the importance the government places on healthcare. I’m proud of His Excellency the President, the Finance Minister, and the Minister of Health because the capping act (Act 947 of 2019) has put a limit on funds coming to the NHIA.


    The President removed that cap, giving us an extra 3.4–3.5 billion cedis for healthcare. We are trying to do three things: shift mindsets in government and across the country to see healthcare as important for development. Healthy people are more productive. Focus on areas where we get the best results, such as Mahama Cares and Free Primary Healthcare. If 40%+ of people are affected by non-communicable diseases, it makes sense to prevent them.


    “Preventive actions include health promotion and screenings. For example, catching prostate cancer early with a PSA test is more cost-effective than treating stage 4 disease. Shift realities. At the Global Fund and UN, programs were comprehensive but expensive. We now aim for solutions that fit our reality, whether that’s a Rolls-Royce, a Toyota VIT, or even a motorbike; the key is to deliver,” he detailed.

  • LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament had procedural lapses – President Mahama

    LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament had procedural lapses – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has raised concern over the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, on Friday, May 29. 

    During a question-and-answer session at Chatham House in the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday, June 1, President Mahama indicated that he can only assent to the bill once those lapses are rectified. 

    According to him, the bill is marred by procedural and legal issues which were not addressed by Parliament before its passage. He emphasised that, given the domestic and international attention surrounding the bill, Ghana must ensure the right thing is done. 

    “The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has probably been the bill that has evoked the most interest in Ghana. It shows how important issues of family values are. There have been a few issues raised. One, that there wasn’t quorum when it was passed. That’s an issue that has come up, and then two, there were some procedural lapses in terms of its passage,” he stated. 

    The President further added that, the legal counsel in the Presidency and the Attorney General would sit on it and make sure that everything is in order before the before he gives his approval.

    “The president has another option. If there are some things that he thinks are a problem, he can refer it to the Council of State for advice. If substantial issues are raised, the president would return the bill to Parliament indicating exactly what the issues are. So there’s still quite a while to go before that bill becomes law,” he added.

    After five (5) years of heated public debate and international attention, Parliament has passed the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill on Fri8day, May 29.  The bill, formally titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, funding and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations.

    Initially, when the bill was introduced, critics argued that the legislation could violate constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and association, and protection from discrimination.

    However, the supporters of the bill, including religious bodies and traditional leaders, insisted that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values. Several openly supported the bill throughout parliamentary deliberations, insisting that it reflects the beliefs and values of the majority of Ghanaians.

    One of the provisions in the bill that sparked heavy debate was an attempt to introduce clauses exempting journalists, media houses, lawyers, doctors, counsellors and other professionals from sanctions if their work involved LGBTQ-related matters in the normal course of duty.

    The proposed amendments sought to protect media practitioners reporting on LGBTQ-related issues, as well as medical and mental health professionals providing services to affected persons.

    But co-sponsor of the bill and Assin South MP, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, together with Bosome-Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh and other Minority MPs, strongly opposed the changes.

    According to them, such exemptions could create loopholes that may eventually be used to promote LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

    About the Anti-LGBTQ Bill

    It was first introduced in 2021 in Parliament on 2 August 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of eight MPs, seven from the opposition NDC and one from the ruling NPP at the time. The lead sponsor was Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo‑Prampram and Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.

    The MPs at the time included Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West (NDC). Rockson‑Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (NDC), Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi East (NDC), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La Dadekotopon (NDC), Della Sowah, MP for Kpando (NDC), Alhassan Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North (NDC), John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South (NPP).

    It was initially passed in February 2024; however couldn’t become a law as President Akufo-Addo did not assent to it.

    Fast forward to after the NDC government assumed power, the bill was reintroduced in Parliament on February 17, 2026.

    What was in the bill?

    The bill was designed to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, with penalties ranging from 3 to 10 years imprisonment depending on the offence.

    The bill sought to criminalise identifying as LGBTQ+, with offenders facing up to three years’ imprisonment.

    It also proposed sanctions against individuals accused of promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including teachers, journalists, doctors, parents and advocates.

    Under the bill, LGBTQ+ organisations would have been outlawed, while donors and partner organisations risked prosecution.

    The legislation further proposed restrictions on media content, making digital or broadcast promotion of LGBTQ+ activities punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

    It also sought to render same-sex marriages void and prohibit gender transition procedures.

    Additionally, the bill proposed mandatory reporting requirements, compelling family members, educators, religious leaders and community members to report suspected LGBTQ+ activities.

    President Mahama’s comments earlier this month

    In early May, President John Dramani Mahama clarified that, although he would not hesitate to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay Bill, which is currently before parliament into law, he believes Ghana must first address its pressing issues.

    During a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30, President Mahama urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues.”LGBTQ+ issues it remains a highly emotive and sensitive issue even in the most advanced liberal democracies.

    I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation; we are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing and shelter.

    “Nevertheless, the private bill introduced in Parliament has sparked a complex and sensitive national conversation. Our position is guided by our constitution, respect for human rights and dignity for all persons and the need to preserve social cohesion. While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law.

    “I am also mindful of reactions from my international partners, including the recent development such as Lincoln University’s withdrawal of their honorary decoration. These developments underscore the importance of continuous dedication and mutual respect and situating our national decisions within our constitutional and cultural context,” he said.

  • Petrol now selling at GHS15.20p, diesel at GHS15.49p and LPG GHS13.48p

    Petrol now selling at GHS15.20p, diesel at GHS15.49p and LPG GHS13.48p

    Effective today, June 1, petroleum products at the pumps will see an increase, according to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

    The petrol price floor has been pegged at GH¢15.20 per litre, representing an increase of GH¢0.60 from the GH¢14.60 per litre recorded in the second pricing window of May.

    The price floor of LPG is expected to rise to GH¢13.48 per kilogram from GH¢13.16 per kilogram in the previous window, marking an increase of GH¢0.32, with diesel selling at GH¢15.49 per litre.

    According to the NPA, the international market and other prevailing market conditions were taken into consideration in the pricing adjustment.

    Currently, two Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), GOIL and Star Oil, have lowered their pump prices. The two companies are now selling petrol at GH¢13.27 per litre, while diesel is going for GH¢16.10 per litre.

    Diesel prices, on the other hand, have seen a steep dip, falling by 44 pesewas to GH¢15.66 per litre from GH¢16.10 previously.Star Oil has also revised its pump prices. Petrol is now selling at GH¢13.25 per litre, reflecting a 2 pesewas reduction from GH¢13.27 in the previous pricing window.

    Diesel has declined by 55 pesewas to GH¢15.55 per litre, down from GH¢16.10. Its RON 95 product remains unchanged at GH¢14.67 per litre.

    The adjustments broadly align with projections of modest price moderation for the May pricing window. The reductions in petrol and diesel prices are attributed to lower global benchmarks and the continued impact of a joint government–industry intervention aimed at cushioning consumers.

    President John Dramani Mahama said the decision is aimed at cushioning Ghanaians from rising fuel prices, which have been driven by global supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

    The ongoing tension has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. The ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel 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 travelers through the United Arab Emirates.

    Before petrol and diesel were selling at GH¢13.30 and GH¢17.10 per litre, respectively, at the pumps. In a social media post on Tuesday, March 31, GOIL announced that it had increased petrol to GH¢13.30 per litre from GH¢12.24 and diesel from GH¢15.69 to GH¢17.10 per litre.

    Star Oil also increased from GH¢12.19 to GH¢13.49 per litre. It has also increased the price of Diesel from GH¢14.25 to GH¢17.97. The adjustment follows a new price floor announced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on March 30, directing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement the changes from Wednesday, April 1.

    Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called for an additional one-month extension of fuel tax relief to shield consumers from rising fuel prices. The call comes ahead of the second pricing window of May.

    Speaking on the matter, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Duncan Amoah, noted that the call has become necessary, given that the conditions that necessitated the government’s intervention are still in force.

    He noted, “The underlying factors for which the intervention became necessary are still rife. International benchmarks are high, premiums are still high, and local pump prices are high. Given the circumstances, it would only be reasonable for us to ask the government to extend the intervention by another month. The fear of fuel prices going up is that when it does, it drags a lot of things with it. Transportation, food costs, and non-food inflationary pressures would also go up”.

    He added, “For us, it might cost the government something, but I think the government will still be better off extending the intervention than at this point saying we are removing the GH¢2 we gave on diesel and then the 36 pesewas on petrol. We think that given the circumstances, the government should not only consider an extension but go ahead to extend for the ordinary Ghanaian consumer, because the factors that necessitated this intervention are still very rife as of today”.

  • Police arrests 13 drivers for unauthorize use of sirens on Kasoa–Winneba Highway

    Police arrests 13 drivers for unauthorize use of sirens on Kasoa–Winneba Highway

    A clampdown on the unauthorized use of sirens has resulted in the arrest of thirteen (13) drivers on the Kasoa–Winneba Highway, Budumburam.

    The individuals were arrested by the Central East Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) on Saturday, May 30.

    The drivers were reportedly found using sirens and emergency lamps without the required authorisation, in violation of Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).

    As part of its mandate, MTTD enforces road traffic regulations and promotes discipline among motorists in the region.

    Last year, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) disclosed that the reintroduced Road Traffic Amendment Bill will no longer include the controversial provision granting Members of Parliament (MPs) and judges the right to use sirens.

    This comes after an earlier attempt in July 2024 by the former government to amend the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (LI 2180). That proposal, which included a provision allowing MPs and judges to use sirens while driving, sparked public outrage and was eventually put on hold.

    According to Acting Director-General of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, the Bill will be reintroduced to Parliament within two months.

    He emphasized that the reintroduction of the bill is part of efforts to strengthen road safety measures and enhance the enforcement of traffic laws across the country.

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, March 10, 2025, Amaliba explained that the revised bill will introduce spot fines for traffic offenders and also make provisions for the legal recognition of commercial motorcycles (okadas).

    “Give me two months and LI 2180, if it is passed, we will bring into force the spot fine. You remember this law was supposed to be passed, but there was a public outcry against the siren, which was put in there to protect MPs. That didn’t help the passage of the law. That bill is been worked on so that we will be able to bring about a spot fine,” he stated.

    Additionally, he highlighted that the revised bill will introduce a system known as “Traffic Tech” to streamline the enforcement of spot fines for traffic infractions.

    “There is a programme called Traffic Tech, which is the spot fine we are referring to and it will come immediately after this law is passed. We have removed the part that will help MPs use a siren so it will come without that included. It will also come with the legalization of Okada,” he added.

  • Top Ministers from Nigeria, Mali, Ghana to speak at WAMPEX 2026

    Top Ministers from Nigeria, Mali, Ghana to speak at WAMPEX 2026

    Top Ministers from Nigeria, Mali and Ghana are expected to speak at the 19th edition of the West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX), slated for Wednesday, 3 June 2026, through Friday, 5 June, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

    Mr. Oladele Henry Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria, John A. Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Ghana and Pr. Tiémoko Traoré, Honourable Minister for Energy and Water, Mali are expected to grace the 3 day event.

    This was disclosed in a statement from WAMPEX on Monday, June 1. Meanwhile, over 6,000 mining professionals are expected to convene for the program.

    Read the statement below:

    WAMPEX has confirmed the participation of ministers from Nigeria, Mali and Ghana, as the 19th edition of the West African Mining and Power Expo takes shape as one of the most significant convening events for the region’s mining sector. The event, scheduled for 3 – 5 June 2026 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, has also received formal endorsement from Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

    Mr. Oladele Henry Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria, John A. Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Ghana and Pr. Tiémoko Traoré, Honourable Minister for Energy and Water, Mali, have confirmed their participation. Their participation underscores the growing recognition among governments across the region of WAMPEX as a key forum for addressing the policy, investment and operational challenges facing the sector.

    Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has also confirmed its endorsement of the event. In a letter to the Ghana Chamber of Mines dated 4 May 2026, the Ministry expressed its support for WAMPEX and confirmed its intention to participate, citing its role as a key stakeholder in Ghana’s mining industry. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Honourable Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, is confirmed to address the conference as part of the opening ceremony on 3 June.

    Commenting ahead of the event, Adele Tolken, Events Director, dmg events, said,

    “Having ministers from Nigeria and Mali address the conference, alongside the formal endorsement and participation of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, gives WAMPEX a level of government engagement that reflects the importance of what is being discussed in that room. The combination of high-level policy dialogue and a 250 plus exhibitor show floor makes for a genuinely valuable three days for anyone working in West African mining.”

    Conference theme and programme overview

    Running across two full conference days, the WAMPEXconference will be organized around the central theme: “How can responsible mining and power accelerate West Africa’s sustainable development?” Sessions will address some of the most pressing questions facing the sector, including fiscal regimes and state ownership, critical mineral strategy, mine-to-market traceability, community development, security across the Sahel region, and the financing of West Africa’s mining and energy sectors.

    The programme includes panel discussions, keynote addresses, one-on-one sessions and sponsor presentations across three parallel conference halls, giving delegates the breadth to engage with the topics most relevant to their work.

    In addition to the ministerial addresses, the confirmed speaker lineup includes:

    Michael Edem Akafia, President, Ghana Chamber of Mines and Vice President, External Affairs, Gold Fields West Africa, who will chair the opening ceremony; Joshua Mortoti, Chief Executive Officer, Vortex Resources, who will feature in a one-on-one session with Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, on Day 1; and Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Tarkwa Mine Manager, Gold Fields Ghana, who will close Day 2 in a one-on-one session moderated by Dr. Ashigbey. The conference will also feature senior representatives from Atlantic Lithium, Newcore Gold, Sandvik Mining, Endeavour Mining, the Ghana GoldBod, the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Geological Survey Authority, the Environmental Protection Authority, SOPAMIB (Société de Participation Minière du Burkina Faso), the Ivorian and Togolese Chambers of Mines as well as a range of regional and international institutions.

    Exhibition and event features

    Alongside the conference, the exhibition will feature more than 250 exhibitors from 26 countries across 5,000sqm of exhibition space. Seven countries are making their debut at WAMPEX this year: Mongolia, France, South Korea, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia and the UAE. The exhibition currently stands at 51% local exhibitors and 49% international, reflecting the event’s role in connecting Ghanaian and West African businesses with global suppliers and technology providers.

    Event features include an Innovation Hub with workshops, live equipment demonstrations and a gala dinner. Among the exhibiting companies are AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields B5 Plus, Newmont, Zijin, Dutylex, Hexagon, FLSmidth, Liebherr Ghana, Sandvik Mining and Construction Ghana, Epiroc Equipment Ghana, Scania West Africa, Cummins Ghana, Weir Pumps and Diemme Filtration.

    Key Event Facts

    Date: 3 – 5 June 2026

    Venue: La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana

    Edition: 19th Edition

    Expected Exhibitors: 250+

    Expected Visitors: 6,000+ mining professionals

    Exhibiting Countries: 26 (to date)

    Country Pavilions: 10+

    Website: www.wampexwestafrica.com

    The event will bring together procurement specialists, engineers, operations managers, and business leaders, alongside more than 250 exhibitors from 20 countries, for three days of sourcing, networking, and high-level conference sessions. The information was made known in a press statement issued by the West African Mining & Power Expo on Tuesday, May 12.

    Addressing the media, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said,

    “WAMPEX represents a critical platform for advancing local content development in West Africa’s mining sector. As the industry grows, it is essential that West African businesses, from suppliers and contractors to service providers and technology firms, are well positioned to capture a greater share of the value being created.

    “Ultimately, the future of mining in West Africa will depend on how effectively we empower local companies to lead, compete, and innovate. The event showcases these capabilities and builds the partnerships needed to unlock the full potential of our industry.”

    Headline sponsors for the programme include AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields B5Plus, Newmont, Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, FL Smidth, GK Europe, Jodi Construction and the Association of China Ghana Mining.

    The others include South African Mineral Processing Equipment, Gekko Systems, Lyon Partner Alliance, PL International, Rema Tip Top, PowerX Equipment, The Bank Hospital and Protea Coin.

    Twenty (20) countries, including Ghana, China, South Africa, India, Türkiye, Australia, Germany, France, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Mongolia, will be represented.

    Mongolia, France, South Korea, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates will also make their debut at WAMPEX this year.

    About WAMPEX

    The West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX) is the leading exhibition and conference for the full mining value chain in West Africa. For over 32 years, WAMPEX has connected international and local businesses with the region’s significant mining market. The event is organised by dmg events, in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Events & Projects International Ltd (EPI).

    In an unrelated development, the government has formally handed over the Damang Mine, formerly operated by Gold Fields Ghana Limited, to Engineers and Planners Limited following the company’s successful bid for the concession on April 7, after the Minerals Commission reviewed submissions from several companies.

    The handover ceremony was held at the mine site on Saturday, April 18, where the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, performed the formal transfer.

    Speaking after the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, pledged his commitment to demonstrating that Ghanaians are capable of investing in themselves, while promising major investments to benefit surrounding communities.

    “I would say that, look, if we all put our minds together, this is a success story. And the plan I have for Damang Mine is not a joke. I just want to prove that we can invest in ourselves in this country,” he said.

    Mr Mahama also outlined ambitious infrastructure plans, including the construction of a concrete road linking Damang to Cape Coast within two years, and the development of an airport within six months.

    He said the projects are intended to drive economic growth and demonstrate the capacity of local companies to manage large-scale mining operations.

    Background to the takeover

    Discussions about the transition began about a year ago when the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, under which it had operated for about two decades, expired.

    Government, as part of its commitment to boosting local participation, declined to renew the lease and ordered the start of a competitive tender process to identify a new operator. However, it granted a one-year extension to allow for an orderly transition ahead of the final handover, which occurred over the weekend.

    The bidding process

    As the mining lease for Gold Fields neared expiry, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced a competitive bidding process on March 24 to select a new operator for the Damang Mine.

    About four companies submitted bids before the March 31 deadline, which were reviewed by the Minerals Commission under the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).

    Following the evaluation, Engineers and Planners, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, emerged as the winning bidder after meeting all requirements, including technical, financial, and regulatory criteria.

    The Minister assured transparency and job protection during the process, following concerns raised by Gold Fields workers.

    Authorities indicated that bidders were required to demonstrate strong financial capacity, including access to at least $500 million in funding, as well as technical expertise and operational readiness. Engineers and Planners met these requirements and secured the highest evaluation score.

    The Damang Mine, located in Ghana’s Western Region, is one of the country’s major gold-producing assets and has played a significant role in the national mining industry for decades.

    Government officials said the tender process and eventual handover are intended to sustain operations, protect jobs, and strengthen local ownership in Ghana’s mining sector.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=1tJdKAp8ZbU%3Frel%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1

    Minority reacts to transition

    The Minority in Parliament has stated that the Damang Gold Mine now under the Engineers and Planners (E&P) Limited did not go through a “proper transparent and fair manner”.

    In an interview with the media on Tuesday, April 7, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Akwasi Konadu, insisted that the process was rushed and failed to meet the necessary standards.

    “The same ministry goes ahead in doing that job on behalf of the President, sets up a committee with agencies appointed directly by the minister to oversee these processes and executes these processes just under four days. And you find this as going through a proper transparent and fair manner?

    “You see, local participation is something that we all encourage but the process must be above par. That is what we look for, not anything. It must be so open such that any other person could put in a fortified bid. In this one, the person and the object are so bad that they do not speak well of us,” he added.

    The Minority Caucus’ statement follows comments by the Acting Director of Legal Affairs at the Minerals Commission, Josef Iroko, who insisted that the handover of the Damang Mine to Engineers and Planners Limited (E&P) followed due process.

    His comment comes amid allegations of favouritism in the awarding of the Damang mining lease to Engineers and Planners Limited. On April 1, the government initiated the official process to transfer the Damang Gold Mine from Gold Fields to Engineers and Planners after months of dispute over ownership.

  • Playback: President Mahama speaks at Ghana-UK investment Summit 2026

    Playback: President Mahama speaks at Ghana-UK investment Summit 2026

    On Monday, June 1, President John Dramani Mahama made appearance at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit 2026 which held in London.

    The Summit, which is organized annually, brings together distinguished individuals from all parts of the world.

    Global investors, government officials, and policymakers gather to discuss economic partnerships and business opportunities during the event.

    Speaking at the event, President Mahama urged attendees to invest in Ghana’s business opportunities.

    He highlighted the country’s political stability, strong democratic credentials, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies as key advantages for growth.

    President Mahama added, “In that changing global landscape, Ghana offers something increasingly valuable, political stability, democratic maturity, strategic geographical access, improving macroeconomic fundamentals and a government committed to creating a transparent and investor-friendly business environment”.

    Watch the playback here:

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BDAeM4F3T/?mibextid=wwXIfr

  • Pay back looted money or be jailed – President Mahama to officials flagged in A-G’s reports

    Pay back looted money or be jailed – President Mahama to officials flagged in A-G’s reports

    President John Mahama has pledged to ensure that persons implicated in the Auditor-General’s (A-G) reports for financial irregularities face imprisonment if they refuse to refund the looted funds. He made the commitment at a diaspora town hall meeting in the United Kingdom on Sunday, May 3.

    According to him, the days when such individuals merely appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer questions are over.

    “Every year, you hear the Auditor General’s report, Ghana loses 12 billion cedis from misappropriations and things. The chief justice has graciously set up audit courts.

    “The Attorney General and the Auditor General are going to take out all the people who have misappropriated, and we’re putting them in front of those special courts to either refund our money or proceed to NSAWAM and go and catch some rest there,” he noted. 

    In 2025, President Mahama expressed frustration over the ‘clichéd’ routine of the PAC sittings to question suspected looters of public funds and those involved in financial irregularities.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BDAeM4F3T/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    According to him, the PAC’s accountability forums held over the years have become mere formalities, as persons found complicit in the embezzlement of state funds are often allowed to go scot-free.

    Speaking at the opening of the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards and Councils, Chief Directors, and Chief Executives of the Public Service of Ghana, held in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, on Wednesday, October 8, he urged stakeholders to fast-track the prosecution of public officials implicated in financial misconduct. He said this would serve as a strong deterrent to prospective offenders.

    He mentioned that, his office will engage the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and other relevant stakeholders to devise strategies to ensure swift punishment for those responsible for the misuse of public funds.

    “Recently, I have been watching the Public Accounts Committee, and it’s so pathetic. Why must we, every year, congregate at the Public Accounts Committee, and then you hear all kinds of atrocious things, recklessness with public funds and resources?

