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“President Mahama cannot fail us” – Prof Bokpin

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“President Mahama cannot fail us” – Prof Bokpin

Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Prof Godfred Bokpin, has said President John Dramani Mahama cannot fail Ghanaians in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to Prof Bokpin, President John Mahama must take stronger and more decisive action against illegal mining.

He detailed that the strong electoral mandate secured by President Mahama in the 2024 general election reflected the confidence Ghanaians have placed in his leadership and, consequently, the expectations that came with it.

Prof. Bokpin further warned that any further delay in confronting illegal mining would worsen the situation and make it increasingly difficult for the country to reverse the damages.

Prof Bokpin, speaking, is quoted as saying, “The President has done quite well in many other aspects of this economy and society. I recognise that. But the point I’m making is that a good leader, an effective leader, does not choose where he or she wants to succeed. You don’t lead based on convenience”.

“If you look at the election results of 2024, there is so much hope and confidence in President Mahama. You can see it in the results. So, to whom much is given by way of votes, much is also expected,” Prof. Bokpin said.

“So when we say there’s no leadership here, we want to stir up the President to go the extra mile because he cannot fail us. President Mahama cannot fail us,” he stressed.

“Because the more we fail on this matter, the harder it’s going to be to win it. You delay a day, a week, a month, a year, it’s going to be harder to win that fight,” he cautioned.

Prof Bokpin further highlighted that President Mahama must demonstrate leadership on all major national challenges.

“And leadership must respond when it matters most. I hold this position because I believe that the President has shown leadership in certain areas of this economy and the rest of them. But as a leader, you don’t pick and choose where you want to succeed. The whole country is in your hands,” Prof. Bokpin added.

Also, Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has warned that Ghana is getting to a point of no return in the menace of illegal mining, locally called galamsey.

According to Ken Ashigbey, there is a growing boldness of illegal miners and attacks on security personnel that point to a worsening galamsey crisis.

He disclosed that there is evidence that shows that galamsey has spread to some areas in Ghana where it was previously absent about two years ago.

Ken Ashigbey argued that Ghana’s best bet at stopping galamsey is under President John Dramani Mahama but warned that the President would become a lame duck soon, as he would no longer be contesting for office.

Speaking in an interview on ChannelOne TV on August 31, 2026, Ken Ashigbey stated, “There are places where we’re seeing galamsey happen today that was not happening in 2024. The level of impudence that we’re seeing today, we’re not seeing them in 2024. One of the elements that we’ve all considered is the issue of forests, the fact that there’s some good work that has been done.

“But if you look at where we are going now, where now the people are becoming so bold that they can attack eight military men with a colonel, they get police people and they are able to confiscate (their weapons),” he fumed.

He added, “So we are getting to a point of no return, and unfortunately for us, unfortunately, we have a president who does not have another tenure, so our best bet is this current president. Unfortunately, he does not have another two years to deal with it because very soon he will become a lame duck.”

Ken Ashigbey stressed that there is a need for a strong will to ensure that all persons implicated in cases of illegal mining, including politicians and traditional authorities, are dealt with by the laws of the country.

“We need to also deal with the issues that are currently confronting us. So I will not depart from holding the MCEs, DCEs, the chiefs, the police commanders in these communities (accountable),” he said.

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn has assured her constituents of more donation as Christmas draws near after donating over 500 bags of maize #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“1:3:3 at the crescendo of the 24-Hour Economy” – Dr Stephen Issaka

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“1:3:3 at the crescendo of the 24-Hour Economy” – Dr Stephen Issaka

Dr Stephen Issaka, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, has explained that the Mahama government 1:3:3 shift system will come at the very end of the 24-Hour Economy policy.

According to Dr Stephen Issaka, the 24-hour economy is not a switch one can just flick on and off, adding that the policy cannot be implemented overnight.

He explained that the government’s plan represents a significant attempt to extend economic activity beyond the conventional 12-hour cycle.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana on Monday, August 31, 2026, Dr Issaka stated, “Look, the 24-Hour Economy is not a switch you can just flick on and off. Historically, we as a country have been a 12-hour, our economic sort of system, basically, right down from Christmas ever to today”.

“So this is a bold attempt by a government for the very first time to try and push the economy, businesses, and manufacturing beyond 12 hours,” he stated.

He argued that successful implementation of the 24-hour economy policy would first require major improvements in infrastructure and others.

Dr Issaka stated, “And so, look, 24-Hour Economy will require roads, and that’s what Big Push is for. A 24-hour economy will require that banks and individuals can borrow at reasonable rates. That is in the pipeline,” “24-Hour Economy will require electricity around the clock. You and I will agree that at the moment, we are not dead, but we are pushing on that particular trajectory”.

“24-Hour Economy will require security…, would you want to go out and work in the night if you think you’re not going to get transport? If you think there is no electricity, there is no light, that’s a security problem. So that needs to be solved,” he said.

He further disclosed that the 1:3:3 shift under the 24-Hour Economy policy is at the climax of the policy.

“The 1:3:3 is supposed to be at the crescendo, at the very end of our project,” he stated.

In related news, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives, has revealed that over 400 companies have expressed interest in operating under Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy.

According to Dr Rashid Pelpuo, several companies had already begun implementing 24-hour operations.

He disclosed that the government is seeking to expand the initiative through the private sector by creating the necessary conditions for businesses to operate around the clock.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo further argued that the success of the 24-Hour Economy should not be assessed solely by whether ministries and other public institutions have adopted three-shift systems.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Dr Rashid Pelpuo stated, “We have listed more than 400 companies that are saying, We want to run the 24-hour economy policy”.

“The fact is that we are creating an avenue for the private sector to take advantage of and do it. And that’s exactly what we are doing,” he said, adding that the government was providing some of the requirements needed by participating businesses to maintain continuous operations.

“When you are talking about job creation and when you are talking about employment, it’s not just government employing people. We are talking about a holistic economic approach,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The arrival of Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, MP for Ablekuma North, ahead of the donation of essential foodstuffs to women in the constituency through the Awula Foundation #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn has assured her constituents of more donation as Christmas draws near after donating over 500 bags of maize #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Update: 3 killed, 15 injured in New Winneba land dispute

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Update: 3 killed, 15 injured in New Winneba land dispute

The Ghana Police Service has announced that three people have been confirmed dead and about 15 others injured following violent clashes in New Winneba.

According to the Police, the Tuesday, September 1, 2026 incident stems from 300 armed people with guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze who stormed New Winneba Township at about 10:40 a.m.

The armed men allegedly attacked residents and vandalised shops, stores and other properties belonging to residents of the community.