    “And so, I have a meeting on Thursday with the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and others to find a final solution to this Auditor-General’s report, that persons who are found guilty of infractions, or do not follow due procedure, or lead to loss of public resources, must have a fast-track process to Nsawam; fast track, before you see, you are at Nsawam. Until we do that, until there’s a deterrent, we are going to come every year; they say total misappropriation and infractions found out by the Auditor-General are about 15 million cedis. Can you imagine what 15 million could do? And so, we are going to have a meeting”, he stated.

    He addressed the lack of full implementation of the committee, which charges the Audit Report Implementation Committees (ARICs) to follow up and ensure that due penalties are meted out to corrupt government officials following investigations by the Public Accounts Committee.

    However, he admitted that there was a genuine challenge which has inhibited the effective enforcement of these provisions, leading to persistent impunity in the misuse of public funds.

    “We haven’t fully implemented the Constitution. There’s a part of the Constitution that says after the Public Accounts Committee has had its say on the Auditor-General’s report, Parliament must set up a committee. What we don’t know is whether it should be a parliamentary committee or a committee necessarily made up of parliamentarians to implement the findings of the Auditor-General.

    Right now, what we use is the ARICs; every department is supposed to set up an ARIC, but once they have come from the Public Accounts Committee, nobody follows up on the recommendations that were given. So, Audit Report Implementation Committees are not working.

    We must find a way to create a deterrent so that they will be held responsible for the things they do. They will continue to do the same thing if not held accountable,” Mahama said.

    About PAC

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana was established under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and formally constituted as part of Parliament’s Standing Committees. It has existed since the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic, which began in January 1993.

    Its mandate is to review reports presented by the Auditor-General on public accounts of Ghana, to

    summons ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to explain financial infractions and irregularities, and sometimes suggests sanctions, recoveries, and referrals for prosecution.

    However, since its establishment, PAC has reportedly had no documented record of ensuring the prosecution and, in other cases, the imprisonment of culprits, though its recommendations can trigger EOCO investigations or Attorney-General action.

    Over the years, the Committee has engaged several public institutions and heads of these institutions over reported financial irregularities in their respective businesses, but little to no show of penalties have been documented, particularly to serve as a deterrent to others. It will be recalled that in 2017, PAC recommended prosecution of officials at the National Sports Authority for misappropriating funds, but no confirmed convictions followed.

    Also, in a separate incident, the committee in 2021 traced non-existent staff under GETFund and MASLOC, but again, no jail terms have been recorded so far.

    In 2023, PAC recovered GH₵12.9 million, but this was through repayments, not criminal penalties.

    Meanwhile, more than GH¢12.9 billion in misappropriated public funds has been retrieved following a collaboration between the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General’s (A-G) Department.

    Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 1, Chairperson of PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, attributed the groundbreaking development to the collective efforts between the Auditor-General’s Department.

    “One thing I am clear about is that what we are doing is yielding positive results. We have a report we will look at. Per the work of the Public Accounts Committee, and with the support of the Auditor-General, we have been able to retrieve GH¢12.9 billion. There is a whole report on that which we will be sharing with the public at the right time,” she said.

    According to her, the Committee will make the report’s details public at the appropriate time. The Committee is scheduled to resume its sittings on Monday, October 27. Various ministries, departments, and agencies to address infractions highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report have been interrogated by PAC in recent weeks.

    Recently, the Director of Administration at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee after the A-G’s report suggested that the hospital paid salaries amounting to GHS 1,449,000 to a deceased staff member for a period of 26 months.

    Dr Emmanuel Sena Kwasi Donkor affirmed the report, adding that the hospital has so far recovered GHS303,558.68 of the total amount. He explained that the banks previously handling the transactions had, through a letter, indicated that they had ceased processing them.

    “We were able to recover some amounts. Before we got here, we had received letters from some banks stating that they had stopped transferring the funds to the government chest,” Dr Donkor told the Committee.

    He further urged Parliament to intervene and help the hospital recover the remaining funds. “Maybe at the end of this session, we will make a prayer to this House for the House to make an order directing those banks to transfer,” he said.

    Dr Donkor revealed that his outfit has submitted the names of the individuals implicated in the act to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)for recovery. “EOCO has written back requesting the files of the people involved, and we have submitted them,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills has raised serious concerns regarding the issue. “Habib Napare – date of separation was 2022. This guy had died. Didn’t you go to the funeral? And you validated this dead person for 26 months? And now you are coming to tell Parliament to do what?” Atta-Mills asked sharply,” he added. In the meantime, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.

  • Akufo-Addo never received anti-LGBTQ+ bill for approval – Minority

    Akufo-Addo never received anti-LGBTQ+ bill for approval – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has noted that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo never received the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, for approval.


    Debating on the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Jinapor, indicated that the bill never reached President Akufo-Addo for assent, although there were attempts to present it to him.


    “It was an attempted presentation. There was no breach of Article 106(7). It is therefore our submission on this side of the House that no bill was presented to former President Akufo-Addo,” he explained.


    The bill was first introduced in 2021 introduced in Parliament on 2 August 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of eight MPs, seven from the opposition NDC and one from the ruling NPP at the time.

    The lead sponsor was Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo‑Prampram and Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.


    The MPs at the time included Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West (NDC). Rockson‑Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (NDC), Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi East (NDC), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La Dadekotopon (NDC), Della Sowah, MP for Kpando (NDC), Alhassan Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North (NDC), John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South (NPP).


    It was initially passed in February 2024; however couldn’t become a law as President Akufo-Addo did not assent to it.
    Fast forward to after the NDC government assumed power, the bill was reintroduced in Parliament on February 17, 2026.


    What was in the bill?


    The bill was designed to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, with penalties ranging from 3 to 10 years imprisonment depending on the offence.


    The bill sought to criminalize identifying as LGBTQ+, with offenders facing up to three years’ imprisonment. It also proposed sanctions against individuals accused of promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including teachers, journalists, doctors, parents, and advocates.


    Under the bill, LGBTQ+ organisations would have been outlawed, while donors and partner organisations risked prosecution.
    The legislation further proposed restrictions on media content, making digital or broadcast promotion of LGBTQ+ activities punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.


    It also sought to render same-sex marriages void and prohibit gender transition procedures. Additionally, the bill proposed mandatory reporting requirements, compelling family members, educators, religious leaders, and community members to report suspected LGBTQ+ activities.


    President Mahama’s comments earlier this month


    In early May, President John Dramani Mahama clarified that, although he would not hesitate to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay Bill, which is currently before parliament into law, he believes Ghana must first address its pressing issues.


    During a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30, President Mahama urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues.”LGBTQ+ issues it remains a highly emotive and sensitive issue even in the most advanced liberal democracies.


    I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation; we are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing and shelter.


    “Nevertheless, the private bill introduced in Parliament has sparked a complex and sensitive national conversation. Our position is guided by our constitution, respect for human rights and dignity for all persons and the need to preserve social cohesion. While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law.


    “I am also mindful of reactions from my international partners, including the recent development such as Lincoln University’s withdrawal of their honorary decoration. These developments underscore the importance of continuous dedication and mutual respect and situating our national decisions within our constitutional and cultural context,” he said.

  • Abuse of remand system causing congestion in Ghana’s prisons – Interior Minister

    Abuse of remand system causing congestion in Ghana’s prisons – Interior Minister

    The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has raised concerns over the administration of bail within Ghana’s justice system.

    He noted that Ghana’s prisons are overcrowded due to stringent bail and remand conditions set by the courts, which many accused persons are unable to meet.

    The reforms under the Community Service Bill, pending approval, if passed, will address the abuse of remand and ease overcrowding in prisons and police cells.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 28, the Minister, called for a review of the current system, adding that, his outfit is working with the Attorney General (A-G) and the Minister Justice in introducing reforms that will address the challenges in the bail and remand process.

    He added, “I’ve been working with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, on the constitutional amendment that is currently ongoing, that we should make remand very restrictive because currently it is massively abused. With the least provocation, they say they’ve remanded somebody. You go to the police, and they remand people anyhow.


    “Sometimes they give terrible bail conditions which people are not able to meet. We want to take the opportunity in this constitutional amendment to restrict this unnecessary remand.


    “I’m sure that if we’re able to get these three things working together. It is going to help us to decongest our prisons and also ourselves, and make life a little better.”

    Ghana’s remand system has historically struggled with overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention. As of March 2026, reforms such as the Justice for All Programme (JFAP) had reduced remand prisoners to about 12.8% of the total inmate population, compared to 30% in 2007.

    In a separate development, many have voiced deep concerns about the troubling state of Ghana’s prisons, particularly the meager funds allocated for feeding inmates.

    During his vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Friday, January 24, Muntaka committed to making prison reforms a central focus if approved for the position.

    The Asawase legislator criticized the GH¢1.80 daily feeding allowance per prisoner, describing it as grossly inadequate and an affront to basic human rights.

    He questioned how such a negligible amount could sustain proper nutrition for inmates, remarking that household pets often receive better care.

    Muntaka also stressed the severe health challenges arising from poor nutrition, especially in overcrowded and unhygienic prisons where inmates are highly vulnerable to diseases.

    He reassured the Committee that increasing the feeding allowance and improving overall prison conditions would be top priorities under his leadership.

    “I was shocked when I heard that the rationing for feeding a prisoner in Ghana is GH¢1.80 for the whole day and I doubt with the greatest of respect that even the cats and dogs in our houses, how much food do we give them that we will put our own compatriots because of one mistake or the other, in trying to corect them, we feed them with GH¢1.80 and expect them to be healthy.?”

    “It is a very serious thing and I assure my colleagues that I will pay attention to it and address it.”Muntaka also shed light on the extensive challenges confronting Ghana’s prison system, particularly the issue of extreme overcrowding.

    A significant number of the nation’s correctional facilities are stretched far beyond their designed limits, fostering conditions that accelerate the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, scabies, and other ailments.

    The Ghana Prisons Service has consistently urged the government to intervene and resolve these pressing issues, but progress has been noticeably delayed.

  • Petrol to sell at GHS15.20p, LPG GHS13.48p in latest petroleum pricing window

    Petrol to sell at GHS15.20p, LPG GHS13.48p in latest petroleum pricing window

    The first pricing window of June 2026 shows that price floors for petrol and LPG are set to increase, with diesel to see a marginal reduction, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced.

    The petrol price floor has been pegged at GH¢15.20 per litre, representing an increase of GH¢0.60 from the GH¢14.60 per litre recorded in the second pricing window of May.

    The price floor of LPG is expected to rise to GH¢13.48 per kilogram from GH¢13.16 per kilogram in the previous window, marking an increase of GH¢0.32.

    According to the NPA, the international market and other prevailing market conditions were taken into consideration in the pricing adjustment.

    Currently, two Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), GOIL and Star Oil, have lowered their pump prices. The two companies are now selling petrol at GH¢13.27 per litre, while diesel is going for GH¢16.10 per litre.


    Diesel prices, on the other hand, have seen a steep dip, falling by 44 pesewas to GH¢15.66 per litre from GH¢16.10 previously.
    Star Oil has also revised its pump prices. Petrol is now selling at GH¢13.25 per litre, reflecting a 2 pesewas reduction from GH¢13.27 in the previous pricing window.


    Diesel has declined by 55 pesewas to GH¢15.55 per litre, down from GH¢16.10. Its RON 95 product remains unchanged at GH¢14.67 per litre.


    The adjustments broadly align with projections of modest price moderation for the May pricing window. The reductions in petrol and diesel prices are attributed to lower global benchmarks and the continued impact of a joint government–industry intervention aimed at cushioning consumers.


    President John Dramani Mahama said the decision is aimed at cushioning Ghanaians from rising fuel prices, which have been driven by global supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.


    The ongoing tension has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. The ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel 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 travelers through the United Arab Emirates.


    Before petrol and diesel were selling at GH¢13.30 and GH¢17.10 per litre, respectively, at the pumps. In a social media post on Tuesday, March 31, GOIL announced that it had increased petrol to GH¢13.30 per litre from GH¢12.24 and diesel from GH¢15.69 to GH¢17.10 per litre.


    Star Oil also increased from GH¢12.19 to GH¢13.49 per litre. It has also increased the price of Diesel from GH¢14.25 to GH¢17.97. The adjustment follows a new price floor announced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on March 30, directing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement the changes from Wednesday, April 1.

    Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called for an additional one-month extension of fuel tax relief to shield consumers from rising fuel prices. The call comes ahead of the second pricing window of May.


    Speaking on the matter, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Duncan Amoah, noted that the call has become necessary, given that the conditions that necessitated the government’s intervention are still in force.


    He noted, “The underlying factors for which the intervention became necessary are still rife. International benchmarks are high, premiums are still high, and local pump prices are high. Given the circumstances, it would only be reasonable for us to ask the government to extend the intervention by another month. The fear of fuel prices going up is that when it does, it drags a lot of things with it. Transportation, food costs, and non-food inflationary pressures would also go up”.


    He added, “For us, it might cost the government something, but I think the government will still be better off extending the intervention than at this point saying we are removing the GH¢2 we gave on diesel and then the 36 pesewas on petrol. We think that given the circumstances, the government should not only consider an extension but go ahead to extend for the ordinary Ghanaian consumer, because the factors that necessitated this intervention are still very rife as of today”.

  • Cambodia deportation notice targeting Ghanaians, others fake – Foreign Affairs

    Cambodia deportation notice targeting Ghanaians, others fake – Foreign Affairs

    A widely circulated notice instructing African nationals living in Cambodia, including Ghanaians, to leave the country by Sunday, May 31, or face arrest and imprisonment is false, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

    The notice warned citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African countries against flouting the directive. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement indicated that the viral notice was not been issued by Cambodian immigration authorities.

    “The Ministry wishes to assure the public that following diplomatic engagements with the relevant Cambodian authorities, it has been confirmed that the said notice is absolutely fake and was not issued by any state institution in Cambodia.

    “The general public and the Ghanaian media are advised to disregard the discredited document and avoid sharing unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear and anxiety among affected persons and their families,” the statement said.

    Between March and May this year, the government has evacuated 85 Ghanaians living in Cambodia, through the High Commission in Malaysia, which is concurrently accredited to Cambodia. Meanwhile, Ghana is set to receive an additional 76 Ghanaian nationals who have expressed a desire to come back home in the coming days.

    According to the Ministry, “It is worth noting that arrangements are ongoing to equally facilitate the evacuation of an additional seventy-six Ghanaian nationals who are currently in Cambodia and have expressed the desire to return home”.

    It added that, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in conjunction with competent authorities in Cambodia to ensure the safe return of these Ghanaians”.

    In a separate development, The government has begun efforts to ensure that Ghanaian-owned businesses in South Africa are protected from unlawful seizure or interference amid ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.


    As part of efforts to safeguard nationals’ investments in South Africa, he indicated that there must be ‘realistic compensation’ should the South African government want to take over such businesses.


    “We’ve instituted measures to ensure that everybody who has business in this country, we protect that business. And ensure that if the government of South Africa wants to take that business, there should be compensation to the owners of those businesses,” he added.


    The first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa, amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners, including Ghanaians, arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27.


    Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was flown home by the government.

    The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.


    Meanwhile, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has broken silence following the evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.

    In a viral video sighted, the politician noted that the Ghanaian government could have responded to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa without resorting to the evacuation of citizens.


    According to him, the best approach could have been to pursue stronger diplomatic engagement and protective measures in collaboration with the South African government.

    He added, “The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement”.

    And one Ghanaian lady was saying, “You see, the problem is, and I wouldn’t have taken this option, the problem is we’re being beaten in front of the police, and the police are not doing anything. That’s a problem. And when this opportunity came for me to leave, I left because if the police can’t defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me”.


    “So, we think it was too quick, we will still resolve this, and the president of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We hope they will come back to their senses”.


    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa.


    Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.


    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.


    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that must be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and flight permits, parts of the statement read.


    To ensure that all necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation is required for a safe and orderly evacuation process.


    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.


    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates


    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa. In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.


    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.

    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.


    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.


    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight.


    The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.


    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?

    The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.


    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town. After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.


    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.


    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula.


    These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • Govt to protect investments of citizens in South Africa – Benjamin Quashie

    Govt to protect investments of citizens in South Africa – Benjamin Quashie

    The government has begun efforts to ensure that Ghanaian-owned businesses in South Africa are protected from unlawful seizure or interference amid ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

    As part of efforts to safeguard nationals’ investments in South Africa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has emphasised that there must be “realistic compensation” should the South African government seek to take over such businesses.

    “We’ve instituted measures to ensure that everybody who has business in this country, we protect that business. And ensure that if the government of South Africa wants to take that business, there should be compensation to the owners of those businesses,” he added.

    The first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27.

    Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was been flown home by the government. The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.

    Meanwhile, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has broken silence following the evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.


    In a viral video sighted, the politician noted that the Ghanaian government could have responded to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa without resorting to the evacuation of citizens.

    According to him, the best approach could have been to pursue stronger diplomatic engagement and protective measures in collaboration with the South African government.


    He added, “The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement”.


    “And one Ghanaian lady was saying, ‘you see the problem is, and I wouldn’t have taken this option, the problem is we’re being beaten in front of the police, and the police are not doing anything. That’s a problem. And when this opportunity came for me to leave, I left because if the police can’t defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me’.


    “So, we think it was too quick, we will still resolve this, and the president of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We hope they will come back to their senses”.


    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.

    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, parts of the statement read.

    To ensure that all the necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.

    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.

    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates

    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.

    In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.

    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.

    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.

    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.

    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight.

    The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.

    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.

    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.

    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula.

    These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • Parliament resumes deliberations on Human Sexual Rights Bill

    Parliament resumes deliberations on Human Sexual Rights Bill

    Ghana’s controversial anti-LGBTQ bill is set to return to Parliament for a second consideration under the administration of John Dramani Mahama. 

    The bill, which aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and criminalise their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was previously passed by the 8th Parliament.

    However, speaking to the media on Thursday, May 28, Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, noted that the Anti-LGBTQ bill is likely to be passed this Friday, May 29.

    According to him, the House is ready to pass the bill once debate starts this week. He said, “The report will be laid on Thursday. Once it’s adopted, we move into consideration. Consideration, we can even decide to do consideration on Friday, and pass.“Yes, in a couple of weeks, not even months. We’ll pass it once we do the second reading on Thursday or Friday, and with consideration, we can pass it.”

    According to him, Parliament is prepared to move quickly through the remaining stages of the legislative process once the report is presented.

    “When it’s laid, we can take the report, debate it, that’s as part of the principles for second reading, and adopt it,” he explained.

    He clarified that although his government expedited procedures to pass the bill, criticisms about the urgency should not arise in Parliament or from the public.

    He argued that the House was already familiar with the contents of the bill because it had previously approved an earlier version of the legislation.

    “You see, the Ghanaian family values bill, we have already passed it. It was a certain president who decided not to sign, so the terms of the bill are essentially what parliament had already passed.

    But when we do consider expeditiously, let the NPP not shout that we are abusing the certificate of urgency. It will be rapidly done, because we cannot be reenacting what we have already read”, he stated.

    About the Anti-LGBTQ Bill

    It was first introduced in 2021 introduced in Parliament on 2 August 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of eight MPs, seven from the opposition NDC and one from the ruling NPP at the time. The lead sponsor was Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo‑Prampram and Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.

    The MPs at the time included Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West (NDC). Rockson‑Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (NDC), Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi East (NDC), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La Dadekotopon (NDC), Della Sowah, MP for Kpando (NDC), Alhassan Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North (NDC), John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South (NPP).

    It was initially passed in February 2024; however couldn’t become a law as President Akufo-Addo did not assent to it.

    Fast forward to after the NDC government assumed power, the bill was reintroduced in Parliament on February 17, 2026.

    What was in the bill?

    The bill was designed to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, with penalties ranging from 3 to 10 years imprisonment depending on the offence.

    The bill sought to criminalize identifying as LGBTQ+, with offenders facing up to three years imprisonment.

    It also proposed sanctions against individuals accused of promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including teachers, journalists, doctors, parents and advocates.

    Under the bill, LGBTQ+ organisations would have been outlawed, while donors and partner organisations risked prosecution.

    The legislation further proposed restrictions on media content, making digital or broadcast promotion of LGBTQ+ activities punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

    It also sought to render same-sex marriages void and prohibit gender transition procedures.

    Additionally, the bill proposed mandatory reporting requirements, compelling family members, educators, religious leaders and community members to report suspected LGBTQ+ activities.

    President Mahama’s comments earlier this month

    In early May, President John Dramani Mahama clarified that, although he would not hesitate to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay Bill, which is currently before parliament into law, he believes Ghana must first address its pressing issues.

    During a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30, President Mahama urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues.”LGBTQ+ issues it remains a highly emotive and sensitive issue even in the most advanced liberal democracies.

    I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation; we are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing and shelter.

    “Nevertheless, the private bill introduced in Parliament has sparked a complex and sensitive national conversation. Our position is guided by our constitution, respect for human rights and dignity for all persons and the need to preserve social cohesion. While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law.

    “I am also mindful of reactions from my international partners, including the recent development such as Lincoln University’s withdrawal of their honorary decoration. These developments underscore the importance of continuous dedication and mutual respect and situating our national decisions within our constitutional and cultural context,” he said.

  • SA xenophobic attacks: Ghana’s response was hasty, counterproductive – Julius Malema

    SA xenophobic attacks: Ghana’s response was hasty, counterproductive – Julius Malema


    Leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has broken silence following the evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.

    In a viral video, the politician noted that the Ghanaian government could have responded to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa without resorting to the evacuation of citizens.

    According to him, the best approach could have been to pursue stronger diplomatic engagement and protective measures in collaboration with the South African government.

    He added, “The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement”.

    “And one Ghanaian lady was saying, ‘you see the problem is, and I wouldn’t have taken this option, the problem is we’re being beaten in front of the police, and the police are not doing anything. That’s a problem. And when this opportunity came for me to leave, I left because if the police can’t defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me’.

    “So, we think it was too quick, we will still resolve this, and the president of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We hope they will come back to their senses”.

    The first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners including Ghanaians arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27. Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was been flown home by the government.

    The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.

    https://twitter.com/SABCNews/status/2059949659519357415/video/1?s=46

    Addressing the media, the Coordinating Director in charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the ministry, Harold Agyeman, disclosed that Emmanuel Asamoah has successfully made it to Ghana following the government’s intervention.

    “Government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad. And so, under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space,”he added.

    According to him, “We continue to rely on the assurances that the South African government has given that they would stop this activity by their nationals, which can be threatening to the relations with other African countries.”

    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.

    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, parts of the statement read.

    To ensure that all the necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.

    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.

    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates

    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.

    In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.

    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.

    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.

    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.

    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight.

    The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.

    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.

    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.

    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula.

    These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • Buffer stock case: Prosecution thrown out over unsigned witness statements

    Buffer stock case: Prosecution thrown out over unsigned witness statements

    The prosecution of the former Chief Executive Officer of National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited hit another snag today when an attempt by the Prosecution to proceed with Case Management Conference was halted due to the failure of the prosecution to file signed witness statements in the matter contrary to the rules of court.

    At the hearing on Wednesday, 28th May, 2026, Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai told the court presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga that all documents had been filed and the Republic was ready to start with case management conference.


    However, counsel for the first accused, Godfred Yeboah Dame, raised an objection to the commencement. Mr Dame indicated that the accused persons had been served with only one witness statement and that, in his view, the other documents filed could not be considered as witness statements under the criminal laws of Ghana since they had neither been signed nor verified as required by the Practice Directions, Disclosures and Case Management Rules.

    Mr. Dame further submitted that the Practice Directions Disclosures and Case Management Rules stipulate that the prosecution must file and serve on the accused persons all witness statements and documents to be relied upon before a case management conference can be conducted.

    Dr Srem-Sai, responding to the objection, stated that case management conference is a process, and therefore, the prosecution can file witness statements later. He added that there is no rule that witness statements should be filed before case management conference can begin.

    Justice Achibonga upheld the objection by counsel for the accused and stated that whilst it is true that case management conference is a process, it is not possible for it to be done without witness statements filed by the Prosecution having been signed.

    According to the judge, a witness statement which has not been signed has no value and is only as good as a witness statement that has not been signed.

    He further indicated that it is important that the witness statements filed by the prosecution be signed, because even if the prosecution failed to use them, under the rules, they could be tendered by the other side. An unsigned witness statement can’t achieve that.
    The judge noted that he had earlier ordered the prosecution to file all documents it intended to rely on.


    The failure of the prosecution to file signed witness statements indicated that the order of the court had not been complied with. The judge ruled that in the circumstances, he was unable to proceed with the case management conference.

    The judge adjourned proceedings to 9th June and 11th June 2027 in the hope that the prosecution would be able to file signed witness statements.

  • Communities around Weija Dam flooded after spillage

    Communities around Weija Dam flooded after spillage

    Thousands of residents have been left stranded, and many have been forced to flee their homes following a controlled spillage of the Weija Dam. The release of excess water from the dam is intended to prevent a possible overflow due to rising water levels that have exceeded safe operating limits.

    An official announcement by the management of Ghana Water Limited on Wednesday, May 27, emphasized the importance of the exercise as the dam’s water level had risen above 48 feet.

    “The water level in the dam has currently risen above the maximum operating level of 48 feet. Consequently, all spill gates of the dam are being opened to allow for the controlled spillage of excess water in order to safeguard the structural integrity and safety of the dam,” the statement said.

    The statement added that the measure was precautionary and intended to protect the structural integrity of the facility during the rainy season.

    It further added that, “This process may continue for some months depending on rainfall patterns and inflow volumes.”

    In 2025, the GWL warned residents of Weija and its surrounding communities of a looming “disaster” if they fail to evacuate.

    The company began a controlled spillage of excess water from the Weija Dam, and to avert any crisis, it has warned residents of communities likely to be affected to move immediately.

    A statement from the water supply company issued on Friday, 23 May, revealed that water levels at the dam have reached 45 feet, just two feet shy of its maximum operating level, due to the onset of the rainy season.

    “To safeguard the structural integrity of the dam and avert any potential disaster, minimal spillage has begun,” the statement said.

    “The Management of GWL is, by this release, sounding a word of caution to inhabitants downstream to evacuate the area to forestall any eventuality.”

    Communities named to be affected by the imminent spillage include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Adakope, and surrounding areas.

    Consequently, GWL has directed all residents in the flagged zone to move to higher grounds and strictly adhere to safety instructions issued by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant agencies.

    The key directives include immediate evacuation to higher ground, avoiding low-lying areas, and staying away from flooded roads and bridges to prevent accidents.

    NADMO has also advised residents to secure valuables and turn off electrical appliances.

    The company has also called on the Ga West Municipal Assembly to ensure that all the estuary is desilted and all refuse is cleared along the river course to ensure the free flow of water into the sea and minimize flooding risks.

    “We kindly request that all affected residents remain cooperative and adhere to any safety instructions issued by the Municipal Assembly to ensure their safety and prevent any untoward incidents,” the statement added.

    GWL stressed that public cooperation is crucial to prevent a repeat of past flood disasters caused by dam overflows.

    Several spillages of water from the dam in the past led to flooding of homes and destruction of properties.

  • Galamsey pit collapse near Gyaman-Nkwanta kills four illegal miners

    Galamsey pit collapse near Gyaman-Nkwanta kills four illegal miners

    A pit collapse at Skuumu, near Gyaman-Nkwanta in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region, has reportedly claimed the lives of four illegal miners (galamseyers) on Wednesday, May 27.

    The cause of the unfortunate incident is yet to be disclosed by authorities. However, their bodies have been deposited at the Jacobu Government Hospital morgue. Ghana, in recent times, has recorded several deaths following the collapse of pits at illegal mining sites.

    In April, a 42-year-old mother and her three children were confirmed dead after drowning in a water-filled galamsey pit at Wassa Dunkwa in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region on Saturday, February 28.


    The family of four had gone near the abandoned illegal mining site in search of firewood. The eldest child, aged 14, reportedly led his younger siblings into the water-filled pit.


    The boys became trapped and were unable to escape. In an attempt to rescue her children, the 42-year-old mother also entered the pit but tragically drowned.


    The bodies of the four family members have been deposited at the Catholic Hospital morgue. Abandoned illegal mining pits have claimed the lives of Ghanaians in recent times.


    Galamsey pit collapse at Atta Ne Atta in Asutifi South has claimed the lives of nine individuals, with four others currently receiving treatment at St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital in Hwidiem following the incident, which occurred on Monday, March 2.


    Recently, a 20-year-old student, Evans Allotey, of Okomfo Anokye Senior High School (SHS), died after falling into an abandoned mining pit on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Manso Akwesiso, Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.


    The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred while he was attempting to flee military personnel who had visited the site to crack down on illegal mining activities. In reaction to the unfortunate incident, residents staged a protest to express their dissatisfaction.


    In 2025, a pit collapse at an illegal mining site at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of seven illegal miners who were trapped underground.


    The pit collapse, which occurred on Wednesday night, October 1, also left four injured, while several miners were trapped.
    For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).


    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.


    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators as they are the enemies of the state.


    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.


    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr Kofi-Buah charged.


    Government deployed soldiers to permanently guard 44 galamsey hotspots, including waterbodies and areas threatened by galamsey activities.


    Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 16, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.


    According to statistics from the Lands Minister, 1,400 persons have been arrested from January to August this year in the government’s efforts to crack down on galamsey.


    According to him, the achievement was attained through the government’s renewed efforts. He noted that the government has seized 440 excavators and more than 800 changfans.


    “We have seized 440 excavators and more than 800 changfans. We have mobilised Blue Water Guards in key regions, and they are making a difference,” Mr. Buah stated.


    The government’s move is a response to mounting calls to declare a state of emergency over galamsey. The river guards are selected from communities most affected by illegal mining, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the local landscape and challenges.


    The government has issued an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by August 1st.


    A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will proceed with confiscating unregistered mining equipment after the deadline.


    “The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.


    Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, is advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.


    The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago, where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

  • South Africa evacuation includes 26 detained Ghanaians – Ablakwa

    South Africa evacuation includes 26 detained Ghanaians – Ablakwa

    Twenty-six (26) Ghanaians who were detained in South Africa over alleged visa violations were part of the first batch of individuals who arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27. This information was made public by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while addressing the media on Wednesday, May 27.

    According to him, prior to the development, the Ghanaian government had engaged with officials in South Africa to ensure that all Ghanaian nationals returned home, including those in prison detention.

    “We negotiated with the South African government that since we are evacuating our nationals, we don’t want to leave anybody behind in prison. “So now, there is no Ghanaian in any South African prison for visa violations. We have brought all of them back home,” Mr. Ablakwa added.

    Meanwhile, Immigration officials at OR Tambo International Airport have revealed that about 290 who were flown to Ghana violated visa laws. Speaking to the media, Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head Stephen van Neel indicated that authorities will soon take action against the affected individuals who have violated the laws.

    “Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them to be legal in the country…We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced,” Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head.

    The first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners including Ghanaians arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27. Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was been flown home by the government.


    The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.


    Addressing the media, the Coordinating Director in charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the ministry, Harold Agyeman, disclosed that Emmanuel Asamoah has successfully made it to Ghana following the government’s intervention.


    “Government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad. And so, under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space,”he added.

    According to him, “We continue to rely on the assurances that the South African government has given that they would stop this activity by their nationals, which can be threatening to the relations with other African countries.”


    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.


    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.


    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, parts of the statement read.


    To ensure that all the necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.


    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.


    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates


    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.


    In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.


    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.


    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.


    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.


    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight.

    The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.


    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?
    The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.


    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.
    After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.


    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.


    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.
    More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula.

    These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • SA immigration officials say 290 repatriated Ghanaians violated visa laws

    SA immigration officials say 290 repatriated Ghanaians violated visa laws

    Only 10 out of about 300 Ghanaians who presented themselves for evacuation were found to be in South Africa legally, Immigration officials at OR Tambo International Airport have revealed.

    Speaking to the media, Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head Stephen van Neel indicated that authorities will soon take action against the affected individuals who have violated the laws.

    “Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them to be legal in the country…We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced,” Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head.

    The first batch of 800 Ghanaians in South Africa amid heightened tensions of xenophobic attacks on foreigners including Ghanaians arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27. Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was been flown home by the government.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBTvIm6dZZ8


    The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.


    Addressing the media, the Coordinating Director in charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the ministry, Harold Agyeman, disclosed that Emmanuel Asamoah has successfully made it to Ghana following the government’s intervention.


    “Government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad. And so, under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space,” he added.

    According to him, “We continue to rely on the assurances that the South African government has given that they would stop this activity by their nationals, which can be threatening to the relations with other African countries.”


    Weeks ago, the Ministry confirmed that over eight hundred (800) Ghanaians have registered at their Commission in Pretoria, for voluntary evacuation due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Consequently, “the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions”.


    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21 May, 2026. The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.


    Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, parts of the statement read.


    To ensure that all the necessary regulatory requirements are met, an additional day of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.


    “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process”, the Ministry added.


    Govt pledges support package for SA repatriates


    Before the planned evacuation, the government announced a support package for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.


    In a statement shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that returnees would receive a welcome-home financial package, transportation assistance to their destinations across Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.


    The package also included free psychosocial support for those who may have experienced trauma or violence, as well as counselling and medical assistance to aid their recovery.


    In addition, the government indicated that the evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for job and startup opportunities as part of efforts to support their reintegration.


    The Ministry described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and assisting them during times of crisis, stating that it valued and cherished all Ghanaian citizens.


    The support package was announced ahead of the planned evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on a special chartered flight. The evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.


    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks have happened in SA?


    The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nations aren’t the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.


    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.
    After a long period of quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide, cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.


    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.


    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.
    More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula. These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • 13th All-African Games: Former Sports Minister distances himself from GHC579m irregularities

    13th All-African Games: Former Sports Minister distances himself from GHC579m irregularities

    Former Minister for Youth and Sports and Member of Parliament for Yagaba/Kubori, Mustapha Ussif, has distanced himself from a recent allegation contained in an Auditor-General’s report on the 13th All-African Games, Accra 2023. The report flags the Minister and other officials for financial irregularities.

    According to the report, the Minister and his associates must be probed over a GH¢579 million sum flagged by the Auditor-General for alleged misapplication and lack of supporting documentation.

    But reacting to the allegations, the Minister has insisted he is not responsible for any such of irregularities.

    “My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled: Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023. The said report, I understand attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all”.

    “It is my understanding that the report of the audit will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly. Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report,” he added.

    In late 2025, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a forensic audit into Ghana’s hosting and organisation of the 2023 13th African Games that began late February 2024 and ended in mid-March of the same year, following a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) report highlighting concerns of possible financial irregularities. 

    Consequently, President Mahama issued the directive to the Auditor‑General to conduct the audit.

    About six months on, the findings from the report have indicated that Ghana spent in excess of $40 million on avoidable costs, highlighting the millions of dollars and cedis in questionable claims, inflated rates, omitted works and avoidable costs across several projects.

    Facilities audit 

    The audit discovered possible financial irregularities in several African Games projects, including contract changes that may not have followed proper procedures, discrepancies in project cost estimates, and cases where the final work delivered appeared to be less than what was originally planned. These issues were identified at the Borteyman Sports Complex, University of Ghana Stadium, Games Village hostels, cricket facilities and access roads.

    One of the major highlights of the report is the Borteyman  Sports Complex project, which was supposed to be Ghana’s flagship facility for the 2023 African Games.

    The report found that parts of the original Borteyman Sports Complex project were either omitted or scaled back, including a warm-up football field valued at $3.213 million, the conversion of a multipurpose hall into lecture halls valued at $3.06 million, single- and double-lane access roads valued at $11.22 million each, drainage works worth $3.366 million, an electrical substation valued at $850,000, while concrete sidewalks and a children’s playground were reduced by $2.014 million and equipment installations such as CCTV, irrigation and security systems were reduced by $1.6 million.

    Despite the scope reductions, auditors noted that consultant supervision fees increased from 3 per cent to 3.83 per cent after the rescoping exercise.

    At the University of Ghana Stadium project, the Audit Service flagged claims amounting to $2.814 million as opportunity costs arising from variations and delays, citing a $388,856.78 in interest on delayed payments, $1.136 million in prolongation costs due to a 10-month extension, $769,490.72 for adjustment in cost changes, $519,899.88 in outstanding statutory payments, $62,745.25 variation for extension of the warm-up track

    While contractors claimed they delivered more work than originally planned at some facilities, auditors found inconsistencies in payment records and questioned the validity of some claims. They also concluded that portions of the University of Ghana hostel refurbishment were scaled back or omitted, resulting in an estimated loss of value of $1.717 million.

    One of the most contentious claims involved $1.176 million for repainting works. The Audit Service said the “computation of justification for this claim is questionable” because painting had already been captured as a lump sum item in the original contract.

    The auditors also cast doubt on the justification for repainting the hostel facilities, questioning whether the buildings could have deteriorated significantly enough within a matter of months to warrant such expenditure.

    The review further highlighted several additional payments that raised concerns, including $555,668.01 claimed for an extension of time with associated costs, $219,167.59 for extra canteen works, and $888,642.96 covering bedsheets, pillows, pedestrian walkways, transportation bay canopies and mattress replacements.

    According to the Audit Service, supporting documentation for some of these expenditures was insufficient, making it difficult to determine whether the costs were reasonable and justified.

    Attention also turned to the construction of the access road to the Achimota Cricket Oval, where auditors estimated that GH¢4.376 million could have been saved if pricing rates used by the Department of Urban Roads had been adopted.

    The audit identified substantial differences between the rates charged by contractor Mawums Limited and those assessed by auditors. These included variances of GH¢966,537.16 for excavation works, GH¢755,824.37 for imported fill material, GH¢1.094 million for road surfacing, GH¢791,340.20 for pavement works and GH¢252,189.80 for drainage construction.

    Investigators further challenged claims that swampy terrain around the project site had contributed to higher costs, noting that evidence of some drainage structures cited in the project documents could not be verified during physical inspections.

    Similar concerns were raised over the Achimota Cricket Pavilions project, where a comparison with rates provided by Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) suggested potential savings of GH¢346,793.21.

    The report also criticised the project’s BoQ structure, describing it as “quite unconventional” with considerable variations in rates for similar works across building units. Auditors added that “several arithmetic errors made assessment and valuation a challenge,” creating “a false sense that saving was minimal.”

    In addition, auditors noted that testing costs were lumped together with consultancy fees on multiple projects, yet no supporting test results or data were made available for verification.

    Overall, the Audit Service estimated avoidable costs of more than $38.96 million and GH¢6.33 million across reviewed African Games infrastructure projects.

    Former Minister for Youth and Sports and Member of Parliament for Yagaba/Kubori, Mustapha Ussif, has responded to an Auditor-General’s report on the 13th All-African Games, Accra 2023, which recommends that he and other officials be held responsible for the recovery of over GHS 579 million linked to alleged financial irregularities.

    “My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled: Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023. The said report, I understand attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” he stated.

  • Parliament receives GHS1 ‘dumsor’ levy utilisation report from govt

    Parliament receives GHS1 ‘dumsor’ levy utilisation report from govt

    A report on the utilisation of proceeds from the GH¢1 fuel levy which was imposed by the government on petroleum products for the 2025 fiscal year has been received by Parliament.

    The report discloses vivid details of how revenue generated from petroleum-related taxes had been used by the government.

    Submitting the report on behalf of the government on Tuesday, May 26, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson noted, “The details are in the report and have accordingly been presented to the committee for deliberation, and when the committee invites us, we will go and present the details”.

    The government has in recent times come under scrutiny over the levy which is widely known as dumsor levy.

    In April, the Minority in Parliament submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request demanding full disclosure of revenues generated under the Energy Sector Levies Act. The Caucus called on the government to provide detailed data on how funds accrued from the GH¢1levy have been utilized.

    Addressing the media on Wednesday, April 29, the Minority Chief Whip stated that their demands have become necessary given the persistent power outages across the country, adding that the government must be held accountable for how revenues from the levy are collected, managed, and utilized to address the ongoing energy challenges.

    Last year, the President John Dramani Mahama-led government implemented a GH¢1 fuel levy on petroleum products. This move falls under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), which was assented to by the President on June 5 to address energy-sector shortfalls, reduce legacy debts, and stabilize power supply across the country, following parliamentary approval.

    “We were told that the GH¢1 levy will allow the government to keep the lights on, and so now the question is, why are our lights not on? We were told that we were paying the GH¢1 to use it to buy fuel, but when the NPP was leaving, we handed fuel to them, and so the question is why Ghanaians must continue to sleep in darkness, and businesses are collapsing.

    “It is necessary for us to know what they used the revenue for because we are experiencing dumsor everywhere in the country,” he added.

    President Mahama stated that “initially much of this revenue will go to the purchasing of fuel to ensure stable power of electricity.”According to him, the levy will also help reduce the use of liquid fuel in the energy mix, as it expects more gas from the ENI, Sankofa, Jubilee, and TEN fields, as well as the West African Gas Pipeline.

    “At that stage, the resources generated by this increased levy will be channeled to pay accumulated legacy debts in the power sector,” he added.

    He assured Ghanaians that funds generated from the newly approved GHC1 fuel levy will undergo regular audits. He explained the move is to ensure accountability and transparency.

    “Funds from this levy will not be subject to the hazards of the Consolidated Fund. The fund will be regularly audited and audit reports made public to ensure its transparent use.”

    Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has defended the government’s move despite opposition from some stakeholders in the energy sector.

    He noted that the timing of the introduction of the levy is apt as the cedi continues to appreciate against major trading currencies. The minister projects to generate revenue ranging between GH¢5 billion and GH¢6 billion to support the procurement of liquid fuel.

    “Fuel was around GH¢16.00, and a sensitive government will not slap a tax when fuel is GH¢16.00. You couldn’t have imposed that tax around that time when fuel was still very high, and so you needed to work to bring fuel down to this level and share the gain with Ghanaians. At that time, if we had increased it, you can imagine the impact on Ghanaians, but today, the net effect is that you are still having a reduction of GH¢3.00 on a litre of fuel.

    “It is better to do it today than to have done it yesterday, when it would have eroded your income; today, your purchasing power has increased because of the reduction of the value of the dollar,” he said while speaking on JoyFM.

    Some stakeholders in the energy sector have expressed their displeasure over the approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by Parliament and its pending implementation.

    On the matter, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong Peprah, warned that the implementation of the levy could drive fuel prices higher, adding further strain on consumers and the downstream sector.

    “When fuel prices began to fall, it wasn’t because the cedi gained stability; rather, it was due to a drop in plant prices caused by the decline in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices. Only after that did the cedi stabilise and support the downward trend.””As we speak today, plant prices are already rising again. So, I urge the government to reconsider this levy since there are other options,” he counseled.

    Also, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainable Energy Benjamin Nsiah has raised similar concerns, calling the introduction of the levy “unfair.”

    “This approach is not only tired but unfair. We’ve seen this playbook before. The Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) and the Energy Sector Recovery Levy have provided a lasting solution to the underlying issues. It’s not about collecting more. It’s about managing what’s already collected,” he added.

  • Audit exposes over $40m in disputed costs across African Games infrastructure projects

    Audit exposes over $40m in disputed costs across African Games infrastructure projects

    In late 2025, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a forensic audit into Ghana’s hosting and organisation of the 2023 13th African Games that began late February 2024 and ended in mid-March of the same year, following a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) report highlighting concerns of possible financial irregularities. 

    Consequently, President Mahama issued the directive to the Auditor‑General to conduct the audit.

    About six months on, the findings from the report have indicated that Ghana spent in excess of $40 million on avoidable costs, highlighting the millions of dollars and cedis in questionable claims, inflated rates, omitted works and avoidable costs across several projects.

    Facilities audit 

    The audit discovered possible financial irregularities in several African Games projects, including contract changes that may not have followed proper procedures, discrepancies in project cost estimates, and cases where the final work delivered appeared to be less than what was originally planned. These issues were identified at the Borteyman Sports Complex, University of Ghana Stadium, Games Village hostels, cricket facilities and access roads.

    One of the major highlights of the report is the Borteyman  Sports Complex project, which was supposed to be Ghana’s flagship facility for the 2023 African Games.

    The report found that parts of the original Borteyman Sports Complex project were either omitted or scaled back, including a warm-up football field valued at $3.213 million, the conversion of a multipurpose hall into lecture halls valued at $3.06 million, single- and double-lane access roads valued at $11.22 million each, drainage works worth $3.366 million, an electrical substation valued at $850,000, while concrete sidewalks and a children’s playground were reduced by $2.014 million and equipment installations such as CCTV, irrigation and security systems were reduced by $1.6 million.