The Police disclosed that the injured, including a police officer, have been taken to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba for treatment.

The Police statement issued on X stated, “POLICE BRING VIOLENCE AT NEW WINNEBA UNDER CONTROL: IGP DEPLOYS REINFORCEMENT TEAM TO ENHANCE SECURITY

On 01/09/2026 at 1040 hrs,  about 300 irate mob wielding guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze stormed the New Winneba Township, and other stores and residence of the natives, attacked them and caused damage to properties.

About 15 injured victims have been sent to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, including an officer, and 3 have been confirmed dead.

Meanwhile, police from Winneba Divisional Headquarters and Agona Swedru District Patrols have been deployed to control the situation.

The IGP has deployed a reinforcement team, including two armoured vehicles from the National Headquarters, to beef up security.

The situation is currently under control.

Full details will be communicated later.

Public Affairs Unit/CR

Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie”.

Earlier reports claimed  seven people, including a police officer, have been injured in a shooting incident involving residents of Gomoa Oguaakrom and New Winneba in the Central Region.

According to the information gathered, the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

Reports disclosed that the shooting incident is believed to be linked to a longstanding land dispute between residents of the two communities.

The Police officer injured among the 7 is stationed at the New Winneba Police Station.

Details gathered from the incident disclosed that some residents of Gomoa Oguaakrom, who claim ownership of land in New Winneba, entered the community and allegedly opened fire, attempting to lock up some shops in the area, prompting resistance from residents of New Winneba.

The confrontation escalated, with gunfire reportedly exchanged between the two sides, leading to several people being injured in the ensuing violence.

 Some residents fled the community for safety amid the shooting.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police  Service have since reinforced its presence in the area as they work to restore calm and prevent further violence.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The arrival of Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, MP for Ablekuma North, ahead of the donation of essential foodstuffs to women in the constituency through the Awula Foundation #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

“I will do everything to help Dr Bawumia win power in 2028” – Boakye Agyarko vows

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“I will do everything to help Dr Bawumia win power in 2028” – Boakye Agyarko vows

Boakye Agyarko, the former Energy Minister and aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vowed to do everything within his capacity to help the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to win the 2028 presidential election.

The NPP National Chairman hopeful, however, noted that the NPP’s return to power would require unity, renewed commitment and a deliberate effort to rebuild confidence among the party’s grassroots supporters.

He highlighted that his focus, if elected National Chairman, would be to help rebuild the party from the grassroots for a stronger campaign in 2028.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme on Monday, August 31, 2026, Boakye Agyarko stated, “Our base was not motivated, and there was inadequate preparation for the 2024 election. There was a general sense of demoralisation within the party, which contributed to our defeat”.

“I will do everything possible to help Dr Bawumia win power in 2028,” he said.

Earlier, Boakye Agyarko made a bold pledge to supporters of the party after a group of NPP constituency chairpersons picked, paid for and presented nomination forms to him to contest the party’s National Chairperson position.

According to Boakye Agyarko, under his leadership, the NPP will rise again and return to power in the 2028 general elections under his leadership.

Addressing the media after receiving the forms, Mr Agyarko stated, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Constituency Chairmen who purchased and picked this form for me and those who accompanied them. I’m truly humbled by this gesture. Chairmen, I’m truly grateful”.

“To the rest of the NPP fraternity, let me assure you that this party shall rise again. This party may have gone down, but we’re not out. With dedication and commitment…we will rise again,” he added.

“My task as a chairman is to lead in the rebuilding and rebranding of the party into a solid electoral machine upon which our flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will stand firmly and win the 2028 election with ease,” he said.

In related news, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a former President of Ghana, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to win the 2028 elections.

According to Akufo-Addo, the NPP must grab the opportunity the 2028 election presents to bring the party back to power in 2028.

Speaking with Dennis Miracles Aboagye when he visited him at his office, Akufo-Addo stated, “2028, come what may, we have to win this election. The opportunity is 2028; let’s grab it and make sure we bring an NPP government back into office”.

He further highlighted that after the internal elections, there will be a need for the party to bring everyone on board to help fight for power in 2028.

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“We are getting to a point of no return; very soon Mahama will become a lame duck” – Ken Ashigbey

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“We are getting to a point of no return; very soon Mahama will become a lame duck” – Ken Ashigbey

Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has warned that Ghana is getting to a point of no return in the menace of illegal mining, locally called galamsey.

According to Ken Ashigbey, there is a growing boldness of illegal miners and attacks on security personnel that point to a worsening galamsey crisis.

He disclosed that there is evidence that shows that galamsey has spread to some areas in Ghana where it was previously absent about two years ago.

Ken Ashigbey argued that Ghana’s best bet at stopping galamsey is under President John Dramani Mahama but warned that the President would become a lame duck soon, as he would no longer be contesting for office.

Speaking in an interview on ChannelOne TV on August 31, 2026, Ken Ashigbey stated, “There are places where we’re seeing galamsey happen today that was not happening in 2024. The level of impudence that we’re seeing today, we’re not seeing them in 2024. One of the elements that we’ve all considered is the issue of forests, the fact that there’s some good work that has been done.

“But if you look at where we are going now, where now the people are becoming so bold that they can attack eight military men with a colonel, they get police people and they are able to confiscate (their weapons),” he fumed.

He added, “So we are getting to a point of no return, and unfortunately for us, unfortunately, we have a president who does not have another tenure, so our best bet is this current president. Unfortunately, he does not have another two years to deal with it because very soon he will become a lame duck.”

Ken Ashigbey stressed that there is a need for a strong will to ensure that all persons implicated in cases of illegal mining, including politicians and traditional authorities, are dealt with by the laws of the country.

“We need to also deal with the issues that are currently confronting us. So I will not depart from holding the MCEs, DCEs, the chiefs, the police commanders in these communities (accountable),” he said.

Also, Kenneth Ashigbey has called for a selective state of emergency in communities severely affected by illegal mining.

Ken Ashigbey added, “We need to look at the impact that this galamsey is having on us. Look at the death toll that you have announced, and our response to it. I agree the Minister for Land and Natural Resources is really pushing, NAIMOS is pushing, but it’s not enough”.

“What is happening currently lends credence to the idea that we should be asking that in particular communities where you have galamsey, where lives are being lost. These are places where we should declare selected state of emergency and say we need to stop it,” he said.

He added, “Seven lives have been lost today. Could you imagine if it was any of us? All of us in this room, how many of us? We’re not up to seven. It could be any of us who are there, but we’re not treating it with that level of [urgency]”.

“In 2024, when you pass Bonsu, you pass Ayinam, and you went to Osino, the level of impunity that is happening there today was not like in the past. Lake Bosomtwe was not under attack,” he said.

However, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has cautioned against treating a state of emergency as a “magic wand” for tackling illegal mining (galamsey).

According to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the declaration of a State of emergency on galamsey could impose restrictions on mining activities.

He argued that the declaration will not itself address the underlying causes of illegal mining, adding that it could halt mining activities and impose stringent restrictions.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf highlighted that the practical implications and potential benefits of declaring a state of emergency must first be clearly evaluated.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Paa Kwesi Schandorf stated, “We should be careful not to consistently indicate or project a state of emergency as a certain magic wand, if once implemented, would automatically transform our fortunes”.

He further argued that some restrictions and security measures associated with the declaration of a State of emergency are already being implemented by NAIMOS.

“I’m not equating the state of emergency to NAIMOS intervention. I’m just saying that we should be careful not to consistently project that as that magic wand that will transform our fortunes,” he said.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf further stressed that President John Dramani Mahama has maintained that any decision to declare a state of emergency would be guided by security assessments.

The Lands Ministry spokesperson maintained that there is no immediate need for a state of emergency.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘NPP members entertaining Justin Kodua candidature don’t want NPP back in power’ – Eugene Boakye Antwi

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‘NPP members entertaining Justin Kodua candidature don’t want NPP back in power’ – Eugene Boakye Antwi

Eugene Boakye Antwi, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary aspirant, has said any party member supporting the candidature of incumbent General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong does not want the party back in power.

The former Subin MP criticised the performance of Justin Kodua Frimpong, arguing that the party members who support his continued leadership do not genuinely want the NPP to return to power.

According to Eugene Boakye Antwi, Justin Kodua’s performance contributed to the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, despite the party being in government and having significant resources.

Speaking on Onua TV, Eugene Boakye Antwi stated, “Any NPP member who supports the current General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, does not want the party to return to power because he has performed poorly as General Secretary”.

“You are in power with all resources and intelligence and still lost 50 seats and went into opposition,” he stated.

In related news, the Chief of Agric Nzema in the Ashanti Region, Nana Nkansah Buadu Ayeboafo, has slammed the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua.

The development follows the cancellation of constituency executive elections in three Ashanti Region constituencies.

 The chief, who is also the Chairman of the council of elders for Afigya Sekyere East Constituency and a member of the council of elders, has claimed Justin Kodua influenced the cancellation because of his personal interests in the affected constituencies.

According to the chief, no one would be allowed to conduct fresh constituency executive elections in Afigya Sekyere East.

Speaking in an interview on Okay FM on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Nana Nkansah Buadu stated, “When Dan Botwe was there, he was really working. John Boadu also defended the party, but this Kodua is only concerned about what will go into his stomach.

“If something like this has happened and the Steering Committee has discussed the issue, why didn’t they refer it to the National Executive Committee (NEC)? It is pure hatred and greed and this is something they planned to do”.

He added, “Kodua, I dare him. If he doesn’t take care, the things I will say about him will make him regret it. He came looking for money and not to work for the party. It seems he is afraid of Okatakyie Afrifa, so whenever issues concerning him arise, he defends him.

If they dare me this morning, they will see what I will do to them,”  he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

GPRTU to announce new fares amid rising fuel price hikes

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GPRTU to announce new fares amid rising fuel price hikes

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has revealed that they are preparing to announce new transport fares by the end of this week.

According to the GPRTU, the development follows another increase in petroleum prices.

Samuel Amoah, the union’s Deputy Spokesperson, highlighted that the decision has become necessary as transport operators continue to grapple with rising fuel prices.

He further disclosed in August that the GPRTU had proposed a 30% increase in transport fares at a meeting, but the proposed adjustment was suspended after the government announced a GH¢2 reduction.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, September 1, Samuel Amoah stated, “Going forward, there is nothing we can do than to come out officially by increasing the fares for our drivers to also continue doing their business”.

“The leadership will also meet to take their decision, whether we are still going by the 30%, if it will come down to 20% or whatever.

I strongly believe by the close of this week, by the end of this week, something will come out for our drivers and then our passengers to also comply with,” he added.

Meanwhile, Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has urged the Mahama government to consider reducing the price of petrol by between 30 and 40 pesewas per litre.

According to Duncan Amoah, the  30 and 40 pesewas cut per litre would provide relief to consumers.

The COPEC Executive Secretary recognised government’s recent intervention to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices, citing the GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel, calling for a similar intervention for petrol consumers.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, August 31, Duncan Amoah stated, “I am asking if the government can also look at some 30 to 40 pesewas reduction for the price of petrol, because as we speak, petrol is 16, diesel is 17.

I do think that maybe some amnesty could also be extended to those who buy petrol such that they could also feel some relief from the government”.

Duncan Amoah’s call comes as petrol and diesel prices are projected to increase from September 1, 2026, following a rise in global crude oil and refined petroleum product prices.

Earlier, Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) had announced that fuel prices at the pumps are expected to rise marginally from Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to COPEC, the projected increases are expected to affect petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

They detailed that the adjustments are largely driven by movements in international petroleum product prices, despite a recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

COPEC, in its analysis, disclosed that global crude oil prices fell marginally from $90.41 to $89.30 per barrel during the current pricing window.

“The cedi also strengthened against the dollar, with the average interbank rate improving from GH¢11.800 to GH¢11.5166 per dollar.

That represents an appreciation of about 2.39%.

Despite these developments, COPEC says changes in the Free-On-Board (FOB) prices of refined petroleum products are expected to push pump prices higher.

Petrol is projected to sell at about GH¢16.21 per litre, representing an estimated 5% increase from the current mean pump price of GH¢15.43.

Diesel is also expected to rise to approximately GH¢17.61 per litre.

That would represent an estimated 2.58% increase over the current mean price of GH¢17.17 per litre.

LPG is similarly projected to record a marginal increase, with COPEC estimating a price of approximately GH¢14.19 per kilogramme”, a JoyNews report stated.

@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, exchanges pleasantries and interacts warmly with her constituents during the donation exercise. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

7 injured, including a police officer, following New Winneba land dispute shooting

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7 injured, including a police officer, following New Winneba land dispute shooting

Reports coming in disclosed that seven people, including a police officer, have been injured in a shooting incident involving residents of Gomoa Oguaakrom and New Winneba in the Central Region.

According to the information gathered, the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

Reports disclosed that the shooting incident is believed to be linked to a longstanding land dispute between residents of the two communities.

The Police officer injured among the 7 is stationed at the New Winneba Police Station.