    Despite the scope reductions, auditors noted that consultant supervision fees increased from 3 per cent to 3.83 per cent after the rescoping exercise.

    At the University of Ghana Stadium project, the Audit Service flagged claims amounting to $2.814 million as opportunity costs arising from variations and delays, citing a $388,856.78 in interest on delayed payments, $1.136 million in prolongation costs due to a 10-month extension, $769,490.72 for adjustment in cost changes, $519,899.88 in outstanding statutory payments, $62,745.25 variation for extension of the warm-up track

    While contractors claimed they delivered more work than originally planned at some facilities, auditors found inconsistencies in payment records and questioned the validity of some claims. They also concluded that portions of the University of Ghana hostel refurbishment were scaled back or omitted, resulting in an estimated loss of value of $1.717 million.

    One of the most contentious claims involved $1.176 million for repainting works. The Audit Service said the “computation of justification for this claim is questionable” because painting had already been captured as a lump sum item in the original contract.

    The auditors also cast doubt on the justification for repainting the hostel facilities, questioning whether the buildings could have deteriorated significantly enough within a matter of months to warrant such expenditure.

    The review further highlighted several additional payments that raised concerns, including $555,668.01 claimed for an extension of time with associated costs, $219,167.59 for extra canteen works, and $888,642.96 covering bedsheets, pillows, pedestrian walkways, transportation bay canopies and mattress replacements.

    According to the Audit Service, supporting documentation for some of these expenditures was insufficient, making it difficult to determine whether the costs were reasonable and justified.

    Attention also turned to the construction of the access road to the Achimota Cricket Oval, where auditors estimated that GH¢4.376 million could have been saved if pricing rates used by the Department of Urban Roads had been adopted.

    The audit identified substantial differences between the rates charged by contractor Mawums Limited and those assessed by auditors. These included variances of GH¢966,537.16 for excavation works, GH¢755,824.37 for imported fill material, GH¢1.094 million for road surfacing, GH¢791,340.20 for pavement works and GH¢252,189.80 for drainage construction.

    Investigators further challenged claims that swampy terrain around the project site had contributed to higher costs, noting that evidence of some drainage structures cited in the project documents could not be verified during physical inspections.

    Similar concerns were raised over the Achimota Cricket Pavilions project, where a comparison with rates provided by Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) suggested potential savings of GH¢346,793.21.

    The report also criticised the project’s BoQ structure, describing it as “quite unconventional” with considerable variations in rates for similar works across building units. Auditors added that “several arithmetic errors made assessment and valuation a challenge,” creating “a false sense that saving was minimal.”

    In addition, auditors noted that testing costs were lumped together with consultancy fees on multiple projects, yet no supporting test results or data were made available for verification.

    Overall, the Audit Service estimated avoidable costs of more than $38.96 million and GH¢6.33 million across reviewed African Games infrastructure projects.

  • BoG halts proposed 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer fee

    BoG halts proposed 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer fee

    The Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) has been directed by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to make a U-turn following its intention to impose a 0.75% fee on direct wallet-to-bank transfers.

    In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the central bank explained that the directive is to assist in holding a broader conversation with MMFL.

    “The Bank of Ghana informs the public that Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) has been directed to pause the implementation of its proposed 0.75 percent fee on direct wallet-to-bank transfers.

    “The fee was scheduled to take effect on 1 June 2026 but is now on hold to allow for further consultation”.

    It added, “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring that any changes to charges in the mobile financial services ecosystem are introduced fairly, protect consumers, and support their financial wellbeing”.

    The Money Fintech Limited had scheduled the propose 0.75% network new charge on transfers from Mobile Money wallets to bank accounts, effective June 1.

    According to a message sent to customers by MTN Ghana on Monday, May 25, the charge will be capped at GH¢5 per transaction, regardless of the amount transferred.

    The message noted that the new development is to help improve its services to customers, adding that “This will help us continue to serve you better.”

    In Ghana, Mobile Money remains a widely used digital payment service, with millions depending on it for daily transfers, savings, and commercial transactions.

    Meanwhile, a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacked approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative was being piloted under its supervision.

    The initiative, BrijX, a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana, had been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.

    According to the Summary of Economic and Financial Data for May 2026, the total value for the first quarter is attributed to 967 million transactions, marking a continued expansion in the country’s digital payments sector.

    MoMo transactions rise from GH¢484.6 billion in March 2026 to GH¢493.2 billion in April 2026, representing an increase of GH¢8.6 billion, or about 1.78% growth. This reflects a steady improvement in nationwide mobile financial services usage, the report indicates.

    The report also shows an increase in registered mobile money accounts, which rise to 83 million in April 2026 from 80.5 million in December 2025. Active accounts stand at 26 million, while registered agents have increased to 992,000, of which 534,000 are actively operating.

    In addition, MoMo float balances, which refer to the total amount of money held in trust by banks on behalf of mobile money operators, increase by GH¢1.3 billion, representing a 3.67% rise, signalling stronger liquidity within the mobile money ecosystem.

    Meanwhile, interoperability transactions recorded GH¢5.8 billion across 31.7 million transactions during the period.roseOther payment channels also record significant activity, with cheque clearing valued at GH¢36.6 billion from 413,000 transactions, while Automated Clearing House (ACH) Direct Credit transactions reach GH¢13.5 billion from 816,000 transactions.

    Instant Pay transfers through the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems also rise.

    The April 2026 performance builds on a strong growth trend in Ghana’s mobile money sector in recent years. The Bank of Ghana had earlier reported that mobile money transactions increased significantly year-on-year, reaching GH¢3.6 trillion by October 2025, driven by rising adoption of digital payments across the country.

    By October 2025, mobile money usage had expanded rapidly, supported by increased merchant acceptance, financial inclusion efforts, and the growing integration of MoMo services into everyday payments.

    Total transactions from January to October 2025 stood at 893 million, while registered mobile money accounts reached 79.1 million, with 25.3 million active users.

    The sector also recorded a strong agent network of about 949,000 registered agents, while interoperability transfers reached GH¢40 billion over the same period. Analysts attributed the growth to increasing trust in digital payments, expanded merchant acceptance, and government and banking sector efforts to promote a cashless economy.

    Earlier data also showed sustained expansion in the sector, with transactions reaching GH¢2.368 trillion in the first 10 months of 2024, compared to GH¢1.367 trillion in 2023, highlighting the rapid pace of growth in Ghana’s digital financial ecosystem.

    Data from the Bank of Ghana showed that mobile money transactions in January 2025 amounted to GH¢333 billion. However, the figure dropped slightly to GH¢316.2 billion in February 2025.

    The surge in transactions occurred despite the presence of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), which was later scrapped by the new government. Analysts predicted that with the levy removed, mobile money transactions could see further growth, strengthening Ghana’s financial technology ecosystem.

    Meanwhile, mobile money usage continued to expand, with the number of registered accounts rising to 74.1 million, up from 66.9 million in early 2024. Despite this growth, only 411,000 out of 896,000 registered agents were actively processing transactions.

    In 2024, Ghana recorded an all-time high of GH¢3.0192 trillion in mobile money transactions, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 57.90%.

    Earlier that year, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) clarified that MTN Ghana’s MobileMoney Limited had not been authorised to facilitate cross-border transactions with MTN Nigeria. Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, the Central Bank emphasized that no such licence had been issued for international money transfers between the two subsidiaries.

    In a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacked approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative was being piloted under its supervision.

    The initiative, BrijX, a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana, had been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.

  • AIB Ghana attributes Tema aircraft crash to poor maintenance and engine

    AIB Ghana attributes Tema aircraft crash to poor maintenance and engine

    The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded its investigation into the aircraft crash that occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026.

    According to its final report on the incident, the aircraft crashed due to poor professional maintenance practices and engine failure.

    The report added that the engine repeatedly overheated during short flights and landings in Ho but was never attended to. Presenting the final report on Tuesday, May 26, Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour, further added that, “There was destruction due to persistent communication on the cell phone”.

    Earlier, AIB had noted that the aircraft attempted an emergency landing before it later lost control and crashed.

    The authority made these revelations during a press briefing held in Accra on Friday, April 17, while it fulfilled both national law and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements, which mandate that the Bureau update the public on the progress of an investigation if the final report is not ready within 30 days of an incident. 30 days.

    Speaking during the briefing, Captain Paul Forjoe, Investigator-in-Charge, said there was, however, no record that the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the said emergency.

    He continued that eyewitnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude over Tema and attempting to signal children in a school park to vacate the area to enable an emergency landing.

    “During a subsequent attempt at landing, the aircraft was observed in a left bank attitude shortly before it lost control and impacted the ground,” he said.

    He also noted that investigative work is under steady progress, indicating that the final report will be due on May 29.

    He added that the initial phase of the investigation had been completed. Still, they were awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy results, to determine the exact causes and contributory factors of the accident.

    On the AIB’s part, the probe is not to point fingers at anyone but to identify shortfalls and propose safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

    The Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Paul Forjoe, also indicated that a formal team comprising five investigators and three observers had been constituted, with additional support from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which assigned two focal persons to assist.

    Also, the manufacturers of the aircraft in Italy have sent two experts, an accredited representative and an adviser to participate in the investigation.

    Captain Forjoe said the team had relied on multiple data sources, including drone footage, eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, air traffic control transcripts, radar data, and technical records relating to the aircraft and its crew.

    Incidents before the crash, movements of the aircraft

    According to Captain Forjoe, the microlight departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. The deceased, the pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel for the return journey after a brief stop.

    He said a local circuit flight was conducted with a third person occupying the pilot’s seat, after which “white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position”.

    Just about 15 minutes later, the aircraft taxied again for take-off, this time, the pilot’s brother was the one who occupied the pilot’s seat. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns.

    The aircraft later landed and the pilot detected overheating as the issue and conducted a visual inspection of the engine.

    “The pilot indicated that the coolant reservoir level was satisfactory and no further defect was identified during this inspection,” Captain Forjoe said.

    Final moments before the crash

    Approximately 30 minutes later, the aircraft took off again at 1337 UTC for Accra. Radar data later showed it flying at varying altitudes between 3,400 feet and 100 feet as it approached the capital.

    Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing in the Oninku School Park to vacate the area for an emergency landing.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=E__n-Va5HHs%3Frel%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1

    The aircraft subsequently crashed, triggering a post-impact fire. Emergency responders quickly contained the flames, limiting damage to parts of the school grounds and the roof of a building. However, both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

    Captain Forjoe noted that there was no record of the crew declaring an emergency or informing ATC of plans to land in Tema.

    “We continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives that fateful day. We trust that the final report and its safety recommendations will help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

    Aircraft history and maintenance

    The aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, was first registered in Ghana in 1996 and initially operated by the Sankofa Aeroclub at Afienya. It was later transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 before being returned to its owner in 2022.

    Since then, it has undergone several maintenance checks and inspections approved by the GCAA. Its engine was replaced in December 2022, followed by the issuance of a Permit to Fly.

    The most recent major maintenance check was conducted on December 31, 2025, with a subsequent GCAA inspection on January 14, 2026.

    Captain Forjoe said a Flight Test Permit (ADV230) issued in January 2026 expired on January 26, while subsequent permits (ADV235 and ADV236), issued on March 9, 2026, authorised the aircraft’s relocation from Accra to Ho and expired on March 21, 2026.

    About the victims of the crash

    The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority identified the bodies of the victims of the fatal helicopter crash at Tema.

    On Monday, 16, the two individuals lost their lives in a microlight helicopter with registration number 9G-ADV, which went down in Tema Community One, in the park of a school near the TMA Daycare.

    They are Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor, 36, a flight instructor, and 25-year-old Elijah Ofori Donkor, a university graduate.

    The deceased, who are two brothers, were the sons of a popular founder of Hebron Prayer Camp, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor.



  • Damang Mine agreement awaits parliamentary approval – Lands Minister

    Damang Mine agreement awaits parliamentary approval – Lands Minister

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated that although the government has successfully finalised the Damang Mine agreement, it cannot officially take effect until it receives parliamentary approval.


    While addressing the media on the sidelines of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, the Minister noted that Parliament’s approval is necessary to ensure the smooth operations of the mine.


    According to the Minister, the government has already engaged Parliamentary leadership ahead of the submission of a list of agreements requiring ratification.


    “We have already engaged the leadership of Parliament and given them a list of ratification that we intend to send to Parliament. We couldn’t let the mine not operate with thousands of jobs at stake and with communities whose economy depends on this mine.


    “So it is a practice in the industry that even as we work on those ratification, by the power vested in the authority of the Minerals Commission, we can ensure that the benefits of the people of Ghana is not stopped,” he added.

    In April 2025, the government announced an agreement with Gold Fields Ghana for a 12-month transitional lease, after Parliamentary approval allowed continued operations under Abosso Goldfields Limited while preparing for the handover.


    The non-renewable lease was explicitly designed to facilitate an orderly transition to state ownership.
    Earlier in May, the company announced it had paused its proposed joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti involving the Tarkwa and Iduapriem mines to focus on maximising Tarkwa’s potential as a standalone asset.


    “We have operated here for 30 years, and we intend to continue for decades to come,” Fraser reiterated.


    Gold Fields posted strong financial and operational results for the first half of 2025. Attributable production rose 24% to 1,136koz, keeping the company on track to meet its annual guidance. Damang is expected to reach commercial production in the third quarter and steady-state production by the fourth quarter of 2025.


    Revenue rose 64% to US$3.48 billion, up from US$2.24 billion during the same period in 2024, driven by a 17% increase in gold sales and a 40% rise in gold prices. No fatalities were recorded across operations, compared to two incidents in the first half of 2024, which the company had previously described as an “unacceptable safety performance.”
    Background


    Parliament earlier approved a one-year transitional lease between the government and Abosso Goldfields Limited for continued operations at Damang in the Wassa West District of the Western Region.


    The initial lease was expected to expire in April 2025 but was extended to April 2026 after stakeholder consultations.
    Moving the motion for ratification, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah stressed that the lease carried no option for further extension, transfer, or mortgage beyond April 2026.


    Months ago, tensions rose at the Damang Mine as workers feared job losses after news of a government takeover. The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, representing over 1,000 employees, threatened protests but was assured of job security.


    “We want to assure the hardworking employees, contractors, and service providers at Damang that your dedication has been the backbone of this mine, and it will remain indispensable. Valid contracts will be honoured, wages paid, and operations sustained as we work to regularise arrangements under State stewardship,” the Minister said.


    The decision to assume direct operational control came after Abosso Goldfields Limited failed to meet critical requirements for a lease renewal, including declaring verifiable mineral reserves, presenting a technical programme, and making financial provisions for exploration.

    Despite these setbacks, the government is determined to maintain the mine’s contribution to the economy. “We recognise the importance of Damang Mine to the local economy and the country as a whole. We are committed to ensuring the mine continues to operate efficiently and effectively,” the Minister added.


    To ensure a seamless transition, the government has developed a plan to preserve jobs, support local businesses, and maintain safety and infrastructure. Community engagement and transparency will remain central throughout the process.
    “Regular updates will be provided to keep all stakeholders informed,” Buah assured, adding that the takeover aligns with Ghana’s broader goal to ensure mineral wealth contributes more directly to national development.

  • MTN MoMo customers to pay 0.75% for bank transfers effective June 1 

    MTN MoMo customers to pay 0.75% for bank transfers effective June 1 

    Effective Monday, June 1, transfers from Mobile Money wallets to bank accounts will attract a new charge of 0.75 percent per transaction, MTN Ghana has announced.

    According to a message sent to customers on Monday, May 25, regardless of the amount transferred, the charge will be capped at GH¢5 per transaction.

    The message noted that the new development is to help improve its services to customers, adding that “This will help us continue to serve you better.”


    In Ghana, Mobile Money remains a widely used digital payment service, with millions depending on it for daily transfers, savings, and commercial transactions.

    Meanwhile, a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacked approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative was being piloted under its supervision.

    The initiative, BrijX, a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana, had been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.


    According to the Summary of Economic and Financial Data for May 2026, the total value for the first quarter is attributed to 967 million transactions, marking a continued expansion in the country’s digital payments sector.


    MoMo transactions rise from GH¢484.6 billion in March 2026 to GH¢493.2 billion in April 2026, representing an increase of GH¢8.6 billion, or about 1.78% growth. This reflects a steady improvement in nationwide mobile financial services usage, the report indicates.


    The report also shows an increase in registered mobile money accounts, which rise to 83 million in April 2026 from 80.5 million in December 2025. Active accounts stand at 26 million, while registered agents have increased to 992,000, of which 534,000 are actively operating.


    In addition, MoMo float balances, which refer to the total amount of money held in trust by banks on behalf of mobile money operators, increase by GH¢1.3 billion, representing a 3.67% rise, signalling stronger liquidity within the mobile money ecosystem.


    Meanwhile, interoperability transactions recorded GH¢5.8 billion across 31.7 million transactions during the period.rose
    Other payment channels also record significant activity, with cheque clearing valued at GH¢36.6 billion from 413,000 transactions, while Automated Clearing House (ACH) Direct Credit transactions reach GH¢13.5 billion from 816,000 transactions.


    Instant Pay transfers through the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems also rise.


    The April 2026 performance builds on a strong growth trend in Ghana’s mobile money sector in recent years. The Bank of Ghana had earlier reported that mobile money transactions increased significantly year-on-year, reaching GH¢3.6 trillion by October 2025, driven by rising adoption of digital payments across the country.


    By October 2025, mobile money usage had expanded rapidly, supported by increased merchant acceptance, financial inclusion efforts, and the growing integration of MoMo services into everyday payments.

    Total transactions from January to October 2025 stood at 893 million, while registered mobile money accounts reached 79.1 million, with 25.3 million active users.


    The sector also recorded a strong agent network of about 949,000 registered agents, while interoperability transfers reached GH¢40 billion over the same period. Analysts attributed the growth to increasing trust in digital payments, expanded merchant acceptance, and government and banking sector efforts to promote a cashless economy.


    Earlier data also showed sustained expansion in the sector, with transactions reaching GH¢2.368 trillion in the first 10 months of 2024, compared to GH¢1.367 trillion in 2023, highlighting the rapid pace of growth in Ghana’s digital financial ecosystem.


    Data from the Bank of Ghana showed that mobile money transactions in January 2025 amounted to GH¢333 billion. However, the figure dropped slightly to GH¢316.2 billion in February 2025.


    The surge in transactions occurred despite the presence of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), which was later scrapped by the new government. Analysts predicted that with the levy removed, mobile money transactions could see further growth, strengthening Ghana’s financial technology ecosystem.


    Meanwhile, mobile money usage continued to expand, with the number of registered accounts rising to 74.1 million, up from 66.9 million in early 2024. Despite this growth, only 411,000 out of 896,000 registered agents were actively processing transactions.


    In 2024, Ghana recorded an all-time high of GH¢3.0192 trillion in mobile money transactions, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 57.90%.


    Earlier that year, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) clarified that MTN Ghana’s MobileMoney Limited had not been authorised to facilitate cross-border transactions with MTN Nigeria. Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, the Central Bank emphasized that no such licence had been issued for international money transfers between the two subsidiaries.


    In a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacked approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative was being piloted under its supervision.

    The initiative, BrijX, a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana, had been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.

  • 2025 Security Service medicals: Over 6k recruits disqualified over drug use, mental health issues – Interior Minister

    2025 Security Service medicals: Over 6k recruits disqualified over drug use, mental health issues – Interior Minister

    More than 6,000 of the over 100,000 applicants who took part in the medical screening stage of the ongoing security services recruitment failed the exercise, according to the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak.

    Speaking to the media on Saturday, May 23, the Minister noted that factors such as drug use and mental health conditions contributed to their disqualification.

    He explained that more than 4,000 applicants failed the drug tests, and about 2,000 others were flagged for mental health issues.

    “We have over 100,000 people who went through the medicals. Because of the large numbers, and because of what we have observed within the services, we introduced additional checks including mental health assessments and drug tests. Interestingly, over 4,000 people failed the drug test, and we have over 2,000 who also failed due to mental health conditions,” he said.

    This year’s medical exercise included drug testing and mental health assessments, aside the usual the usual physical and laboratory checks. The recruitment exercises into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service began in November, 2025.

    The exercise was grouped into five stages; online application, documentation, body selection, aptitude test and medical examination.

    In March, government made a U-turn regarding the number of personnel to be recruited into the country’s security services.

    Originally, 20,000 personnel were expected to be recruited, but this has now been increased to 40,000. These recruits will be deployed gradually from now until 2029.

    President Mahama, together with heads of security agencies, Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and Acting Defence Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, reviewed and approved the decision on Monday, March 16.

    According to a press release by the presidency indicated, “Following a briefing on the process, the President has directed that the number of men and women to be recruited to the various security agencies should be increased from twenty-thousand (20,000) to forty thousand (40,000) over a four year period”.

    Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the President, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, National Security Coordinator, Inspector General of Police, Director General Prisons, Director General Fire Service, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission.

    Meanwhile, the government’s ongoing recruitment into Ghana’s security services continues to dominate discussions in Parliament and among scores of Ghanaians. However, the Minority in parliament has pressed the government to refund about GH¢113 million of registration fees collected from applicants who failed to progress to the medical screening stage.

    Most applicants were dropped from the recruitment process, which began last year, after failing an online aptitude test organised by the government.

    The online test which was confronted with a lot of challenges, according to reports, was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

    In a media engagement on Wednesday, March 11, the Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, revealed that the government will only employ only 5,000 individuals out of the 105,000 applicants who have made it to the last stage.

    He further disclosed that about 500,000 applications were submitted by Ghanaian youth. “Are you going to allow over 400,000 people to go and do medicals when you know you have space for only 5,000? How fair are you to the people? You need to devise a method to slow down the numbers and have a reasonable figure.

    “So at 65, as we speak, we still have 105,000 that have qualified for medicals when in actual sense the total number that we can now take after medicals is 5,000,” he added.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 10, Mr. Muntaka explained that authorities set the pass mark for the recruitment examinations at 65 to control the number of candidates progressing to the medical stage.

    Reacting to the Interior Minister’s revelation, the Minority of Parliament has called the entire recruitment process a Ponzi scheme to extort from suffering youth.

    The caucus has questioned why the government would accept applications from half a million persons when it intends to employ a small number.

    With immediate effect, the Minority in Parliament has pressed the government to refund monies collected from the affected applicants.“Already, we have a national security threat and unemployment on our hands. You promised them jobs. You didn’t add any conditions. Then you turn around, you politically expand the age limit from twenty-five to thirty-five, signaling that there is more room and more access, more financial clearance, which was a lie.

    “You knew from the very beginning you were recruiting only 5,000, and yet you did all this to lure half a million people, took their money, milked them GH¢113 million cedis and over, only to turn around yesterday, after you have knocked them out by technology and internet disruptions from the aptitude test,” he said.

    The development has left scores of Ghanaians, particularly affected applicants, criticising the government. Some unsuccessful applicants say they answered the questions without engaging in examination malpractice, yet failed the test, while others who allegedly outsmarted the system have qualified.

    Prior to the test, the Ministry of the Interior Ghana warned applicants against cheating, stating that the system used for the online aptitude test had been designed to detect and disqualify individuals who attempted any form of malpractice.

    Some applicants have also recounted how they purchased recruitment forms for multiple security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service, but were denied the opportunity to proceed after failing the aptitude test.

    Under the recruitment guidelines, applicants who fail the aptitude test are automatically eliminated from the process, regardless of the number of forms purchased, since only one test is taken for all the security agencies. Others have also disclosed that although they initially qualified for the test, they were later disqualified after revisiting their recruitment portals.

    Despite the frustrations expressed by many disqualified applicants, the Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, maintains that the recruitment exercise has been free and fair, unlike those organised by previous governments.

    He explained that the government introduced a third-party aptitude test with a pass mark of 65% as a measure to manage the large number of applicants.

    Meanwhile, some grassroots members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who were disqualified from the process have expressed disappointment in the government. They claim the administration has turned its back on them despite their role in helping the party return to power.

    However, the Minister indicated that the recruitment process will not end this year. According to him, applicants who successfully pass the medical examination but are unable to secure placement this year will be considered for employment in the following year.

    “I know a lot of young people may be disappointed, but they should exercise restraint as this is not going to be the first and last recruitment that the government is going to have,” the Minister noted.

    Recruitment into Ghana’s security services has frequently been criticised as a process susceptible to corruption, with reports alleging that some individuals pay substantial sums of money to secure positions within agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service.



  • Ada SHS: Four students in police custody for threatening schoolmates with cutlass

    Ada SHS: Four students in police custody for threatening schoolmates with cutlass

    Four students of Ada Senior High Technical School have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service after one of them was captured in a viral video threatening colleagues on campus with cutlass.

    The students were arrested on Friday, May 22 with support from school authorities after the video had surfaced on the internet.

    The students in police custody include Raymond Gyamfi, Oscar Amemoair, Odartey Wilson, all aged 18, together with one juvenile.

    Violence in SHSs has become a trend in the country. Between January and February last year, Ghana recorded five violent clashes in SHSs.

    These incidents have witnessed students possessing weapons, destroying properties and others engaging in brutal confrontations.

    Stakeholders on the other hand, have bemoaned the growing indiscipline and insecurity on school campuses, prompting calls for an immediate intervention.

    Recently, authorities at Sokode Senior High Technical School temporarily shut down the premises over a violent misunderstanding between students.

    Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre School earlier this year were involved in a heated altercation.

    Away from Accra, Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School clashed after returning from an inter-school competition.

    One student sustained severe injuries as a result of the event; school properties and private cars belonging to teachers were also damaged.

    Salaga Senior High School in the Savannah Region, observed the most violent clashes.

    The confrontation left a student with multiple stab wounds with the police retrieving locally-produced pistol and ammunition from the scene.

    Students of Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC)also faced off with local youth, causing injuries and damages to multiple vehicles.

    At the Wa Technical Institute four students were detained by the police for causing fear and panic amongst students and teachers.

    The chaos erupted after some students prevented school authorities from conducting an inspection exercise. According to him, the exercise was intended to check the use of unauthorized uniforms and mobile phones on campus.

    In resisting the exercise, the students vandalised school property, damaging six vehicles on the compound, and destroying window panes at the administration block and the multi-purpose hall.

  • Phone repairers, software developers without a license could spend up to 2yrs in jail, NITA’s new bill

    Phone repairers, software developers without a license could spend up to 2yrs in jail, NITA’s new bill

    The National Information Technology Agency’s (NITA) bill, being considered by parliament, has been described as dangerous, which could lead to the killing of Ghanaian tech startups if passed into law.

    The bill seeks to decide who can build Ghana’s digital future, who can work in it, and who can go to prison for touching a keyboard without permission.

    Section 35 of the NITA bill says you cannot “engage in a business or related activity in the ICT sector” without a licence from NITA.

    In a detailed post shared by BlackStarPatriot on X, he wrote, “Parliament is about to vote on a bill that decides who can build Ghana’s digital future, who can work in it, and who can go to prison for touching a keyboard without permission. This is the real threat picture in the NITA Bill.

    Section 35 says you cannot “engage in a business or related activity in the ICT sector” without a licence from NITA. That sweeps in everyone from a one person dev shop in Kumasi to a cloud provider in Accra. Operate without a licence and the law treats you as a criminal, not a startup.

    The penalty is not a slap on the wrist. The bill puts fines of 2,000 to 5,000 penalty units and up to two years in prison on the table for running an unlicensed ICT business. We are not talking about fraud or cybercrime. We are talking about writing code and shipping products without a government permission slip.

    Now add section 46. No public or private institution can appoint an “ICT professional” unless that person is certified by NITA. If you run a fintech, a hospital, a logistics startup or even a church IT desk, every systems admin and developer is supposed to queue for one Authority’s certificate before you can legally hire them.

    Layer section 90 on top. Providing ICT services without a valid licence, or claiming to be a certified professional when you are not, carries the same criminal penalties. You have just turned self taught devs and student freelancers into a compliance risk that can carry jail time.

    Section 37 closes the trap. Only Ghanaian citizens and entities “wholly owned” by citizens may even apply for ICT licences. That is not gentle local content. It is a full lockout of foreign or mixed ownership from the licensed ICT space. The same government that markets Ghana as a digital hub is writing “locals only” into law.

    If you have ever sat in a combat information center or a continuity/control war room, you know what this kind of design does. You create a single point of failure by handing one Authority control over who can operate, who can work, and who can be punished. When that Authority is slow, captured or simply wrong, the whole ecosystem pays the recovery cost.

    NITA should exist. We need standards for public ICT, a national digital architecture, and real oversight of critical systems. What we do not need is a digital command economy where every ICT business and professional sits behind a gate that opens only when a central office says so.

    A sane fix is on the table. Limit compulsory licences to clearly defined critical infrastructure. Limit compulsory certification to people working on those systems. Replace the citizens-only rule with minimum local equity plus strong local content and skills transfer. Strip criminal penalties out of ordinary licensing failures.

    If Parliament passes the bill in its current form, the recovery time for the damage will be measured in years of lost investment and talent flight. The House still has a window to correct course. MPs on the Communications Committee should not treat this as another routine bill. It is a structural change to how Ghana’s digital economy lives or dies”.

    Meanwhile, NITA issued a press statement on May 22, 2026, disclosing that the proposed NITA Bill seeks to modernise Ghana’s digital governance architecture in response to emerging technologies and cybersecurity concerns.

    NITA, in the statement, acknowledged concerns raised by technology startups, young entrepreneurs and innovation-focused businesses regarding affordability and the possible impact of the fees on digital innovation.

    They described those concerns as legitimate, adding that government remained open to constructive stakeholder engagement on fee calibration, phased implementation, startup exemptions, SME protections and innovation incentives.

    NITA, however, cautioned against inaccurate claims portraying existing regulatory instruments as unconstitutional.

    “Public discourse on digital governance is welcome and necessary,” the statement concluded.

    “However, such discourse must remain grounded in legal accuracy, constitutional facts and responsible civic engagement.”

    Source: GHNow

  • Ghana’s e-Visa to be launched on Monday

    Ghana’s e-Visa to be launched on Monday

    Ghana’s first electronic visa (e-Visa) service will be officially launched on Africa Day, Wednesday, May 25, by President John Dramani Mahama.

    This information was made known the Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a Facebook post on Friday, May 22.

    He wrote “President Mahama set to launch Ghana’s first e-Visa service on Africa Day — Monday May 25, 2026. Ghana’s warm digital handshake with the world”.

    The development comes after the Cabinet approved the e-Visa policy as part of efforts to modernise Ghana’s travel system. The E-Visa system aims to simplify visa processing and strengthen security.

    Meanwhile, 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.


  • Arabic tutor, Sule Anas, declared wanted for allegedly defiling two minors

    Arabic tutor, Sule Anas, declared wanted for allegedly defiling two minors

    One Arabic tutor, Sule Anas, has been declared wanted for allegedly defiling two minors at Fijai Zongo Central near Sekondi in the Western Region.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the Western Regional Police Command indicated that information gathered suggests that the suspect may be hiding in La Côte d’Ivoire or Togo and urged the public to assist with credible information on his whereabouts by contacting the Western Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, the nearest police station, or calling 191 or 112.


    Suspect Sule Anas has been described as fair in complexion and about 5.7 feet tall. Leaders of Fijai Zongo Central Community employed the Arabic teacher to teach students Arabic on weekends.

    According to the police investigation, the victims were lured by the suspect into a store room inside the mosque, “with the pretext of doing spiritual cleansing for them, and ended up sodomizing and defiling the minors”.


    Defilement of minors has become rampant in Ghana. Last year, the Headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School, Mr. Joshua Vidzro, was temporarily relieved of his duties by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over his alleged involvement in sexual misconduct with some female students.


    The GES directed Mr. Vidzro to formally hand over all official duties, responsibilities, records, and any property belonging to Dzodze-Penyi SHS until further notice. The Municipal Director of Education for Ketu North has therefore been tasked to oversee the administration and management of Dzodze-Penyi SHS.

    This directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the GES on Saturday, December 6. The GES emphasised, “For the avoidance of doubt, this directive does not constitute a determination or presumption of guilt on your part, but is an administrative measure issued in furtherance of due process and institutional accountability.”


    In September, the Ghana Education Service announced the removal of the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of KNUST Senior High School, Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, from office over alleged misconduct.

    He was spotted in a viral video with a female student in a compromised position. In response, management of GES released a statement declaring their stance on the matter.

    “Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from office, and prohibited from going to the school while thorough investigations are being carried out,” the statement read.


    The GES assured the general public, stakeholders, parents, and students that due process will be followed, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.


    Months ago, the Ghana Education Service (GES) directed school authorities to ensure that practical fees for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) received from students are refunded effective Monday, July 28.


    A press statement dated Monday, July 28, indicated that teachers and school heads who fail to adhere to the directive shall face severe sanctions.

    “The Government of Ghana has released full funding to cover the costs of the 2025 WASSCE practical examinations, including required materials and resources.Management notes with concern that some Heads have engaged in the collection of monies from Candidates/Parents/Guardians for these same practicals. The Heads involved are therefore directed to refund any monies collected from students in respect of WASSCE practicals,” parts of the statement read.


    It instructed that school authorities ensure the refund process is properly documented and official receipts are issued to acknowledge repayment.


    GES added that Regional Directors should be notified once the monies are refunded, emphasising, “Compliance with this directive will reduce the financial burden on students and parents and ensure that no learner is excluded from participation over lack of money.”


    “Failure to comply will be considered a serious breach of official instructions and may attract administrative sanctions. Regional Directors are by this letter requested to share this information with all Heads of schools through their respective Municipal/Metro/District Directors of Education,” it stated.

  • Parliament resumes sitting today

    Parliament resumes sitting today

    The Parliament of Ghana has commenced the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, today, Thursday May 21. A broad legislative agenda spanning transport, energy, justice and national security is expected to be deliberated on during this period.

    The legislators went on recess on Friday, March 27, for Easter celebrations after completing the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament. Before the break, several key legislative activities were undertaken by the House. Notably, was adopting the motion on the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by John Dramani Mahama after days of intense debate.


    The House adopted the motion of the SONA, which was moved by the MP for Bolgatanga Central, Hon. Isaac Adongo and seconded by the MP for Assin South, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour.


    During the Parliamentary session on Wednesday, March 11, both the Majority and Minority caucuses made their final remarks to conclude the debate.


    The Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, opposed the government’s decision to buy a Presidential Jet, arguing that the country has other priorities to address, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.


    He mentioned that President Mahama has failed in creating jobs for the youth, stressing that many youths were denied the opportunity to take part in the recent security recruitment because they could not access the internet.


    Additionally, he noted that the government has worsened the plight of Ghanaian cocoa farmers by reducing the cocoa producer price, despite the sector already being in crisis.


    But in making his counterargument, the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, noted that the producer price has been increased to unprecedented heights under President Mahama, ensuring that when the world pays more for a bar of chocolate, the farmer in Sefwi, Enchi, and Tepa finally sees a reflection of that value in his pocket.


    “This is not mere commerce; it is the restoration of the dignity of the Ghanaian soil. We are moving from being exporters of raw toil to masters of our own industrial destiny, investing in local processing so that “Made in Ghana” becomes a global standard of excellence, not a colonial footnote,” he stated.


    On Friday, February 27, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the nation, providing an update on the state of the country and the progress made since he assumed office.


    During his second State of the Nation Address of his second term, the president outlined his administration’s vision and priorities under the ambitious Resetting Ghana agenda.


    He also called on Ghanaians to unite and support his administration as it rolls out key initiatives aimed at improving the country’s development and overall well-being.


    According to him, “ the resetting agenda is working, the Accra reset is gaining momentum, and together we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Ghana. Mr Speaker, our nation is on a runaway, it will take off now, and you are all advised to fasten your seat belts”.


    He added, ” Mr Speaker, the journey continues as the direction is set and the hope is real, our theme today of building prosperity and restoring hope is not mainly aspirational. It reflects the tangible transformation we have delivered for the Ghanaian people”.


    President John Mahama also announced fresh progress toward the re-establishment of a national airline, stating that concrete steps have been taken to ensure the initiative becomes a reality.


    The President revealed that a ten-member task force set up to oversee the process has completed its work and submitted a detailed business model together with an operational framework.


    The documents, he explained, will guide the government in selecting a credible strategic partner to run the new national carrier.
    “In fulfilment of my pledge to re-establish a national airline, a ten-member taskforce established to oversee this initiative has submitted a business model and operational framework to guide the selection of a strategic partner for the new national airline. And this new national airline will take off soon. Isha Allah,” President Mahama stated.


    He indicated that the creation of a new national airline forms part of a broader plan to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector, boost tourism, create jobs, and position the country as a key aviation hub in West Africa.


    The President also highlighted growth in air travel, pointing to increased passenger numbers handled by the Ghana Airports Company Limited. According to him, passenger traffic rose to 3.625 million in 2025, up from 3.4 million recorded in 2024.


    “Mr Speaker, passenger traffic handled by the Ghana Airport Company increased to 3.625 million passengers in 2025 from 3.4 million in 2024,” he added.


    The rise in passenger movement, he noted, demonstrates renewed confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry and underscores the importance of establishing a national airline to meet growing demand.


    He expressed optimism that once operational, the airline would enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, and contribute significantly to national development.

  • Accra High Court releases Abronye DC on GHS100K bail terms

    Accra High Court releases Abronye DC on GHS100K bail terms

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties by the Accra High Court. This was disclosed after a court hearing on Thursday, May 21.

    Weeks after being granted bail in connection with allegations of misinformation and offensive public statements, the outspoken politician was rearrested on Wednesday, May 13.

    While addressing the press on Tuesday, May 19, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who is the counsel for Abronye DC raised concerns over the health and detention conditions of his client, adding that his client has been refused access to his lawyers.

    “They are not allowing the lawyers access to see him since Wednesday. When you go to the BNI, they say it is a police case. When you go to the police, they send you back. It has been back and forth.


    “Her feedback to us is that his health is deteriorating significantly. He was already unwell and had recently travelled out of the country for treatment. His condition has worsened, and he is in a dire situation,” Oppong Nkrumah alleged.


    Last year, the court granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety to Abronye DC. His lead counsel noted that the recent development brings relief, given that Abronye’s health is deteriorating.

    Abronye has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace. Abronye’s legal team is currently working to meet the bail conditions to secure his immediate release.


    He made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, September 9. On September 12, Circuit Court Judge Samuel Bright Acquah remanded Abronye DC for the second time.


    During the court proceeding, the NPP Bono Chairman’s legal team requested bail after the presiding judge scheduled his next appearance for the next three days.


    However, the presiding judge at the Accra Circuit Court denied their request. Abronye will return to court on Friday, September 19. Ghana Police, in an official statement posted on their Twitter page, confirmed the arrest of the NPP member on Monday, September 8.


    “The Ghana Police Service has today, 08/09/25, arrested Mr. Kwame Baffoe @ Abronye for Offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace”, confirming he is in their custody awaiting arraignment before the Court.


    He arrived in handcuffs, escorted by police officers from a black police van known as “Black Maria, sparking bitter concerns among members of the opposition NPP, including the party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha.

    The court denying him bail visibly did not sit well with some members of the opposition NPP, who appeared in court in solidarity with their member.


    During a media engagement, he complained bitterly about how the Chairman’s case of misdemeanour was being treated like a criminal case when it is a civil case. He said Abronye wasn’t a criminal to be transported in handcuffs and in a Black Maria, citing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money and time of concerned individuals.


    He warned the government against what he described as the mistreatment of NPP party members, stating that, “Power has an end, the tables will turn, and we will all have our revenge”.


    Criticising the Ghana Police for bias, he announced an upcoming protest against the law enforcement agency in the coming days, which he will lead.


    Also, the lawyer of the accused Daniel Martey Addo, the Managing Counsel at Nkrumah & Associates, while commending the adherence to legal proceedings following his client’s arraignment in court, he, however, stated that, “it appears that the prosecution would just want him to be remanded.


    For whatever reason, you gave us an invite, and the charges levelled against my client were just misdemeanors, and in law, you would know that there are categories of offences, and misdemeanor is the basic one that shouldn’t be should not be the reason an accused person should be remanded.”


    Armed police officers stormed the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, in search of Abronye on Sunday, September 8. Weeks ago, Abronye made headlines after he formally wrote to eight different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, seeking protection for his safety in Ghana.


    Defending his reason for seeking asylum, he added that “consistent, escalating political persecution, threats to my life, and systemic abuse of state security powers by the current Government of Ghana”.


    Abronye’s arrest came days after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) held the presidential candidate and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, for alleged financial misappropriation and other related misconduct.


    On Wednesday, September 3, Kofi Akpaloo was picked up at his residence in Kumasi by EOCO officials for interrogation. Mr Akpaloo vied for the presidency in the 2024 general elections.


    Before the election, Akpaloo expressed strong confidence in his chances for a decisive win, predicting victory over major contenders.

    However, he obtained 5,219, which is 0.09%. Recently, EOCO has given much attention to investigating high-profile political figures and business leaders.


    The Economic and Organised Crime Office was established by the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) as a specialized agency to monitor and investigate economic and organised crime and, on the authority of the Attorney-General, prosecute these offenses to recover the proceeds of crime and provide for related matters.


    The EOCO has similar mandates to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Recently, the OSP released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.


    The OSP’s Seventh Half-yearly Report is pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The document also outlines key developments in the Office’s operations.


    According to the OSP, despite resistance from powerful interests, it stayed focused on executing its mandate during this period. As such, the Office successfully progressed significant corruption-related investigations to the stage of court proceedings, while also initiating new inquiries into suspected acts of corruption.


    “Then again, the Office, as one of three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementing Plan, is fashioning and molding anti-corruption structures that would stand the test of time. The task ahead remains formidable. Much more so is our resolve to perform.


    “This reporting period was characterized by intensification of the Office’s prosecutorial mandate. We advanced high-profile investigations to court and initiated bold inquiries into suspected corruption, often in the face of deep-seated resistance from entrenched interests.


    “Notwithstanding these expected challenges, the Office remains resolute and guided by the rule of law, fairness, firmness, evidence-based action, and the interest of the public. We recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be waged and won only through punitive action and incarceration,” parts of the report read.


    The legislative framework of the Office of the Special Prosecutor mandates the Authority to crack down on corruption, recover assets, and confiscate illicit property.


    “Indeed, the legislative set-up of the Office leans heavily on corruption-prevention and asset recovery and disgorgement of tainted property. Consequently, we proceed on sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially founded on our unique plea bargaining regime.


    “In this spirit, the Office scaled up its preventive mandate through active engagement with public institutions, private sector actors, civil society- and secured convictions and asset recovery through impactful plea bargaining.

    “We also reckon that the nation’s anti-corruption legal framework requires re-imagination, modernization, and retooling to address the immense scale and complexity of modern corruption in the context of our social, economic, and political constructs.


    “On this score, the Office has proposed the inclusion of a new chapter in the Constitution dedicated to the fight against corruption through definitive constitutional expression by the institution of proposed concrete measures to effectively and comprehensively suppress and repress corruption in public life as well as in the private sector chief among which include lifestyle audit non-conviction-based asset recovery, enhanced asset declaration and verification regime, and reverse onus presumption of corruption as the foundation of both anti-corruption criminal proceedings and civil asset recovery proceedings,” parts of the report added.


    The Office is also leading the charge in respect of the passage of a comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct of Public Officers Act. Currently, sixty-seven(67) cases are being handled by the Office, all of which are undergoing comprehensive review.


    The corruption cases being investigated by OSP include: Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Education Service, National Commission on Culture, Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services, National Service Authority, Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and National Cathedral.


    The others are: Tema oil refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, State lands, Stool lands, and other Vested lands, Illegal Mining, National Sports Authority, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, and Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John.


    It further hinted that “There were seven (7) convictions and one (1) acquittal in respect of the cases pending before the criminal courts during the period under review. The Office has filed an appeal in respect of the case in which the accused was acquitted.


    Additionally, one hundred and fifty-two (152) cases are at the preliminary investigation stage, with the OSP assuring that details will be made public once they progress to the next stage.


    The Office is also seized with one hundred and fifty-two (152) other cases at the preliminary investigation stage. These may be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage.


    This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatization.

  • Family sues Korle Bu, Ridge, Police Hospital, and others GHS20m over Charles Amissah’s death

    Family sues Korle Bu, Ridge, Police Hospital, and others GHS20m over Charles Amissah’s death

    Three major health facilities, several medical professionals and the Attorney General (AG), have been sued by the family of deceased engineer Charles Henry Amissah over their alleged involvement in the death of their relative.

    The family is seeking GH¢20 million in general damages at the High Court in Accra over the incident which occurred in February that has caused pain, suffering, emotional distress, and harm.