Details gathered from the incident disclosed that some residents of Gomoa Oguaakrom, who claim ownership of land in New Winneba, entered the community and allegedly opened fire, attempting to lock up some shops in the area, prompting resistance from residents of New Winneba.

The confrontation escalated, with gunfire reportedly exchanged between the two sides, leading to several people being injured in the ensuing violence.

 Some residents fled the community for safety amid the shooting.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police  Service have since reinforced its presence in the area as they work to restore calm and prevent further violence.

In related news, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has promoted Inspector Hance Atubra of the Tarkwa Divisional Police Headquarters to the rank of Chief Inspector.

The IGP promoted the officer in recognition of his bravery during a fire outbreak at Aboso in the Western Region.

His promotion follows Inspector Atubra’s intervention during the fire, which broke out at the Aboso Main Lorry Station on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The fire engulfed a number of shops at the station, putting people within the affected area at risk; however, Inspector Atubra, who was reportedly the first police officer to arrive at the scene, immediately moved to assist people trapped in the area.

Inspector Atubra’s actions attracted commendation from people who witnessed the incident and subsequently led to a recommendation for his promotion.

In a statement issued by the Police on Facebook read, “IGP PROMOTES POLICE OFFICER FOR SAVING LIVES DURING ABOSO FIRE OUTBREAK.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted Inspector Hance Atubra of the Tarkwa Divisional Headquarters to the rank of Chief Inspector for his role in saving lives during a fire outbreak at Aboso in the Western Region.

The fire outbreak occurred on 26th August 2026, when some shops at the Aboso Main Lorry Station were engulfed in flames, resulting in damage to properties.

Inspector Atubra, who was the first Police officer to arrive at the scene, immediately took action to assist people trapped in the affected area and helped to evacuate the victims to safety.

His actions were highly commended by people who witnessed the incident, leading to a recommendation for his promotion in recognition of his courage, quick response and efforts to save life and property.

The promotion underscores the Police Administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding officers who demonstrate exceptional courage, dedication and commitment to duty”.

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, exchanges pleasantries and interacts warmly with her constituents during the donation exercise. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

“24-Hour Economy is not a switch; you can just flick on and off” – Dr Stephen Issaka tells critics 

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“24-Hour Economy is not a switch; you can just flick on and off” – Dr Stephen Issaka tells critics 

Dr Stephen Issaka, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, has explained that the Mahama government flagship 24-Hour Economy is not a switch one can just flick on and off.

According to Dr Stephen Issaka, the 24-hour economy was not a policy that could be implemented overnight.

He explained that the government’s plan represents a significant attempt to extend economic activity beyond the conventional 12-hour cycle.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana on Monday, August 31, 2026, Dr Issaka stated, “Look, the 24-Hour Economy is not a switch you can just flick on and off. Historically, we as a country have been a 12-hour, our economic sort of system, basically, right down from Christmas ever to today”.

“So this is a bold attempt by a government for the very first time to try and push the economy, businesses, and manufacturing beyond 12 hours,” he stated.

He argued that successful implementation of the 24-hour economy policy would first require major improvements in infrastructure and others.

Dr Issaka stated, “And so, look, 24-Hour Economy will require roads, and that’s what Big Push is for. A 24-hour economy will require that banks and individuals can borrow at reasonable rates. That is in the pipeline,” “24-Hour Economy will require electricity around the clock. You and I will agree that at the moment, we are not dead, but we are pushing on that particular trajectory”.

“24-Hour Economy will require security…, would you want to go out and work in the night if you think you’re not going to get transport? If you think there is no electricity, there is no light, that’s a security problem. So that needs to be solved,” he said.

He further disclosed that the 1:3:3 shift under the 24-Hour Economy policy is at the climax of the policy.

“The 1:3:3 is supposed to be at the crescendo, at the very end of our project,” he stated.

In related news, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives, has revealed that over 400 companies have expressed interest in operating under Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy.

According to Dr Rashid Pelpuo, several companies had already begun implementing 24-hour operations.

He disclosed that the government is seeking to expand the initiative through the private sector by creating the necessary conditions for businesses to operate around the clock.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo further argued that the success of the 24-Hour Economy should not be assessed solely by whether ministries and other public institutions have adopted three-shift systems.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Dr Rashid Pelpuo stated, “We have listed more than 400 companies that are saying, We want to run the 24-hour economy policy”.

“The fact is that we are creating an avenue for the private sector to take advantage of and do it. And that’s exactly what we are doing,” he said, adding that the government was providing some of the requirements needed by participating businesses to maintain continuous operations.

“When you are talking about job creation and when you are talking about employment, it’s not just government employing people. We are talking about a holistic economic approach,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, exchanges pleasantries and interacts warmly with her constituents during the donation exercise. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “God bless you for what you are doing for us.” – A beneficiary expresses gratitude to Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn for her support and generosity. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

State institutions snubbing our collaboration calls to fix Ghana’s rent challenges – Rent Commissioner

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State institutions snubbing our collaboration calls to fix Ghana’s rent challenges – Rent Commissioner

Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku has revealed that his office’s efforts to collaborate with state institutions to address Ghana’s rent-related challenges have largely been snubbed.

The acting Rent Commissioner disclosed that only the Ghana Immigration Service has responded positively.

According to Frederick Opoku, the situation reflects a broader problem where higher authorities have failed to prioritise and implement the appropriate policies needed to effectively tackle rent issues.

He disclosed that higher authorities have not given the necessary priority to developing and implementing policies required to address Ghana’s rent problems effectively, adding that the Bank of Ghana is one of the institutions that has consistently snubbed his office’s calls for engagement.

Speaking during an interview on Accra FM on September 1, 2026, Frederick Opoku stated, “When I took over, one of the areas I said rent control could assist the Bank of Ghana in addressing was the dollarisation of rent. I personally went to the BoG three months into office and spoke with them. I said, ‘I’m aware the governor has issued directives about dollarising rent, and rent control with the task force and the system want to work together collaboratively to see what we can do with our forces on the field.’”

“…At least ask them today — go and ask the Bank of Ghana, the financial market. Have they even responded to our letter or proposal after we wrote to them?”

He added, “I’m being frank with you. I did this to test the pulse of the institutions because I’m limited as rent control. Money to collaborate — but if the collaborator is not coming, in fact, the one who did well was Immigration.”

“They did well; I met the Director General and the Controller. I wanted to tell you the truth about what I’ve done behind the scenes. Very soon, when I’m going out, I’ll be going with Immigration. If all things are equal, we are okay with it,” he noted.

Some Ghanaians reacting to his remarks stated, “This man is one of the government officials who is actually doing his work. He just doesn’t wake up and go misusing government funds like others are doing. May Allah bless him abundantly”.