    According to the committee appointed by the government to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Charles Amissah, he died from medical neglect and denial of emergency care after being turned away by three major hospitals.

    The committee added that Charles Amissah died of “exsanguination, excessive loss of blood, due to an upper right arm bone and soft tissue injury, causing damage to the adductor”.

    The committee has suggested Dr Anne-Marie Kudowor of the Police Hospital, Dr Nina Naomi Eyram Adotevi of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and Dr Ida Druant, as well as Dr (Med) Genevieve Adjar of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, alongside other nursing and regulatory staff be suspended, for playing a role in Charles Amissah’s death.

    On February 6, public anger and revived discussions about Ghana’s “No Bed Syndrome when the 29-year-old young man lost his life after he was knocked down by a speeding vehicle near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass in Accra.

    Charles Amissah who was with Promasidor Ghana Limited, sustained multiple injuries, particularly to his shoulders. Following the incident, the management of the hospital, in a press statement issued on Monday, February 23, indicated that it had constituted a committee to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim.

    It further announced that two medical doctors and two nurses have been interdicted following their alleged failure to provide emergency medical care to Charles Amissah.

    Ghana has been struggling with the ‘no bed syndrome’ for decades, with no lasting solution to the situation. The ‘no bed syndrome’ describes the practice of hospitals and clinics turning away patients seeking walk-in or referral emergency care, citing reasons such as “no bed available” or “all beds are full.”

    Meanwhile, Former Minister of Health, Bernard Okoe Boye, has indicated that the “no bed syndrome” in Ghana’s healthcare system goes beyond a mere shortage of hospital beds.
    Speaking to the media, he explained that several factors, such as the absence of certain medical specialties, limited equipment, and broader infrastructural gaps within the health system, contribute to the situation.


    He noted, “In other cases, the ‘no bed’ situation is not about physical space but about the absence of the required specialty or equipment.”On February 6, Charles Amissah was knocked down in a hit‑and‑run incident near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass in Accra.


    Addressing the press in a conference on Wednesday, May 5, Chairman of the committee, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, revealed that following findings from his autopsy, it can be confirmed that Mr Amissah could have survived if he had received timely medical attention.


    “And the pathology confirms a slow death from medical neglect, and was not from the instant trauma. What it means is that if at any of these facilities, there had been medical intervention, Charles Amissah could have survived,” he said.


    He explained that the cause of death was excessive blood loss resulting from a severe injury to the upper arm.


    “Charles Amissah died of exsanguination, excessive loss of blood, due to an upper right arm bone and soft tissue injury, causing damage to the adductor,” he added.


    He was first attended to by personnel from the National Ambulance Service, but later struggled to access emergency care. Reports indicate that he was turned away by several health facilities, including the Police Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, reportedly due to a lack of available beds.


    He died while still being transported for care, triggering widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the country’s emergency response system.


    The incident led to the formation of a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, particularly concerns about delays in treatment and gaps in emergency care.


    The findings have intensified calls for reforms in Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in ensuring timely access to critical care for accident victims.


    Charles Amissah was alive after the accident but was transferred between several hospitals in Accra without receiving proper emergency care.


    He was moved from the Police Hospital to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, then to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and a referral to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) was considered but never completed. He died after about 118 minutes of continuous transfers.


    About two months ago, government announced that it was set to establish a National Command Centre as part of efforts to significantly reduce emergency response time and improve patient outcomes across Ghana’s healthcare system.


    Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Titus Beyuo, said the proposed centre will enable real-time coordination of emergency cases, ensuring patients are directed to hospitals with available beds instead of overcrowded facilities.


    He disclosed the plan amid growing concerns about congestion at major referral hospitals, particularly Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which continues to receive a high volume of emergency cases.


    Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, March 24, Prof. Beyuo explained that the command centre forms part of a broader emergency patient management system being developed to streamline care delivery nationwide.


    “We need the ambulance service to relocate their call centre to this national command centre. We need to get physicians and other people at the command centre who will do an online sorting of patients and redirect them,” he explained.


    The initiative is expected to transform how the National Ambulance Service operates, as ambulance teams will no longer send patients automatically to facilities like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital or Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital without confirming bed availability.

  • Ghanaian soldier dies during counter-terrorism drill in Binduri

    Ghanaian soldier dies during counter-terrorism drill in Binduri

    A physical training instructor with the 6th Infantry Battalion, Private Adotey has lost his life during a counter-terrorism training exercise in the Upper East Region, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has confirmed.

    Breaking the unfortunate news on Wednesday, May 20, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu disclosed that, Private Adotey who was identified with number 218079 died died while attempting to rescue fellow officers in an explosion during an operation in the Binduri Forest in the Binduri area.

    He added, “You have demonstrated throughout this exercise and operation, however, on a sad note, and also taking note of the occupational risks and hazards as you are seated wearing this uniform and the ultimate price we sometimes pay in service to our dear nation.

    But it was an unfortunate incident that eventually led to the death of 218079 Private Adotey, a physical training instructor at the 6th Infantry Battalion”.


    The Exercise Storm Shield was conducted across Bawku, Pusiga, and Binduri to enhance troops’ preparedness in countering terrorism and violent extremism.

    Some Ghanaian soldiers have lost their lives, and others have been injured in the line of duty. In March, two Ghanaian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) got seriously injured following an attack in southern Lebanon.


    The attack occurred on March 6, 2026, targeting members of the Ghanaian Battalion deployed under the UN peacekeeping mission.
    In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demanded an immediate investigation into the matter while the government strongly condemned the attack.


    “The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ghana formally lodged a protest with the United Nations following the attack on the Ghanaian Battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Southern Lebanon on 6th March 2026, which left two Ghanaian soldiers seriously injured.”


    “The Government of Ghana has called for a full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on personnel deployed in the service of international peace and security,” Mr Ablakwa said in a statement dated March 6, 2026.


    While describing the incident as unacceptable, the government stressed that United Nations peacekeeping personnel must be safeguarded as they perform their duties of maintaining international peace and security.


    Officials also insisted that those behind the attack be traced and brought to justice, noting that the incident amounts to a serious breach of international law and violates the protections accorded to UN peacekeeping forces.


    The government also reassured the wounded soldiers and their families that efforts will be made to secure justice while discussions with UN authorities continue to ensure improved protection for Ghanaian troops on international peacekeeping missions.


    Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu also condemned the incident, stating that no nation or group should be permitted to assault non-combatants without facing consequences.


    Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that the attack on the Ghanaian contingent serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was unacceptable and must be examined by the United Nations.


    “No country is allowed to behave with such impunity and set about attacking non-combatants, people who have not shown any aggression and who are in fact there to keep the peace,” he said.


    He further pointed out that Ghanaian soldiers participating in UN peacekeeping operations have earned global recognition and have been involved in such missions for many years to help maintain peace and stability in conflict zones.


    “They are people who are there to keep the peace and they have done this for decades. It is an internationally recognised activity that they are engaging in.The activities do not pose any threat whatsoever to anybody within the region to warrant such an attack. As the country whose troops have been at the receiving end of this attack, we need to take it very seriously. That is why we have lodged this formal complaint,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed.


    Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, has also expressed worries about the credibility and future sustainability of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.


    In an interview on Newsfile on Joy News on Saturday, Mr Simons criticised the attack but noted that it also brings into focus important concerns about the effectiveness of the peacekeeping operation.


    He explained that UNIFIL was initially established to stop further Israeli military advances into Lebanese territory and to facilitate the disarmament of Hezbollah fighters. Nevertheless, he said these central goals have not been achieved.


    “The action is utterly condemnable, and I agree with everything that has been said by the preceding speakers. But we must also ask fundamental questions about the credibility and viability of this particular UNIFIL contingent,” he stated.


    The mission functions under the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after the 2006 conflict.


    The resolution directed both parties to halt hostilities and proposed the disarmament of Hezbollah, while assigning UN peacekeepers the responsibility of assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability in the area.


    However, IMANI Africa maintains that the main provisions of the resolution have not been fully carried out. Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah remains armed and active.


    Mr Simons observed that stopping Israeli incursions would largely rely on pressure from the United States, which he believes has not demonstrated strong readiness to enforce such actions.


    He also raised doubts about whether any international actor other than Iran has the influence to push for the disarmament of Hezbollah. Under these circumstances, IMANI Africa questioned the ongoing purpose of UN peacekeepers in the region.


    Mr Simons further pointed out that the mission was already expected to conclude by the end of September, heightening concerns about the dangers peacekeepers may still encounter before then.


    “What exactly are UN forces still doing there as auxiliaries of the Lebanese army, which was their original mandate?” he asked.
    Following the recent attack on Ghanaian soldiers, IMANI Africa has advised the government to consider speeding up Ghana’s withdrawal from the mission.


    It described the situation as “double unfortunate,” warning that UNIFIL may no longer represent a credible international peacekeeping force under the current geopolitical realities.


    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it will continue to monitor developments closely while engaging with relevant UN authorities regarding the incident.

  • State of emergency on galamsey unnecessary, current measures are sufficient – Lands Ministry

    State of emergency on galamsey unnecessary, current measures are sufficient – Lands Ministry

    The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has insisted that ongoing government interventions in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) are already producing results; therefore, calls for a state of emergency over the menace are premature.


    Addressing the media on Wednesday, May 20, Media Relations Officer at the Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, acknowledged that although illegal mining remains a serious environmental and security challenge, calling for a declaration of a state of emergency is not the solution to the situation.


    According to him, “The call for a declaration of a state of emergency, materially as of now, is moot and inconsequential. If we get to a point where the current interventions are not enough, government may decide to take stronger action, including declaring a state of emergency”.

    For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).


    During a recent media engagement on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Hugh Brown, disclosed that nearly 9,000 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves have been destroyed by galamsey, with more than 5,200 hectares lost between 2021 and 2024.


    He added, “The military was withdrawn on the 1st of November, and we were left to our own devices. We had to strengthen our rapid response teams quickly, sometimes putting them in situations where they were not well-equipped.


    “We cannot continue protecting forests as we did in the 1920s and 1930s, when forest guards held cutlasses and patrolled boundaries to detect offences. There has been insufficient investment in modern protection measures”.

    In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas.
    As part of efforts to crack down on the canker, thirty-eight (38) individuals were arrested by the Eastern South Regional Police Command for engaging in illegal mining activities at Ntoranang on the outskirts of New Abirem on Friday, February 27.


    Their arrest comes after the police received intelligence about their illegal activities at a palm plantation in the area. The police disclosed that of the 38 arrested, 17 are Burkinabe nationals and 21 are Ghanaians, including 9 juveniles aged 13-17.


    The police destroyed items used by the suspects in their operations; including water pumping machines, power plants, water hoses and makeshift shelters. All 38 suspects will be arraigned before the court on Monday, March 2, for prosecution.


    Months ago, the Commanding Officer of NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, signaled an imminent and aggressive crackdown on illegal miners.


    “I would like to send this warning to illegal miners, their assignees, and financiers that they are the first or prime enemies of the state, and they will be dealt with as such. There will be no room for them to escape or to hide. NAIMOS will smoke them out very soon. There’s no resting place for them,” he said at a stakeholder engagement at the Jubilee House on October 3, 2025.


    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that his government is not backing down in its fight against the longstanding menace of illegal mining.


    According to the President, the country will soon be cleared of the menace as the government plans to launch a programme in the coming days to reclaim degraded lands.


    He added that youths in affected communities will be employed under the programme, each receiving a monthly stipend of GH₵1,500.


    “We’re restoring degraded lands while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected communities. I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so that we can recruit more youth into forest tree planting and the Blue Water Guard to safeguard our water bodies.


    “These youth are to be recruited from affected communities, and they will receive a monthly stipend of GHC1,500. I wish to commend journalists who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted, and it’s patriotic. I wish to assure you, as the President, that I will never give up the fight,” President Mahama said.


    President Mahama made the remarks at the 2025 GJA/KGL National Awards held at the Manhyia Palace on Saturday, November 8.


    Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on October 3, the President said: “There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back.”


    President Mahama urged patience in the long-running battle against galamsey, noting that declaring a state of emergency alone will not end the menace.


    He said government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining and technologies that neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    He also pledged to act on calls for a state of emergency if his advisors recommend it.


    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.


    Despite renewed efforts, the canker continues to wreak havoc. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat task force narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region on Saturday, November 1, during an operation that resulted in several arrests, including a Burkinabe national.


    Locals were seen in a viral video confronting the NAIMOS team and demanding the release of those arrested. NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” saying the officials “survived clearly by the mercy of God. If you look at how they were charged, the rest of the team could have lost their lives.”

  • Wontumi trial: Land reclamation was allowed for concessionaires – Mireku Duker

    Wontumi trial: Land reclamation was allowed for concessionaires – Mireku Duker

    The second defence witness for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the Samreboi illegal mining case, George Mireku Duker, has told the court that mining concessionaires were encouraged to reclaim and restore lands degraded through their operations.


    According to him, this was the strategy adopted by the previous NPP government to ensure responsible environmental management in the sector.

    He added that Section 14 of Act 703 of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act requires prior written approval from the sector minister and specifically governs the transfer, assignment, mortgage, or other dealings in mineral rights.


    “A concessionaire without a permit has no right to mine.Counsel is right if there is no written document to meet the dictates of Section 14. It becomes clear that there is no action at all,” he added.

    The former minister’s explanation appears to form a key part of the defence in the ongoing criminal trial involving the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman and his company, Akonta Mining. Last year, the court suspended two trial cases involving Wontumi, were postponed.

    The first case, which concerns allegations that he permitted mining activities on his concession at Samreboi without the required approval, proceedings was adjourned to November 12.

    While the second case, in which Wontumi he is accused of engaging in mining operations within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve without authorization, was also postponed to December 4 because the presiding judge is currently on leave.

    The adjournment became necessary on the back of a request from the prosecution to enable them to serve the defense with necessary disclosures.

    Chairman Wontumi, has been accused of aiding individuals to mine without proper licence at Samreboi concession.

    Meanwhile, Wontumi’s lawyer has noted that there is no evidence to support the galamsey charges levelled against his client.

    Speaking to the media on Friday, October 10, Enoch Afoakwa noted that Chairman Wontumi is unshaken in his insistence on innocence in the face of all galamsey charges.

    He added, “So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven.”

    “When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to all the several counts of allegations that have been levelled against him. So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven”.

    Chairman Wontumi, was released from police custody after spending three nights in detention on Friday, October 10.

    His release followed the fulfillment of bail requirements totaling GHS25 million, imposed in connection with two separate illegal mining cases currently before the court.

    On October 7, he was unable to meet the bail conditions set by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra.

    In one of the cases, the court granted him GHS15 million bail with two sureties, while in the other, an additional GHS10 million bail was set, also with two sureties—one of whom must justify with landed property.

    The court further directed Wontumi to report to investigators once every week for the first month and prohibited him from traveling outside the country without explicit approval.

  • Constitutional review may redefine OSP’s role and future – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    Constitutional review may redefine OSP’s role and future – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) role and future may be redefined should Ghana’s Constitution, currently under review, address concerns surrounding its mandate, independence, and prosecutorial powers. There have been calls urging John Dramani Mahama to scrap the OSP over allegations that it has failed to effectively execute its mandate. 

    But, speaking to the media, Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that the government cannot solely take that decision unless changes are made through a constitutional review process. According to him, although the government cannot take such a decision, it also does not plan to scrap the office.

    “You record that out of the blue, the Majority Leader and the Majority Chief Whip tabled a bill in Parliament to scrap the Office of Special Prosecutor.The president prevailed on the Majority Leader and the Majority Chief Whip to give the Special Prosecutor a chance,” he added.

    President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22 2025, received the Constitutional Review Committee’s final report, which proposes far-reaching reforms to Ghana’s Constitution, including a leaner executive and stronger independent institutions.

    The committee has proposed 10 recommendations, including: extension of electoral terms, separation of Parliament from the Executive, cap on the size of government, reform of state land administration, strengthening independent constitutional bodies, and abolition of the death penalty.

    Others are; election of local government heads, citizen-initiated constitutional amendments, creation of an independent anti-corruption body, and parliamentary eligibility for dual citizens.

    Extension of electoral terms: The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed a five-year presidential term, up from the current four-year term, to lower the cost and disruption of elections and give governments more time to implement policies. Separation of Parliament from the Executive: Currently in Ghana, the law allows the President to appoint ministers even if they are serving as Members of Parliament (MPs). 

    However, the Committee has raised concerns about this arrangement, stating that it creates conflicts of interest and weakens legislative oversight. Cap on the size of government: The Committee has argued that the large number of ministers of state and their deputies creates inefficiency in the distribution of responsibilities. It has recommended that all future governments be limited to no more than 57 appointees. Reform of state land administration: It has been suggested that the Lands Commission be mandated to oversee the administration of state lands in efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

    Strengthening independent constitutional bodies: The Committee has also advocated that key constitutional bodies, including the Electoral Commission (EC), have appointments based on qualifications, experience, and competence, not political loyalty.

    Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, has backed a recent proposal by the Constitutional Review Committee calling for an increase in Ghana’s presidential term in office.

    Addressing the media on Tuesday, December 23, Alhassan Suhuyini argued that the four-year term given to Ghanaian presidents restricts the country’s development, as they are unable to deliver long-term policies and fully implement major development projects within the limited time frame.

    “I agree with the thinking that the four-year period has not helped us that much, and it is because of our level of development and the deficit that we have,” he said.

    The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed a five-year presidential term, up from the current four-year term, to lower the cost and disruption of elections and give governments more time to implement policies.

    What does Ghana’s 1992 Constitution say about the presidential term?

    Under the Constitution, a President may serve a maximum of two terms, with each term lasting four years. Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution states as follows:

    (1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

    (2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

    (3) The office of President shall become vacant—(a) on the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of this article; or(b) if the incumbent dies, resigns from office, or ceases to hold office under article 69 of this Constitution.

    (4) The President may, by writing signed by him and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, resign from his office as President.

    Additionally, the committee has also proposed that Members of Parliament (MPs) should stop doubling as ministers in government.

    However, members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) insist that President Mahama intends to seek a third term. Although the President, in late August, reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s two-term presidential limit—making it clear that he has no intention of extending his tenure—the Minority contends that the incumbent government is plotting a dubious move to keep President Mahama in power beyond the next term.

    During a bilateral meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of his three-day state visit, President Mahama dismissed allegations that his government is plotting to stay beyond the constitutional limit, reiterating that he will not be on the ballot in 2028.

    After months of holding onto these claims, the Minority Caucus staged a protest in Parliament, chanting, “No Third Term, Mahama! We want peace, Mahama,” citing growing calls for a third term for the incumbent President from some members of the NDC, particularly on social media.

    In 2024, the Constitutional Review Consultative Committee, established by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, made a series of significant recommendations aimed at reforming the executive and legislative branches of the Ghanaian government.

    Led by lawyer Clare Kasser-Tee, the committee was tasked with reviewing the 2011 report of the Constitution Review Commission.

    One of the committee’s notable recommendations is capping the number of ministers at 25. In recent years, Ghana has seen a high number of ministers, with the current administration under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaching as many as 110 ministers.

    Main candidates in the 2024 presidential election have promised to significantly reduce this number, with President John Mahama proposing 60 ministers and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia suggesting 50.

    Additionally, the committee proposed that the President of Ghana should pay taxes. This recommendation, if implemented, would reflect the principle of equality before the law and align with the rule of law. Currently, Article 68(5) of the constitution exempts the president from paying income tax. The committee suggests amending this article so that the president pays taxes on his salary and emoluments, setting an example for the rest of the citizenry. This change would also require consequential amendments to the country’s income tax law.

    The committee also recommended the abolition of Deputy Minister positions. Furthermore, it suggested that ministers should not be Members of Parliament, diverging from the current constitutional mandate that requires the majority of ministers to be lawmakers.

    Another key recommendation is to cap the size of Parliament at 277 members. The proposed amendment to Article 93 of the Constitution states, “There shall be a Parliament of Ghana which shall consist of not more than two hundred and seventy-seven elected members.”

    These recommendations were presented to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on June 13, 2024, for preliminary suggestions or firm resolve for the review of the 1992 Constitution. The event, themed “Building consensus and promoting ownership for the review of the Constitution,” was organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

    The committee’s mandate included reviewing submissions, proposals, and reports from various constitutional review platforms, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the University of Ghana Law School, the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

    Additionally, the committee is tasked with making recommendations to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and its partners and collaborators, including the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), Africa Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Institute of Democratic and Economic Governance (IDEG), and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), among others.

    The proposed reforms aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Ghana’s governance structures, promoting accountability, and ensuring a more streamlined and representative government.

  • Public debt-to-GDP ratio hits 42.2% in February 

    Public debt-to-GDP ratio hits 42.2% in February 

    The Bank of Ghana’s May 2026 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, has disclosed that Ghana’s public debt stock increased to GH¢674.1 billion which is equivalent to US$61.3 billion as of February 2026. This is equivalent to 42.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). US$63.1 billion in February 2026. 

    Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 17% increase in Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio, rising from 45.3% recorded in 2025 to 53.0% by the end of 2026.

    The projection was included in the financial watchdog’s Fiscal Monitor Report, released on the sidelines of the 2026 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, DC.

    While the report did not indicate what drivers are likely to cause the projected increase, it noted that “Government debt and interest rate projections are based on a post-debt restructuring scenario.”

    A report by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) showed that Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio two years ago stood at 61.8% with total debt pegged at GH¢726.7 billion. By 2025, the ratio had eased to 45.3%, with total debt declining to GH¢641 billion.

    Despite recent improvements, analysts say the outlook remains uncertain and could change depending on borrowing levels, exchange rate movements, and economic growth.

    Some market watchers argue that increased borrowing or further depreciation of the cedi could alter the debt trajectory, while slower economic growth could also weigh on the debt-to-GDP ratio.

    In April 2026, the government secured approximately GH¢2.7 billion through the issuance of a 7-year bond, marking a return to long-term domestic borrowing following the Debt Exchange Programme. The bond was issued at a coupon rate of 12.5% and is scheduled to mature on March 29, 2033.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio will decline further to 50.7% in 2027.

    Data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicates that the size of the economy is now estimated at GH¢1.4 trillion, up from GH¢1.1 trillion in 2024.

    In the 2026 Budget Statement, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson outlined several measures aimed at sustaining debt stability. These include expanding access to concessional borrowing, rebuilding the Sinking Fund, implementing debt reprofiling and buyback programmes, and strengthening transparency in public debt reporting.

    He said the strategy is aimed at “managing debt, not being managed by it,” adding that Ghana’s goal is to return to a moderate risk of debt distress by 2028.

    Ghana remains classified as a debt-distressed country by the IMF, although recent improvements have been acknowledged. The Fund expects Ghana to reach a moderate risk status by 2028 if current reforms are sustained.

    Globally, the IMF warns that public debt pressures are rising, with worldwide debt projected to reach 100% of GDP by 2029, driven by higher spending needs and rising interest costs.

    The Fund has called for “credible, well-sequenced fiscal adjustment” across countries to address growing vulnerabilities in the global financial system.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s domestic debt rose moderately from GH¢309.8 billion to GH¢333.8 billion by the end of 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana. However, despite the increase, the debt burden eased as a share of the economy due to strong growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product, which led to a decline in the domestic debt-to-GDP ratio.

    According to the March 2026 Monetary Policy Report by the Bank of Ghana, the increase in domestic debt came largely from the short-term instruments marking the government’s plan to borrow to build buffers to meet its financial obligations.

    Also, the external debt increased in foreign currency terms to reflect new loan disbursement.

    However, in local currency terms, it decreased from GH¢416.8 billion in December 2024 to GH¢307.2 billion in December 2025.

    The downturn was attributed to the appreciation of the cedi alongside servicing of Eurobond and multilateral obligations, resulting in a reduction in the external debt stock denominated in local currency by GH¢125.2 billion (9% of estimated GDP).

    Meanwhile, the provisional debt stock of the central government and guaranteed debt stood at GH¢640.99 billion (45.3% of GDP) at end-December 2025 from GH¢726.7 billion (61.8% of GDP) at end-December 2024.

    Out of the total public debt, external debt was GH¢307.2 billion (21.7% of GDP) and domestic debt totalled GH¢333.8 billion (23.6% of GDP).

    According to the Bank of Ghana, the sharp decline is reflected in both external and domestic debt-to-GDP ratios.

  • Abronye DC reportedly ill in detention

    Abronye DC reportedly ill in detention

    Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC is reportedly battling serious health challenges while in the custody of the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI). 

    This information was disclosed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the counsel for Abronye DC on Tuesday, May 19 while addressing the press. He raised concerns over the health and detention conditions of his client, adding that his client has been refused access to his lawyers.

    “They are not allowing the lawyers access to see him since Wednesday. When you go to the BNI, they say it is a police case. When you go to the police, they send you back. It has been back and forth. 

    “Her feedback to us is that his health is deteriorating significantly. He was already unwell and had recently travelled out of the country for treatment. His condition has worsened, and he is in a dire situation,” Oppong Nkrumah alleged. 

    According to him, authorities are abusing state power and engaging in what he described as deliberately infringing on the rights of Abronye DC.

    “A simple refusal of a bail application should not take seven days for the order to be drafted. It was only in the last hour after my first interview that my lawyers informed me that the court registrars had finally furnished us with a copy of the order,” he said. 

    Weeks after being granted bail in connection with allegations of misinformation and offensive public statements, the outspoken politician was rearrested on Wednesday, May 13. Last year, the court granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety to Abronye DC.

    His lead counsel noted that the recent development brings relief, given that Abronye’s health is deteriorating. Abronye has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace. Abronye’s legal team is currently working to meet the bail conditions to secure his immediate release.

    He made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, September 9. On September 12, Circuit Court Judge Samuel Bright Acquah remanded Abronye DC for the second time.

    During the court proceeding, the NPP Bono Chairman’s legal team requested bail after the presiding judge scheduled his next appearance for the next three days.

    However, the presiding judge at the Accra Circuit Court denied their request. Abronye will return to court on Friday, September 19. Ghana Police, in an official statement shared on their Twitter page, confirmed the NPP member’s arrest on Monday, September 8.

    “The Ghana Police Service has today, 08/09/25, arrested Mr. Kwame Baffoe @ Abronye for Offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace”, confirming he is in their custody awaiting arraignment before the Court.

    He arrived in handcuffs, escorted by police officers from a black police van known as “Black Maria, sparking bitter concerns among members of the opposition NPP, including the party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha.The court denying him bail visibly did not sit well with some members of the opposition NPP, who appeared in court in solidarity with their member.

    During a media engagement, he complained bitterly about how the Chairman’s case of misdemeanour was being treated like a criminal case when it is a civil case. He said Abronye wasn’t a criminal to be transported in handcuffs and in a Black Maria, citing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money and time of concerned individuals.

    He warned the government against what he described as the mistreatment of NPP party members, stating that, “Power has an end, the tables will turn, and we will all have our revenge”.

    Criticising the Ghana Police for bias, he announced an upcoming protest against the law enforcement agency in the coming days, which he will lead.

    Also, the lawyer of the accused Daniel Martey Addo, the Managing Counsel at Nkrumah & Associates, while commending the adherence to legal proceedings following his client’s arraignment in court, he, however, stated that, “it appears that the prosecution would just want him to be remanded.

    For whatever reason you gave us an invite, and the charges levelled against my client were just misdemeanors, and in law, you would know that there are categories of offences, and misdemeanor is the basic one that shouldn’t be should not be the reason an accused person should be remanded.”

    Armed police officers stormed the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, in search of Abronye on Sunday, September 8.Weeks ago, Abronye made headlines after he formally wrote to eight different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, seeking protection for his safety in Ghana.

    Defending his reason for seeking asylum, he added that “consistent, escalating political persecution, threats to my life, and systemic abuse of state security powers by the current Government of Ghana”.

    Abronye’s arrest comes days after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) held into custody the presidential candidate and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, for alleged financial misappropriation and other related misconduct.

    On Wednesday, September 3, Kofi Akpaloo was picked up at his residence in Kumasi by EOCO officials for interrogation. Mr Akpaloo vied for the presidency in the 2024 general elections.

    Before the election, Akpaloo expressed strong confidence in his chances for a decisive win, predicting victory over major contenders.However, he obtained 5,219, which is 0.09%. Recently, EOCO has given much attention to investigating high-profile political figures and business leaders.

    The Economic and Organised Crime Office was established by the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) as a specialized agency to monitor and investigate economic and organised crime and, on the authority of the Attorney-General, prosecute these offenses to recover the proceeds of crime and provide for related matters.

    The EOCO has similar mandates to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Recently, the OSP released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.

    The OSP’s Seventh Half-yearly Report is pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The document also outlines key developments in the Office’s operations.

    According to the OSP, despite resistance from powerful interests, it stayed focused on executing its mandate during this period. As such, the Office successfully progressed significant corruption-related investigations to the stage of court proceedings, while also initiating new inquiries into suspected acts of corruption.

    “Then again, the Office, as one of three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementing Plan, is fashioning and molding anti-corruption structures that would stand the test of time. The task ahead remains formidable. Much more so is our resolve to perform.

    “This reporting period was characterized by intensification of the Office’s prosecutorial mandate. We advanced high-profile investigations to court and initiated bold inquiries into suspected corruption, often in the face of deep-seated resistance from entrenched interests.

    “Notwithstanding these expected challenges, the Office remains resolute and guided by the rule of law, fairness, firmness, evidence-based action, and the interest of the public. We recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be waged and won only through punitive action and incarceration,” parts of the report read.

    The legislative framework of the Office of the Special Prosecutor mandates the Authority to crack down on corruption, recover assets, and confiscate illicit property.

    “Indeed, the legislative set-up of the Office leans heavily on corruption-prevention and asset recovery and disgorgement of tainted property. Consequently, we proceed on sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially founded on our unique plea bargaining regime.

    “In this spirit, the Office scaled up its preventive mandate through active engagement with public institutions, private sector actors, civil society- and secured convictions and asset recovery through impactful plea bargaining.”We also reckon that the nation’s anti-corruption legal framework requires re-imagination, modernization, and retooling to address the immense scale and complexity of modern corruption in the context of our social, economic, and political constructs.

    “On this score, the Office has proposed the inclusion of a new chapter in the Constitution dedicated to the fight against corruption through definitive constitutional expression by the institution of proposed concrete measures to effectively and comprehensively suppress and repress corruption in public life as well as in the private sector chief among which include lifestyle audit non-conviction-based asset recovery, enhanced asset declaration and verification regime, and reverse onus presumption of corruption as the foundation of both anti-corruption criminal proceedings and civil asset recovery proceedings,” parts of the report added.

    The Office is also leading the charge in respect of the passage of a comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct of Public Officers Act. Currently, sixty-seven(67) cases are being handled by the Office, all of which are undergoing comprehensive review.

    The corruption cases being investigated by OSP include: Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Education Service, National Commission on Culture, Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services, National Service Authority, Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and National Cathedral.

    The others are: Tema oil refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, State lands, Stool lands, and other Vested lands, Illegal Mining, National Sports Authority, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, and Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John.

    It further hinted that “There were seven (7) convictions and one (1) acquittal in respect of the cases pending before the criminal courts during the period under review. The Office has filed an appeal in respect of the case in which the accused was acquitted.

    Additionally, one hundred and fifty-two (152) cases are at the preliminary investigation stage, with the OSP assuring that details will be made public once they progress to the next stage.

    The Office is also seized with one hundred and fifty-two (152) other cases at the preliminary investigation stage. These may be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage.

    This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatization.

  • Major boost for Ghana’s digital print market as Konica Minolta makes entry

    Major boost for Ghana’s digital print market as Konica Minolta makes entry

    Ghana’s digital print market is set to receive a major boost following the rollout of SkySat’s latest range of equipment.

    The new Konica Minolta digital printing system, introduced by the Accra-based digital technology company, has been designed to improve efficiency and enhance print quality. 

    The new products from SkySat include, bizhub C257i, bizhub C2511, and bizhub C301i multifunctional printers.

    Launched on Thursday, May 14, in Accra, the three pieces of equipment have been designed to offer a range of functions, including colour printing, scanning, copying, duplex printing, among others.

    The machines also support cloud connectivity and print monitoring features that prevent third-party intrusion and enhance overall data security.

    Other products by SkySat the AccurioPress series, AccurioLabel systems, Jet Varnish technologies and YSoft print management software were also outdoored during the event.

    Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of TG Holdings Ghana Company Limited, the parent company of SkySat, Tunde Macaulay, noted that the Konica Minolta technology has been introduced to Ghana to solve challenges in the printing industry. Thus, supporting businesses with faster and reliable print solutions.

    The Group Managing Director of TG Holdings noted, “So, we’re here to reimagine Konica Minolta technology in Ghana, brought to Ghana by SkySat, across the printing spectrum, from office printing to large industrial printing machines.The products are good, but it’s about packaging. Come to Skysat, get the original part of Konica Minolta and we have the latest technology”.

    He emphasised that the technology company had all groups of users in mind while developing the machines, therefore, they have been built to enable businesses, schools, churches, manufacturers, and commercial printing houses to operate without challenges.

    Additionally, he encouraged all groups to adopt the machines, noting that they would reduce the need to rely on external printing houses for their materials, as the equipment is capable of producing a wide range of items, including books, certificates, examination papers, posters, banners, labels, and packaging materials.

    He stated, “This helps schools reduce their operating costs and also facilitates education in Ghana”. Also speaking after the event, the former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, lauded the company for its innovative product, noting that Ghana could improve access to education through the use of these printers, as they would help reduce the high costs associated with large-scale printing.

    The Group Sales Director of TG Holdings Ghana Company Limited, Nana Kwame Adu-Gyamfi, has noted that the machines stand tall amongst all the others currently in the market. He explained that their security features, such as watermarks and holograms, rank them come second to none.

    “We launched the latest brand of Konica Minolta products in Ghana, and these are the most efficient and the highest among the technology operations when it comes to Ghana. We can watermark your printing, we can give it holograms, we can give it any security feature that you want,” he emphasised.

    Meanwhile, customers who purchase the printers will benefit from free maintenance service for one year, while consumables such as ink, toner, and other supplies will be offered at a fixed price throughout the same period.

    According to the General Manager of Skysat Technologies Ghana Limited, Vibin Lesly,
    “So if a customer is buying a machine, we provide free service for one year, and for one year the consumables come at a fixed price. So whatever happens, whether prices go up or down, we are not going to change it. The customer remains on the same price throughout the contract period. He added, “So, during this event, if a customer is planning to book a machine, they are getting a 10% discount on the machine and then an aggressive service contract.”

  • Ghana seeks 30% share of miners’ gold to strengthen cedi

    Ghana seeks 30% share of miners’ gold to strengthen cedi

    As part of a revamped reserve-building drive, large-scale gold miners ‌have been instructed by the government to sell 30% of their gold output to the central bank from the earlier 20%, this is according to a Reuters report.

    According to the report, the directive is yet to be accepted by miners, as key commercial terms remain unresolved. 

    Last year, miners operating under valid mining license were offered a special temporary bonus scheme from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in efforts to support the industry as well as combating gold smuggling.

    The licensed miners will enjoy an additional GH¢832 per pound of gold sold through the Ghana Gold Board. This information was contained in a statement issued by the GoldBod on Wednesday, August 27.

    “This novelty is in response to legitimate complaints from licensed miners about the significant reduction in the local price of gold in the last few months due to the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi.

    “The special bonus will ensure that licensed miners who have contributed immensely to the country’s increased gold output and foreign exchange earnings do not indirectly suffer as a result of the significant appreciation of the Ghana cedi that they have helped the country achieve,” the statement read.

    According to GoldBod, the recent development has been made possible as a result of the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi.

    On July 7, a task force was inaugurated with a special mandate with specific powers as police officers to wage war against smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country.

    According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, this will save the government from any leakages in revenue mobilisation in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.

    “(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and the needed forex for our economy and the development of our country,” he announced.

    He thus cautioned traders to secure the appropriate licence to engage in any form of gold trading in the country, saying, “But for those who are hell bent on trading illegally without the licenses, we are serving notice that we are coming after you”.

    Earlier, the GoldBod CEO on June 5 also warned that persons who trade without licenses would be prosecuted, adding that his outfit takes no bribes before the said licenses are issued.

    During a meeting with the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers, Mr Gyamfi stated that “I don’t take or demand bribes before I issue a licence.”

    The acting CEO noted that the process for registering has been made seamless and is devoid of corruption. “We have removed the human interface element, and so there is no corruption, bribery, inducements, or favouritism. It is a very transparent and competitive process, and once you qualify, you get the license,” he added.

    Lauding his outfit’s results-oriented reforms and initiatives since his takeover as CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, during a media engagement, revealed that GoldBod has exceeded the $5 billion mark in gold export value for the first half of 2025, surpassing the $4.6 billion recorded for the entire year of 2024.

    He expressed optimism that GoldBod would hit the 60-tonne export mark by the end of July 2025, driven by stronger compliance, improved oversight, and the streamlined licensing regime under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

    “In the whole of 2024, gold exports stood at 66 tons with an export value of $4.6 billion. We have done only six months, and yet we have crossed the $4.6 billion. We have gone beyond $5 billion, and in terms of volumes, we have done 50 tons and over, and we are optimistic that by the end of next month, we will have hit 60 tons,” he said.

    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is the sole authority with exclusive right to buy, sell, weigh, grade, assay, value and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana. The Ghana Gold Board functions under the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana.

    History of GoldBod

    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament (ACT 1140) in the year 2025 to oversee, regulate and undertake the buying, selling, assaying, refining, exporting and other related activities in respect of Gold and other Precious Minerals in Ghana.

    The GoldBod per section 78 of ACT 1140, took over the rights, obligations, assets, liabilities and workforce of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, which is an offshoot of the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board.

    In 1963, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was established and charged with the responsibility of purchasing and marketing Ghana’s diamonds.

    In 1965, by a Legislative Instrument (LI) 401, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was incorporated as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).

    Upon the promulgation of the diamonds decree (NRCD 32) in 1972, LI 916 was enacted to change the company’s name to Diamond Marketing Corporation.

    In 1989, PNDC Law 219 was enacted to yet again change the Company’s name to the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation with enhanced functions to grade, assay, value gold, diamonds and other precious minerals of the country.

    In the year 2000, the Corporation was converted by the Statutory Corporations Conversion to Companies Act (ACT 461) to a Limited Liability Company to operate under the Ghana Companies Code Act, (ACT 179) 1963, as Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited with the same functions.

    In the year 2016, the PMMC was appointed the national assayer by the government of Ghana.

    To strengthen industry regulation and optimize national benefits, the Ghana GoldBod was established on 2 April, 2025 by the government of Ghana to restructure and streamline the precious mineral trading sector of Ghana.

    The GoldBod initiative is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations and aims at maximizing foreign exchange inflows, gold reserve accumulation and value addition for sustainable growth and transformation.

  • Over 6k nurses, midwives posted under nationwide recruitment exercise

    Over 6k nurses, midwives posted under nationwide recruitment exercise

    6,245 nurses and midwives have been successfully recruited out of a total of 6,500 available slots in the recent nationwide recruitment exercise, according to the Ministry of Health.

    At a press conference in Accra, the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Frederick Mensah-Acheampong, disclosed that the exercise comes after the Ministry received financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals. 

    According to him, about 105,000 unemployed health professionals remain on the government’s database, with some having been awaiting recruitment since 2018 and 2019.He added that, as of now, 771 out of 900 allied health professionals, 235 out of 250 pharmacy professionals, and 300 physician assistants have been recruited. 

    “We have received financial clearance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals from the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry acknowledges the anxiety and interest these recruitment exercises have generated, particularly given the backlog of about 105,000 unemployed health professionals, some of whom have been awaiting recruitment since 2018 and 2019,” he said. 

    In April, the Health Ministry announced that thousands of health professionals who have been unemployed for years after graduation would be employed by the government. 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.

    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.

  • Government to evacuate 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on May 21 – Ablakwa

    Government to evacuate 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on May 21 – Ablakwa

    Effective Thursday, May 21, the government will begin evacuating the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa in response to xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals.

    Addressing the media, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that, as part of a broader response to safeguard Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, the evacuation exercise will be fully funded by the state. Ghanaians and other foreign nationals, have repeatedly come under attack in sporadic outbreaks of violence in South Africa.

    Speaking on PM Express on Monday, May 11, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie revealed that his outfit had already received requests from more than 200 Ghanaians seeking voluntary repatriation.

    “We have already received requests from more than 200 Ghanaians who want to voluntarily return home. Many of them have lost their businesses and livelihoods, and the fear of renewed xenophobic attacks is pushing them to seek repatriation,” Mr Quashie noted.

    Earlier this month, a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, who was captured in a viral video being harassed by a group of individuals in a xenophobic attack in South Africa, was been flown home by the government.

    The viral video showed several other foreign nationals being intimidated by some South African citizens for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.

    Addressing the media, the Coordinating Director in charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the ministry, Harold Agyeman, disclosed that Emmanuel Asamoah has successfully made it to Ghana following the government’s intervention.

    “Government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad. And so, under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space, he added”According to him, “We continue to rely on the assurances that the South African government has given that they would stop this activity by their nationals, which can be threatening to the relations with other African countries.”

    Meanwhile, Ghana, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the African Union (AU) to intervene in the ongoing xenophobic attacks carried out by South African citizens against foreign nationals.

    The petition comes ahead of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental Body slated for 27 June 2026 in El Alamein, Egypt.

    In a letter dated May 6, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister pleaded with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa to treat the request with urgency to avoid further escalation of tensions and ensure the safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

    The attacks, as per the letter, violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and run contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA promotes free movement, reduces barriers, and fosters a common African market.

    In addition, the letter further urged the AU to conduct a thorough probe into the xenophobic violence in South Africa, while recommending appropriate permanent solutions.

    Parts of the letter read, “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years”.

    Is this the first time xenophobic attacks are happening in SA?

    The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South African nationals is not the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.

    In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.

    After a long quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA’s history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.

    In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.

    By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.

    More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula. These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.

  • Sam George has not “blown” public funds – Communications Ministry

    Sam George has not “blown” public funds – Communications Ministry

    The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MOCDTI) has responded to allegations that the sector minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has “blown” public funds.

    The clarification stems from a document circulating on social media alleging that Sam George has received the funds, but no project has been executed or implemented.

    But the Ministry in a statement disclosed that the request relates to “planned projects, operational activities and programme interventions to be undertaken by the Ministry within the year under review”.

    The project, the Ministry explained, is yet to receive approval from the Ministry of Finance, adding that “the claims suggesting that public funds have already been squandered as inaccurate, misleading and devoid of context and must be treated with the contempt it deserves”.

    In conclusion, the Ministry indicated that it “remains committed to transparency, accountability and strict adherence to all public financial management regulations in the execution of its mandate”.

    Sam George who doubles as the Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency has been a vocal advocate on national issues, consistently speaking out on matters of governance, accountability, and public policy.

    Recently, he warned foreign countries against interfering in Ghana’s internal affairs, particularly regarding the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.


    Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, February 12, Sam George who doubles as the Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament (MP) noted that Ghana has the sovereign right to decide on same-sex issues without external influence.


    “So Ghana is a sovereign country. If we choose to go the other way, I don’t think that is against the law. If in the UK it is okay for you to withdraw the teaching license and medical license of Christians who don’t believe they should support same-sex activity, why should Ghana not also be in a position to say that we will do this?” he added.


    The bill, which was originally introduced in Parliament in 2021 by Sam George and other advocates, is currently inactive because it did not receive Presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure after being passed by the then Parliament.


    Having expired with the conclusion of the previous 8th Parliament’s session, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed the Business Committee to schedule the reintroduced bill for parliamentary deliberation.


    The bill, which aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and criminalise their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was previously passed by the 8th Parliament.


    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has confidently stated that he will sign the anti-LGBTQ bill once it is successfully approved by parliament.


    During a courtesy visit by the Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday, November 18, at Jubilee House, the president mentioned all the factors that must come into play for him to assent to the bill.


    “I believe that we have no questions or equivocations about what we believe. I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your belief. We agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament debate it.”


    “And if there are any amendments or adjustments that need to be made, if the people’s representatives in Parliament endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it,” President Mahama said.


    Before his return to office, President Mahama had already expressed a cautious approach toward the bill, emphasizing the need for a constitutional review.


    Speaking with BBC Africa on December 4, he elaborated: “It is not an anti-LGBTQI Bill; it is a Family Values Bill. It was approved unanimously by our Parliament. [LGBTQI] is against our African culture, it is against our religious faith, but I think we must look at the Bill, and the president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament or alternatively he must send it to the Council of State and get the Council of State’s advice.”