“This is why this country will keep retrogressing. The greed is too much. It’s evident most of those institution heads also own estates that will be affected by rent control’s measures. Too much greed”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “John Dumelo, who, during campaign time, said it’s going to be his priority but after assuming office, he’s busily sharing chop box and mattresses to his constituents. They don’t care about us, the citizens, but their stomachs. Spewing lies all over. God is our only hope”.

A netizen added, “Ghana has too many institutions whose biggest enemy is apparently another institution. Everybody is waiting for somebody else to cooperate while ordinary people continue paying the price”.

In other news,  Frederick Opoku has urged Ghanaian Tertiary students to file formal applications for hostel fee assessments to trigger Rent Control Department action.

According to the Rent Control Commissioner, he has done enough in going across the country to ensure that hostel fees are reduced, adding that he will no longer personally visit facilities.

He explained that students must formally apply to the Rent Control Department for an assessment of their hostel fees, adding that the department has waived the application fee for students.

Frederick Opoku also noted frustration with students who only send direct messages complaining instead of following the legal process, stating that this does not help him assist them because he must work within the confines of the law.

He further revealed that the department plans to shift focus to commercial rental properties as part of broader efforts to regulate the rental space.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The arrival of Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, MP for Ablekuma North, ahead of the donation of essential foodstuffs to women in the constituency through the Awula Foundation #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, exchanges pleasantries and interacts warmly with her constituents during the donation exercise. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

 “Family is an illusion” – Dr Victoria Hamah cries out

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 “Family is an illusion” – Dr Victoria Hamah cries out

A former Deputy Minister of Communications, Dr Victoria Hamah, has cried out about a painful experience of public humiliation, media lynching and betrayal.

According to Dr Victoria Hamah, family is an illusion, disclosing that when it mattered most, she was left all alone.

The former deputy minister highlighted that the experience had led her to a painful conclusion about family and the support people expect from close relations during difficult moments.

She noted that despite the presence of people she considered close to her, she was ultimately alone when it mattered most.

In her Facebook post, which has since attracted numerous sympathetic and encouraging comments on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Dr Hamah stated, “I have painfully realised that family is an illusion”.

“When I was publicly humiliated, subjected to media lynching, and betrayed by those closest to me, I learned the hardest truth of all: when it mattered most, I was alone,” she said.

It will be recalled that back in 2013, President Mahama, during his first term, dismissed Victoria Lakshmi Hammah, then Deputy Communications Minister, after a leaked recording revealed her stating she wouldn’t leave politics until amassing $1 million.

Meanwhile, her comments have attracted a mixed reaction from Facebook users saying, “Awwwww my dear, the storm is over, and I’m so proud of you for finding the strength to move on, even when it meant walking away from people you once thought would always stand by you.

Sometimes life teaches us the hardest lessons through the people we love the most. But look at you, you survived the pain, the betrayal, the noise and the disappointment, and you are still standing stronger and wiser.

Never feel guilty for choosing your peace. Family is not always about blood. Sometimes the people who genuinely love, support and celebrate you become your true family.

We are all here cheering you on, praying for you and rooting for everything beautiful that lies ahead. May this new chapter bring you peace, healing, genuine love and happiness.

The storm has passed, my dear. Now it’s time to enjoy the sunshine, Victoria Lakshmi Hamah. Much love”.

Another netizen added, “ Family is about those who care for you, not necessarily those close to you. They can be distant. This is my definition of family. I don’t trust anyone”.

“This is the reality of life. We must learn to be our own heroes. Life may be Difficult, especially during our lowest moments, but the Moment you survive it alone, you will realise that, you don’t need all those HANG-AROUND-HUMANS anymore!”, a netizen added.

One last netizen added, “Have you considered writing a book? I think you have a lot the world can benefit from. Put this deep wisdom and experiences into a book📚📚. Because you have this ability to distil issues and evoke relevant conversations”.

“Very painful recall. Thank God you overcame. Being alone is not the problem but how you manage those moments and create opportunities. When men reject you turn your eyes upon Jesus”, one Facebooker stated.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Hon Ewurabena Aubynn donates over 500 bags of maize to food vendors in Ablekuma North #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The arrival of Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, MP for Ablekuma North, ahead of the donation of essential foodstuffs to women in the constituency through the Awula Foundation #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

How former Ghana Embassy IT officer’s firm ‘pocketed’ $296,000 in renovation payments

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How former Ghana Embassy IT officer’s firm ‘pocketed’ $296,000 in renovation payments

Fred Kwarteng, former IT officer at the Ghana Embassy in the United States, has been fingered for pocketing nearly $296,000 for renovation and furnishing works at the ambassador’s residence.

The revelations come on the heels of a special forensic audit of Ghana’s Embassy in the United States, which has uncovered a conflict-of-interest situation involving a company owned by the embassy’s IT officer, Fred Kwarteng.

The audit report disclosed that the embassy made two payments to Fred Kwarteng’s company, Stefrann LLC, which was confirmed by the then Chief Treasury Officer, Janet Maku Koranteng.

Parts of a report filed by Manasseh Azure Awuni’s pacgh.org read, “The payments, $159,043.84 in February 2019 and $136,864.00 in June 2020, were for renovation and furnishing works at the ambassador’s residence.

Ghana Embassy’s banker in the United States, Citibank, queried the transactions “due to questionable invoices, inconsistencies in company details, and the conflict of interest arising from a staff member being the beneficiary of Embassy payments,” according to the audit report.

The auditors said the transaction contravened the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which enjoins public officials responsible for managing public resources to ensure that public funds are safeguarded and that all financial transactions are properly authorised, documented, and subject to independent audit verification.

The Foreign Service Regulations (2019) prohibit public officials serving in Ghana’s diplomatic missions from engaging in transactions that present a conflict of interest and require that all vendor engagements be subject to appropriate due diligence and compliance with applicable host-country financial and regulatory requirements.

Although the procurement failed accountability and due diligence tests, as well as compliance concerns raised by Citibank, the embassy proceeded with the transaction.

 Auditors found weak vendor checks, parallel financial arrangements and third‑party payments that undermined controls. For instance, Citibank’s Jay Varkey sent an email asking for a copy of the approval from the U.S. State Department for the renovation work, details on the scope of work and budget, a list of contractors/vendors, and internal approvals, according to the audit report.

The banker also raised concerns about the payment to Stefrann LLC, noting that the check memo stated “payment of furniture for residency” and questioned whether the furniture was purchased through Stefrann LLC or Persiano Furniture Gallery.

He asked if Persiano Furniture Gallery was fully paid and if the payment was made directly to them or through Stefrann LLC”.

Also, they further disclosed that the auditors conducted a search to confirm the existence of the Company and found companies registered as STEFRAN LLC but not “STEFRANN LLC”.

Meanwhile, the Auditor-General has recommended the recovery of the amount from the key actors involved in the transaction.

It will be recalled that Fred Kwarteng served as the embassy’s ICT officer from November 2016 until his dismissal in May 2025, and has been fingered as one of the players in the $19.3 million visa and passport extortion scheme.

A Forensic audit by the Auditor-General has revealed how Ghana’s U.S. Embassy in Washington extorted $19.3 million from visa and passport applicants.

The audit report detailed that for six years, thousands of visa and passport applicants who used Ghana’s Embassy in Washington filled out forms online, paid the service fees and paid extra money to have their documents mailed back to them.

According to the report, a different system redirected applicants and imposed additional charges.

The report disclosed that the new system generated nearly $19.4 million in what the Auditor-General has now classified as irregular proceeds.

@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Two of my car tires are destroyed because of the road – Tanker Driver #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – Khwabina_Jhunior_The_Blogger🍁

State of emergency is no “magic wand” to fighting galamsey – Lands Ministry

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State of emergency is no “magic wand” to fighting galamsey – Lands Ministry

Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has cautioned against treating a state of emergency as a “magic wand” for tackling illegal mining (galamsey).

According to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the declaration of a State of emergency on galamsey could impose restrictions on mining activities.

He argued that the declaration will not itself address the underlying causes of illegal mining, adding that it could halt mining activities and impose stringent restrictions.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf highlighted that the practical implications and potential benefits of declaring a state of emergency must first be clearly evaluated.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Paa Kwesi Schandorf stated, “We should be careful not to consistently indicate or project a state of emergency as a certain magic wand, if once implemented, would automatically transform our fortunes”.

He further argued that some restrictions and security measures associated with the declaration of a State of emergency are already being implemented by NAIMOS.

“I’m not equating the state of emergency to NAIMOS intervention. I’m just saying that we should be careful not to consistently project that as that magic wand that will transform our fortunes,” he said.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf further stressed that President John Dramani Mahama has maintained that any decision to declare a state of emergency would be guided by security assessments.

The Lands Ministry spokesperson maintained that there is no immediate need for a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for a selective state of emergency in communities severely affected by illegal mining.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Ing. Ashigbey stated, “We need to look at the impact that this galamsey is having on us. Look at the death toll that you have announced, and our response to it. I agree the Minister for Land and Natural Resources is really pushing, NAIMOS is pushing, but it’s not enough”.

“What is happening currently lends credence to the idea that we should be asking that in particular communities where you have galamsey, where lives are being lost. These are places where we should declare selected state of emergency and say we need to stop it,” he said.

He added, “Seven lives have been lost today. Could you imagine if it was any of us? All of us in this room, how many of us? We’re not up to seven. It could be any of us who are there, but we’re not treating it with that level of [urgency]”.

“In 2024, when you pass Bonsu, you pass Ayinam, and you went to Osino, the level of impunity that is happening there today was not like in the past. Lake Bosomtwe was not under attack,” he said.

Meanwhile, seven illegal miners are reportedly feared dead after a galamsey pit collapsed overnight at Asaman Tamfoe near Anyinam in the Eastern Region.

Reports suggest the victims were allegedly engaged in illegal mining when the pit caved in, trapping them underground.

According to reports, rescue efforts are currently underway as people at the site work to retrieve those trapped in the collapsed pit.

In the video shared by media personality Johnnie Hughes showed an excavator and several people are seen trying to rescue one of the victims who was trapped under thick sand.

In a post shared by media personality Johnnie Hughes on X, he wrote, “7 alleged illegal miners are feared dead after a galamsey pit collapsed overnight at Asaman Tamfoe, near Anyinam in the E/R.

Reports say the 7 were working overnight when the pit caved in, trapping them underground.

Rescue efforts are underway. #StopGalamseyNow”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

12,000 jobs to be created under $270m poultry investment – 24-Hour Economy Secretariat

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12,000 jobs to be created under $270m poultry investment – 24-Hour Economy Secretariat

The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat has announced that they have signed terms with four investment partners for a US$270 million National Poultry Transformation Programme.

According to the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, the  US$270 million project will boost domestic poultry production and create 12,000 direct jobs.

The agreement was signed at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in Accra, with the investment being described as the largest UK agrifood investment in Ghana to date.

It brought together UK-based agrifood investment company Agrium Capital, Petra Trust, Axis Pension Trust and Ghana EXIM Bank.

Reports suggest that under the first phase, the programme is expected to produce about 20,000 tonnes of dressed and processed broiler products annually, with plans to scale production to 50,000 tonnes.

The $270m poultry investment initiative is also intended to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry, with the country currently spending approximately US$400 million annually on chicken and other poultry products.

Augustus Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, detailed that the development demonstrates the government’s strategy of leveraging both domestic and international capital.

“This is a purposeful blend of foreign private capital and Ghanaian private capital, aligned to build this industry at scale,” he said.

In related news, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has said Ghana will now only accept financing for projects that create jobs, grow exports, reduce costs and protect debt sustainability.

The Finance Minister vowed that Ghana will take a more disciplined approach to financing development projects.

According to Ato Forson, Ghana will now proceed with discipline as the country works to protect debt sustainability and prevent another debt crisis.

The Finance Minister disclosed that every project must be economically justified, transparently procured and capable of supporting growth while generating revenue or reducing costs.

He argued that infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, power plants and industrial enclaves, must deliver measurable benefits to the Ghanaian economy.

Ato Forson, in a post sharing a video of comments he made during the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, stated, “Yesterday, I made it clear: Ghana will proceed with discipline.

We will only accept financing for projects that create jobs, grow exports, reduce costs and protect debt sustainability”.

In the video, Ato Forson stated, “As we assume financial cooperation, Ghana will now proceed with discipline. We will not borrow simply because financing is available. Every project must be economically justified and transparently procured, capable of supporting growth, generating revenue and reducing cost.

“Any road, railway, power plant, industrial enclave or other infrastructure financed through this cooperation must improve productivity, create jobs, increase exports and strengthen Ghana’s ability to repay its obligations,” he said.

“We will diversify our financing sources, protect debt sustainability and avoid a return to the conditions that led to the 2022 debt crisis,” he stated.

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Chairman calls on Roads Minister to inspect the deplorable Tema–VALCO Road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow

Top 5 State-Owned Enterprises that recorded the biggest losses in 2025

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Top 5 State-Owned Enterprises that recorded the biggest losses in 2025

Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are expected to drive development, provide essential services and, in some cases, generate revenue for the state.