    When asked if he would sign the bill into law if elected, Mahama responded cautiously, stating, “It depends on what is in the Bill.” He emphasized that any decision would be based on a thorough examination of the bill’s content and legal compliance. “That is what I would have done,” he affirmed.


    While proponents argue the bill is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and moral values from external influences, human rights advocates have raised concerns, stating it infringes on freedoms of expression, association, and equality under the law.


    The bill previously faced legal opposition from journalist Richard Dela Sky and academic Dr. Amanda Odoi, who contested its passage, citing a lack of parliamentary quorum.


    The Supreme Court, however, dismissed their challenge, with Justice Lovelace Johnson clarifying that a bill can only be subject to constitutional scrutiny after receiving presidential assent.

  • Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case of Ebola – Ministry of Health

    Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case of Ebola – Ministry of Health

    The Ministry of Health has stated that Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), despite outbreaks in certain countries.

    According to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC, confirmed and suspected cases have recently been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

    But in a press statement issued on Monday, May 18, by the Ministry emphasised that it is working in collaboration with international health partners, have activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems.

    According to the Ministry, surveillance and screening measures have been enhanced at airports, seaports, and land borders. The other measures include “Increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries. Training and equipping health workers to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases safely. Activation of public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems.Intensified public education, risk communication, and community awareness activities”.

    Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding.

    Meanwhile, the public has been advised to maintain good hygiene practices to help prevent an outbreak in Ghana.

    “Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. – Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons. Avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection. Avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals and ensure that all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption. Report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility,” parts of the statement emphasised.

    In a separate development, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it has put measures in place to prevent Hantavirus from entering the country and to ensure a swift response if any cases occur.
    The assurance follows reports of Hantavirus infections on a cruise ship currently docked in Cape Verde.

    The cruise ship is reported to have carried crew members mainly from the Philippines, with passengers from the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.


    In a press statement issued by the GHS noted that eight suspected cases, five confirmed infections, and three deaths have been recorded on the vessel as of May 7.


    Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have urged calm worldwide, stating that the risk assessment remains low.
    Although the virus is yet to be detected in Ghana , the GHS has noted that its Port Health Division and other public health structures have been activated to reduce the risk of importation as part of its precautionary measures.


    Enhanced surveillance has been deployed at all ports of entry, including airports and seaports. Health facilities nationwide, on the other hand, have been directed by the Service to intensify monitoring and reporting of unusual respiratory illnesses.


    The public has also been advised to maintain proper hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.


    In a separate development, the government’s flagship Free Primary Health Care Programme was launched on Wednesday, April 15, by President John Dramani Mahama at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.


    The Free Primary Healthcare Policy is Ghana’s bold initiative to ensure that every resident, especially vulnerable populations, can access essential health services without paying out-of-pocket at the point of care.


    The government is poised to officially roll out the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative on September 1, 2025. This forms part of the key steps adopted towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.


    Over 24,534 pieces of medical equipment have been received by the government ahead of its Free Primary Healthcare policy rollout. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated, “In preparation for implementation, we have procured and are ready to deploy 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment across the country. This is intended to ensure our facilities and health workers are equipped and ready.”


    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed over GH¢392 million in vetted claims to healthcare providers across Ghana between December 2025 and January 2026.
    The payments cover services provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).


    According to the Finance Directorate of the NHIA, the funds were released following an extensive vetting and approval process of claims submitted by health facilities. In December 2025, the Authority paid GH¢301,658,338.13, while in January 2026, healthcare providers received GH¢90,373,513.13.


    The NHIA in early July 205 disbursed an amount of GH¢267.67 million as claims to health facilities across the country. The disbursement became possible following approval by Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare-Bampoe.

    The total payments made by the NHIA in the past seven months stand at over GH¢1.5 billion.


    Out of the total amount, public health facilities received GH¢120,700,932.62, which constitutes 45 percent of the total.
    Private health facilities have been paid GH¢100,210,906.44, representing 37 percent of the total amount, while mission health facilities have been allotted GH¢446,761,808.96, which makes up 17 percent of the total funds.


    One of the ways the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) seeks to ease the financial burden on citizens, ensure equal access to healthcare, and reduce illegal fees is by proposing a 120 per cent increase in service tariffs, pending approval from its Board and the Minister of Health.

    This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, November 26. According to Dr. Bampoe, the proposed tariff increase, if approved, would help reduce the extra charges patients pay at hospitals for medical care and services.


    He explained that the proposed increase was planned in consultation with a group of independent experts mandated to review tariffs under Sections 33 and 34 of the National Health Insurance Act, which require annual revisions of both medicines and service tariffs.


    “Regarding the 120% tariff increase: this is proposed after comprehensive work by a group of experts. The law requires an annual review of service and medicine tariffs (Sections 33 and 34). Although the review was delayed, the proposal is now ready and will go to our board and the Minister of Health for approval. Once approved, it will be implemented. This is partly to address the problem of illegal fees at hospitals, ensuring health providers are paid realistic tariffs so patients no longer have to pay out-of-pocket,” he said.


    As the “cash manager” of Ghana’s health insurance system, Dr. Bampoe explained that the NHIA is mandated to collect funds, set tariffs, and pay hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies for services provided to insured patients.


    However, he noted that the Authority plans to move beyond this traditional role and become more of a “strategic health purchasing provider.”


    “But the NHS is more like a spending entity; we do not generate money on our own. So, we are a spending entity. One of the things we’re trying to do is move away from being a claims payment mechanism to a strategic health purchasing provider, which means that we are able to dictate health outcomes because of the financial muscle that the government provides us with.


    “We’re able to determine the prices of medicines, the prices of services, and even go on the global stage and provide a platform to discuss what kind of health outcomes we want, as you saw with the ACRA Health Sovereignty Summit that happened on August 5. So it’s an interesting time, and His Excellency the President, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Health have given us the tools to be able to deliver on this mandate,” he said, citing the government’s commitment to ensuring that his outfit can deliver on its mandate.


    As part of its vision to move from just paying claims to becoming a “strategic health purchasing provider,” Dr. Bampoe highlighted that the NHIA also seeks to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under three distinct pillars. Lauding the NHIA for its success in granting health coverage, he revealed that out of over 35 million Ghanaians, the Authority has provided coverage for about 20 million.“


    So essentially, the health insurance scheme was set up in 2003 (Act 650) and amended in 2012 (Act 852), and its primary purpose was to pay claims. But now what we are looking at is getting universal health coverage for all Ghanaians. Universal health coverage has three pillars: population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection. I am proud to say that we are at 20 million in population coverage, which is unprecedented.”


    He noted that while the medicines tariff review has already been completed, the service tariff review, initiated in 2022, took longer due to its comprehensive nature.


    “There are two types of reviews that we need to do, but this was a really comprehensive one, so I think they could not finish on time, and so it is now that they have finished,” he explained.


    Dr. Bampoe stressed that implementation now depends solely on statutory approvals. “Now it has to go to the Board for them to look at it and give their view on it. It has to go to the Minister of Health to give his assent, and then we will implement it if they all think it is okay,” he stated.


    The NHIA CEO applauded the government for removing the cap on NHIA funds.“Regarding funding, we are dependent on the importance the government places on healthcare. I’m proud of His Excellency the President, the Finance Minister, and the Minister of Health because the capping act (Act 947 of 2019) has put a limit on funds coming to the NHIA.


    The President removed that cap, giving us an extra 3.4–3.5 billion cedis for healthcare.“We are trying to do three things; shift mindsets in government and across the country to see healthcare as important for development. Healthy people are more productive. Focus on areas where we get the best results, such as Mahama Cares and Free Primary Healthcare. If 40%+ of people are affected by non-communicable diseases, it makes sense to prevent them.


    “Preventive actions include health promotion and screenings. For example, catching prostate cancer early with a PSA test is more cost-effective than treating stage 4 disease. Shift realities. At the Global Fund and UN, programs were comprehensive but expensive. We now aim for solutions that fit our reality, whether that’s a Rolls-Royce, a Toyota VIT, or even a motorbike; the key is to deliver,” he detailed.

  • Former NAFCO Boss slapped with 20 additional charges

    Former NAFCO Boss slapped with 20 additional charges

    Fresh criminal charges have been filed by the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice against former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, for allegedly causing financial loss to the state.


    The 20 counts stem from activities allegedly undertaken during Mr. Abdul-Wahab’s tenure as head of the state food management agency. This information according to CitiNews’ report was contained in court documents filed at the High Court in Accra on Friday, May 15 by the state.


    The couple have been accused of stealing, defrauding by false pretences, abuse of public office for profit, and money laundering. The new development comes days after Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife were briefly freed, following the Attorney-General’s (A-G’s) withdrawal of charges against them.

    Prosecutors allege that Mr. Abdul-Wahab fraudulently obtained GH¢734,400 from NAFCO in 2017. Meanwhile, the couple’s re-arrest received a backlash from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).


    The government and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)have been accused of abusing state power and engaging in what the party describes as political intimidation.


    A statement issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, and signed by NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, called the re-arrest of the couple a deliberate attempt to infringe on their rights.


    The statement added, “Consistent with EOCO’s perennial disrespect for constitutionally guaranteed rights and due process, lawyers of Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife have been denied access to their clients after more than 24 hours of waiting”.
    According to the party, “They therefore pose no risk that justifies their detention overnight”, adding that the continued detention amounts to an abuse of power and a violation of their fundamental human rights.


    The opposition has demanded the immediate release of Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, emphasising that, “the NDC government must remember that state institutions are temporary custodians of power, not owners of it”.


    On April 29, the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra granted the Office of the Attorney-General (A-G) a final opportunity to justify its decision to involve a lawyer from the EOCO in the ongoing trial of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and four others.


    This development comes after Justice Francis Achibonga, a Court of Appeal judge sitting as an additional High Court judge, on Wednesday, April 29, expunged the name of the EOCO lawyer, Radiatu Abdulai, from the ongoing trial.


    The judge’s ruling was triggered by counsel for the first accused, Godfred Yeboah Dame, who questioned Radiatu Abdulai’s representation of the Republic. Mr Dame noted that “there has been no due authorisation of the lawyer to prosecute, adding that the Law Officers Act of 1974 (NRCD 279) and the Legal Services Act of 1993 regulated the performance of functions of the Office of the Attorney-General”.


    According to a statement in circulation, Godfred Yeboah Dame who was the former deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice justified that “Per the Law Officers Act, only public officers mandated by an executive instrument and certified to be on a rank equivalent to one of the posts in the Office of the Attorney-General, can appear in court with the Attorney-General or be mandated to prosecute or perform the functions of the A-G”.


    In 2025, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited and his wife were granted bail totaling GHS150 million by the High Court in Accra.


    Hanan had a share of GHS100 million in the bail and was to provide six sureties, four of whom must prove ownership of landed property.


    His wife, on the other hand, was granted bail in the sum of GHS50 million with four sureties, three of whom must own property within the jurisdiction of the court.


    The duo have pleaded not guilty in the National Food and Buffer Stock Company case. They stand accused of 24 counts, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, willful misuse of public funds, money laundering, and exploiting public office for personal benefit. The court has directed that the sureties submit copies of their Ghana Cards.


    The court also ordered that the names of the accused persons be added to a stop-list at all entry and exit points in the country, including airports, seaports, and border crossings.

    Until the final determination of the case, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and Faiza Seidu Wuni are required to report to the investigator every Wednesday.


    Abdul-Wahab is standing trial over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct during his time in office. He was arrested on June 25, along with his wife. EOCO granted his wife GHS30 million in bail, while he remained in custody pending fulfillment of his GHS60 million bail condition.


    The arrest, which took place simultaneously in Accra and Tamale, also led to the detention of a third, unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation.


    On Tuesday, July 8, the former NAFCO boss was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after being detained for 14 days. Abdul-Wahab was released after meeting a GHS60 million bail condition backed by two guarantors.


    On June 25, Hanan and his spouse were taken into custody over suspected mismanagement of funds while he led the government agency. His wife was granted bail earlier, set at GHS30 million.


    Earlier reports indicated that Mr. Hanan had met the bail terms; however, he remained in the custody of EOCO, a situation that drew backlash from the opposition New Patriotic Party, which described the terms as harsh and unfair. A third suspect, an unnamed individual believed to be linked to the investigation, has also been detained.


    Meanwhile, a list of luxury assets belonging to Hanan Abdul-Wahab has been made public by the Attorney General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.


    His assets include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes valued at $1.625 million, a three-bedroom house at Cantonments purchased for $600,000, and multiple plots of land in the Airport Development Area valued at $750,000.


    Other properties include a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000; a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at over GHS4.14 million; and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land purchased for GHS307,200.


    The Attorney General disclosed during a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, as part of the Government Accountability Series.

    He added that the recent development was made possible through collaboration with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), after several properties and bank transactions were traced to Abdul-Wahab.


    But Abdul-Wahab has denied all allegations leveled against him by the Attorney General. In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Aludiba noted that he has instructed his lawyers to follow up on the allegations.


    “I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate.“I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,” the statement added.


    Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.

    The OSP’s Seventh Half-Yearly Report is pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The document also outlines key developments in the Office’s operations.


    According to the OSP, despite resistance from powerful interests, it stayed focused on executing its mandate during this period. As such, the Office successfully progressed significant corruption-related investigations to the stage of court proceedings while also initiating new inquiries into suspected acts of corruption.


    “Then again, the Office, as one of three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementing Plan, is fashioning and moulding anti-corruption structures that would stand the test of time. The task ahead remains formidable. Much more so is our resolve to perform.


    “This reporting period was characterised by the intensification of the Office’s prosecutorial mandate. We advanced high-profile investigations to court and initiated bold inquiries into suspected corruption, often in the face of deep-seated resistance from entrenched interests.


    “Notwithstanding these expected challenges, the Office remains resolute and guided by the rule of law, fairness, firmness, evidence-based action, and the interest of the public. We recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be waged and won only through punitive action and incarceration,” parts of the report read.


    The legislative framework of the Office of the Special Prosecutor mandates the Authority to crack down on corruption, recover assets, and confiscate illicit property.


    “Indeed, the legislative set-up of the Office leans heavily on corruption prevention and asset recovery and disgorgement of tainted property. Consequently, we proceed on sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially founded on our unique plea bargaining regime.


    “In this spirit, the Office scaled up its preventive mandate through active engagement with public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society, and secured convictions and asset recovery through impactful plea bargaining. We also reckon that the nation’s anti-corruption legal framework requires re-imagination, modernisation, and retooling to address the immense scale and complexity of modern corruption in the context of our social, economic, and political constructs.


    “On this score, the Office has proposed the inclusion of a new chapter in the Constitution dedicated to the fight against corruption through definitive constitutional expression by the institution of proposed concrete measures to effectively and comprehensively suppress and repress corruption in public life as well as in the private sector, chief among which include lifestyle audits, non-conviction-based asset recovery, enhanced asset declaration and verification regime, and reverse onus presumption of corruption as the foundation of both anti-corruption criminal proceedings and civil asset recovery proceedings,” parts of the report added.


    The Office is also leading the charge in respect of the passage of a comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct of Public Officers Act. Currently, sixty-seven (67) cases are being handled by the Office, all of which are undergoing comprehensive review.


    The corruption cases being investigated by the OSP include: the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Education Service, National Commission on Culture, Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services, National Service Authority, Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and the National Cathedral.


    The others are: Tema Oil Refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited, the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, State lands, Stool lands, and other vested lands, Illegal Mining, the National Sports Authority, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, and the Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John.

  • COPEC calls for additional one-month extension of fuel tax relief

    COPEC calls for additional one-month extension of fuel tax relief

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called for an additional one-month extension of fuel tax relief to shield consumers from rising fuel prices. The call comes ahead of the second pricing window of May.

    Speaking on the matter, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Duncan Amoah, noted that the call has become necessary, given that the conditions that necessitated the government’s intervention are still in force.

    He noted, “The underlying factors for which the intervention became necessary are still rife. International benchmarks are high, premiums are still high, and local pump prices are high. Given the circumstances, it would only be reasonable for us to ask the government to extend the intervention by another month. The fear of fuel prices going up is that when it does, it drags a lot of things with it. Transportation, food costs, and non-food inflationary pressures would also go up”.


    He added, “For us, it might cost the government something, but I think the government will still be better off extending the intervention than at this point saying we are removing the GH¢2 we gave on diesel and then the 36 pesewas on petrol. We think that given the circumstances, the government should not only consider an extension but go ahead to extend for the ordinary Ghanaian consumer, because the factors that necessitated this intervention are still very rife as of today”.


    During an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, President Mahama instructed the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Energy to immediately begin the process of reviewing and removing the affected taxes.


    In view of that, the government began absorbing GH¢2.00 per litre of diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre of petrol under the pricing window that commenced on Thursday, April 16.


    Currently, two Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), GOIL and Star Oil, have lowered their pump prices. The two companies are now selling petrol at GH¢13.27 per litre, while diesel is going for GH¢16.10 per litre.


    President John Dramani Mahama said the decision is aimed at cushioning Ghanaians from rising fuel prices, which have been driven by global supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.


    The ongoing tension has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. The ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel 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 travelers through the United Arab Emirates.


    Before petrol and diesel were selling at GH¢13.30 and GH¢17.10 per litre, respectively, at the pumps. In a social media post on Tuesday, March 31, GOIL announced that it had increased petrol to GH¢13.30 per litre from GH¢12.24 and diesel from GH¢15.69 to GH¢17.10 per litre.

    Star Oil also increased from GH¢12.19 to GH¢13.49 per litre. It has also increased the price of Diesel from GH¢14.25 to GH¢17.97. The adjustment follows a new price floor announced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on March 30, directing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement the changes from Wednesday, April 1.


    On Monday, March 16, petroleum products at the pumps saw an increase following an adjustment by the NPA for the second pricing window for the month.


    As a result, petrol priced at GHȼ10.46 per litre will now be sold at GHȼ11.57. The price floor for diesel has jumped from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, and LPG has risen from GH¢9.38 to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme. Meanwhile, Ghana’s petroleum sector recorded a decline in the second half of 2025.


    The data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), contained in the Central Bank’s Semi-Annual Report on the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF) and shared on Tuesday, February 3, shows total receipts of US$399.65 million, significantly lower than returns recorded during the same period in 2024.


    The report explains that the amount represents combined inflows from crude oil liftings and petroleum-related taxes. However, it fell below the US$369.25 million realised from crude oil liftings alone in the second half of 2024, pointing to weaker overall performance in the sector.


    “The total amount received into the PHF account for H2 2025 was US$399.65 million (crude oil lifting total of US$198.25 million and other total income of US$201.40 million),” the report indicated.

    The report further indicates that revenue between July 1 and December 31, 2025, was drawn from two main sources. Crude oil liftings from the Jubilee and Sankofa Gye Nyame (SGN) fields generated US$198.25 million, following the lifting of two Jubilee cargoes and one SGN cargo by the Ghana Group, represented by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).


    Ghana earned US$201.40 million from petroleum-related taxes and interest during the period. The bulk of this amount, US$198.09 million, came from corporate income taxes, while US$3.31 million was earned as interest on the Petroleum Holding Fund.


    The BoG also explained that revenue from the 25th cargo from the TEN field, valued at US$60.79 million, was not included in the report because the funds had not been received by the end of 2025, even though they were expected in November.


    Even though Ghana received less new money from oil during the period, it still spent and distributed a total of US$493.40 million. The spending was cushioned by savings accumulated by the government from previous years to cover the shortfall.


    According to the report, the government used about 57.8% of the total US$493.40 million, amounting to US$285.06 million, to fund its projects and programmes through the national budget.

    About 23.5%, representing US$115.99 million, was saved to stabilise the economy during difficult times, while US$49.71 million was saved for future generations. Another US$42.63 million was given to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation to help cover its operational and investment costs.


    The report further showed positive investment performance for Ghana’s petroleum savings. The Ghana Petroleum Funds recorded a net realised income of US$28.11 million, with returns of 2.28 per cent for the Heritage Fund and 2.51 per cent for the Stabilisation Fund.


    As of December 31, 2025, total petroleum reserves stood at US$1.55 billion, with the Heritage Fund accounting for US$1.38 billion. Looking ahead, the Bank of Ghana adopted a cautious outlook for 2026, noting that Brent crude prices declined from US$66.61 to US$60.81 per barrel by the end of 2025.


    While the International Monetary Fund projects global growth of 3.3 per cent, the report warned that Ghana’s petroleum revenues remain exposed to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and OPEC+ production decisions, with oil prices expected to average about US$62.13 per barrel in 2026.


    Meanwhile, in a related development, motorists have started the New Year on a good note, with less pressure on their pockets, as several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have effected a reduction in fuel prices at their respective pumps across the country in the January pricing window.


    The price cuts, which took effect in the early hours of the New Year, signify a continued downward trend in petroleum costs, offering much-needed breathing room for both commercial and private transport users.

    Among the first OMCs to effect the reduction was market leader Star Oil. It set the pace and a benchmark for other OMCs as it adjusted its digital displays, reflecting a marginal dip from previous prices. Petrol is now selling at GH¢10.86 per litre, diesel is priced at GH¢11.96 per litre, and RON 95 is selling at GH¢13.56 per litre.


    According to Star Oil management, the reduction in oil prices is a result of a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” citing the cedi’s appreciation and a dip in international refined product prices.


    It said the current reductions may only be the tip of the iceberg for January. The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected a robust outlook for the month, suggesting that competitive pressures will force more OMCs to follow suit in the coming days.


    In its January pricing outlook, COMAC provided a breakdown of the expected percentage declines. It was projected that petrol would fall by up to 4.80 per cent, while diesel was also estimated to drop by approximately 3.77 per cent. LPG, on the other hand, was expected to see a reduction of roughly 2.19 per cent.


    Industry analysts believe that if the cedi maintains its current trajectory and international crude prices remain below US$80 per barrel, Ghanaians could see even more substantial relief by the second pricing window in mid-January.


    While fuel prices are dropping, Ghanaians have had to brace themselves for an increase in utility tariffs, which took effect on January 1, 2026. Following the announcement, there was widespread disapproval, particularly from stakeholders and the general public.


    On December 2, 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an imminent increase in tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from January 1, 2026.

    The Commission said the increases—9.86 per cent for electricity and 15.92 per cent for water—had become necessary to meet utility investment needs, respond to macroeconomic pressures, and ensure the long-term stability of the sector.