However, over the years, the operations of some of these public institutions have incurred staggering financial losses running into millions and, in some cases, billions of cedis.

As concerns grow over the financial health and sustainability of state-owned companies, we take a look at the five SOEs that recorded the biggest losses in 2025 and the scale of the financial challenges confronting them.

Details from the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) 2025 State Ownership Report shared on TV3 New Day disclosed that the five SOEs made huge losses in billions and milions of cedis.

See the list below:

  • The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) –  GHS2.521bn
  • Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) – GHS1.624bn
  • AirtelTigo Ghana LTD – GHS784.75m
  • Northern Electricity Distribution Co. (NEDCO) – GHS300.46m
  • Volta River Authority (VRA) – GHS226.57m

Other loss-making entities were Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited, GNPA Limited, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centres Limited.

Read SIGA’s full press release below:

“The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has released the 2025 State Ownership Report (SOR), the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship account of the performance of its Specified Entities, and the fifth published by SIGA since the Authority’s establishment in 2019. Covering 162 of the 175 approved Specified Entities comprising 53 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), 36 Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) and 73 Other State Entities (OSEs), the report offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the financial and operational performance of the stateowned sector, and serves as a vital resource for policymakers, stakeholders and the public in shaping the future of Ghana’s SOEs, JVCs and OSEs.

“This edition is significant because it documents the performance of Specified Entities for the first year of President Mahama’s second administration,” said Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of SIGA. “It gives a full picture of how these Specified Entities are contributing to the broader economic reset agenda, and it will help drive meaningful dialogue around the future of our State-Owned Enterprises, Joint Venture Companies and Other State Entities, ensuring they fulfil their potential as catalysts for economic growth and development.”

The complete 2025 State Ownership Report is available on SIGA’s official website. SIGA invites the Ghanaian public, the media, investors and all stakeholders to read the report and take an active interest in how their collective investments held in trust through the country’s Specified Entities are being managed and are performing on their behalf.

Key highlights from the 2025 State Ownership Report:

A Turnaround Four Years In The Making

The State-Owned Enterprise sector delivered the standout result of the 2025 report. Total SOE revenue climbed 28.12% to GHS176.43 billion, from GHS137.64 billion in FY2024, propelled by the Agricultural (up 203.71%), Manufacturing (up 114.74%) and Infrastructure (up 92.24%) sub-sectors. That growth carried through to the bottom line: Profit Before Interest and Tax rose to GHS25.49 billion, continuing a four-year recovery from a loss of GHS502.00 million in FY2023 and a partial rebound of GHS5.80 billion in FY2024.

Most significantly, the sector broke a four-year cycle of consolidated net losses, closing FY2025 with a Net Profit after Tax of GHS19.80 billion, against a Net Loss after Tax of GHS2.25 billion the year before. Ten SOEs, among them the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Bui Power Authority, Ghana National Gas Company, BOST Energies Company, Minerals Income Investment Fund and TDC Company Ltd, sustained profitability throughout the five years. A stronger Cedi also reshaped the sector’s finances: SOEs recorded net foreign exchange earnings of GHS11.72 billion, reversing a GHS12.01 billion foreign exchange loss in FY2024, while finance costs fell by 42.49%.

Balance sheets contracted modestly, with total assets down 5.86% to GHS407.84 billion, led by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority and COCOBOD, and total liabilities down 4.31% to GHS281.99 billion, of which ECG alone accounted for GHS82.31 billion. The report cautions, however, that risks remain concentrated, especially because five SOEs consisting of ECG, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Ltd, GNPA Ltd, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centre recorded losses in every year from FY2021 to FY2025, while six entities, including AirtelTigo Ghana Ltd, Gihoc Distilleries and Tema Oil Refinery, have carried negative equity throughout the same period. Dividend payments to government also declined, with only two SOEs – Ghana Reinsurance Company Ltd and TDC Company Ltd – paying a combined GHS16.00 million, down 29.36% on FY2024.

Joint Ventures Extend Their Gains

Ghana’s Joint Venture Companies built on the momentum of the previous year. Net profit, excluding minority interest, rose 36.55% to GHS3.14 billion, from GHS2.29 billion in FY2024, while total JVC assets grew 25.99% to GHS96.69 billion. Minority-interest JVCs performed even more strongly, with net profit climbing to GHS61.32 billion in FY2025 from GHS21.06 billion in FY2024. These minority-interest companies were also the dominant source of dividends to government, contributing GHS1.19 billion, which represents 97.12% of all dividends received across the portfolio.

Other State Entities Face Mounting Pressure

The picture was less encouraging among Other State Entities, whose net deficit widened sharply to GHS10.48 billion in FY2025, from GHS2.18 billion in FY2024. While total assets grew 60.15% to GHS310.62 billion, liabilities rose faster still, up 41.83% to GHS323.17 billion, and the sub-sector’s accumulated fund swung to a negative GHS41.14 billion from a positive GHS15.47 billion. This is a shift driven substantially by the Bank of Ghana’s negative equity position of GHS93 billion.

A More Supportive Macroeconomic Environment

The Specified Entities’ performance unfolded against a markedly improved macroeconomic backdrop. Real GDP growth reached 6.0% in FY2025 which is the fastest pace of expansion since FY2019 and an improvement on the 5.8% recorded in FY2024. Monetary conditions eased considerably over the year: the Monetary Policy Rate fell from 27% to 18%, the Ghana Reference Rate from 29.31% to 15.9%, and the average lending rate from 30.25% to 20.4% by December 2025. Public debt rose in nominal terms to GHS640.99 billion but improved as a share of GDP, to 45.28%, on the back of currency appreciation, lower borrowing costs, a high primary surplus and effective debt management. The report nonetheless flags continuing fiscal exposure from outstanding loan guarantees of GHS3.03 billion, onlent loans of GHS14.73 billion, and US$3.7 million in contingent liabilities that crystallised from public-private partnership agreements during the year.

Reform Across Multiple Fronts

FY2025 was also a year of significant institutional change, beginning with the political transition from the New Patriotic Party to the National Democratic Congress and the new administration’s early steps to align Specified Entities with its development agenda.

On public financial management, the Ministry of Finance issued new PFM Implementation Guidelines in May 2025, requiring Specified Entities to submit quarterly internal audit and commitment control reports and subjecting centrally approved procurement to commitment authorisation by the Minister for Finance. The measures coincided with a sharp fall in public-sector procurement infractions, from GHS18.4 billion in FY2024 to GHS2.2 billion in FY2025, though the report notes that commitment authorisation requirements also introduced delays to capital projects and procurement activity.

SIGA itself deepened its oversight role during the year, assessing 70 Specified Entities that had executed FY2024 performance contracts through its Annual Governance and Institutional Performance Assessment Reports, intensifying engagement with entities showing persistent statutory reporting noncompliance, and welcoming a growing number of entities into the performance-contract framework ahead of FY2026 negotiations.

Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy took shape across several Specified Entities, from a round-theclock customer call centre at TDC and three-shift operations at Ghana Publishing, to AESL’s work on 24-hour markets across 33 MMDAs, extended production at GIHOC Distilleries, expanded services at DVLA, and continuous online services and environmental monitoring at the EPA; SIGA intends to fold these initiatives into future performance contracts and monitoring frameworks. In transport, the GHS62.86 billion Big Push Programme advanced a corridor-based approach to modernising trunk roads, bridges, interchanges and highways under the Ghana Highway Authority, with most projects still in early implementation by year-end.

The financial sector saw the recapitalisation of state-owned banks NIB and ADB, alongside continued government support for CBG, aimed at strengthening capital positions and restoring depositor and investor confidence. In the extractive sector, government established the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to centralise oversight of the gold sector, strengthen traceability and formalisation, curb illegal mining and smuggling, and capture greater value and foreign-exchange inflows from the gold value chain. And in rail, following prolonged financial, operational and labour difficulties that led to the suspension of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), SIGA recommended its liquidation, the absorption of its employees into the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), and the transformation of GRDA into a combined commercial and regulatory institution; the 97-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan line began commercial operations under GRDA in October 2025, and government has since introduced a phased support package covering salary arrears and critical infrastructure refurbishment.

Advancing Climate And Gender Commitments

Climate reporting continued to gain ground, with 42 of the 162 reporting Specified Entities — 25.9% of the total — disclosing climate-related projects, programmes or initiatives in FY2025, up from 27 entities the year before. The workforce across Specified Entities also expanded, growing 5.45% to 98,724 employees, an increase of 5,104 jobs, with SOEs accounting for the largest share of employment (48.62%), followed by OSEs (39.92%) and JVCs (11.47%). Women’s representation rose to 30.02% of the workforce, from 29.30% in FY2024, as female employment grew at nearly double the rate of male employment 8.02% against 4.39%.

From Recovery To Sustainable Value Creation

SIGA frames FY2025 as a turning point for Ghana’s state-owned sector. Stronger revenues, a return to profitability, improved fiscal discipline, deeper oversight and major institutional reforms all point in the same direction, yet persistent losses, negative equity, fiscal risk, governance gaps and uneven progress on climate and gender integration are a reminder that recovery alone is not enough.

The Authority’s call to action is direct: Specified Entities must move from recovery to resilience, from compliance to performance, and from state ownership to sustainable value creation. That will require stronger accountability, more disciplined capital allocation, decisive action on chronically underperforming entities, and the institutionalisation of performance-driven governance across the portfolio.

“The gains of FY2025 must not become a temporary rebound,” the report concludes. “They must become the foundation for a more efficient, competitive, inclusive and sustainable State-owned sector that creates value for the Ghanaian taxpayer and contributes meaningfully to national development.”

@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘If my petition against Special Prosecutor is dismissed, I will make it public’ – Martin Kpebu warns

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‘If my petition against Special Prosecutor is dismissed, I will make it public’ – Martin Kpebu warns

Martin Kpebu, a Private legal practitioner, has warned that if his petition seeking the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is dismissed, he is going to make the petition public.

According to Martin Kpebu, his petition has been put on ice following a political settlement, revealing that some person went to beg President Mahama.

Lawyer Kpebu disclosed that his petition is separate from those recently dismissed by the Chief Justice for failing to establish a prima facie case.

Speaking on JoyNews PM Express, Martin Kpebu stated, “Mine is not part. Those that were part, they put that out in the public”.

“Evans, don’t joke. Mine is a strong dossier. There’s no way you can throw that petition out,” he said.

Kpebu explained that the petition has stalled because of a political settlement.

He added, “Yeah, so what has happened is that we are unable to move forward because it’s been put on ice because of a certain political settlement. People went to beg the president”.

“It’s okay, the manner in which it’s being held now. I’m a practical person. But look, let’s see. Maybe eventually Kissi Agyebeng will come to terms with his conduct and just honourably resign. But you can’t throw that petition out. If it gets thrown out, I will publish it. And then, nothing stops me from publishing it now,” he said.

It will be recalled that some months ago, Martin Kpebu said his faith in the system would be shaken if his petition against the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, is thrown out like the recent petition against the EC and OSP.

According to Lawyer Kpebu, his petition against the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, is yet to be looked at by the Chief Justice.

Lawyer Kpebu is quoted by TV3 as saying, “If my petition for the OSP to be removed gets thrown out like these three, it will shake my faith in the system”.

Also, Martin Kpebu has echoed his resolve to petition President John Dramani Mahama for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng from Office.

Martin Kpebu revealed he has fifteen allegations against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

 Speaking to TV3 shortly after his release, Lawyer Kpebu stated, “I know I have not done anything wrong, so I knew I would be released”.

He revealed that his arrest stemmed from a verbal confrontation with a military officer stationed at the OSP.

Mr Kpebu recounted, “Then the next thing, the soldier said I am stupid, so I also turned and said he is also stupid, and so we exchanged words”.

“I know I have not done anything wrong, so I knew I would be released,” he stated.

“Then a colleague of his, another soldier, shouted that next time I do that, I will see. In Ghanaian English, ‘you will see’ means he will cause me some harm, or there will be consequences, even if not physical.

So I turned and gave the same answer; he had no right. I’m not a suspect, and even if I was, could he do that? So I said he had no right”.

“Then the next thing I knew, he said I’m stupid. That’s what the soldier said. So I turned back and told him he is also stupid. We exchanged a few words, and then one of my lawyers pulled me so we could go in,” he added, stating he would never attack any officer who had done nothing to him.

He added that his arrest confirms that Kissi Agyebeng is incompetent.

“I will petition for his removal. I have 15 allegations against him,” he once again revealed.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Cut the price of petrol by 30–40 pesewas per litre – COPEC urges gov’t

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Cut the price of petrol by 30–40 pesewas per litre – COPEC urges gov’t

Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has urged the Mahama government to consider reducing the price of petrol by between 30 and 40 pesewas per litre.

According to Duncan Amoah, the  30 and 40 pesewas cut per litre would provide relief to consumers.

The COPEC Executive Secretary recognised government’s recent intervention to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices, citing the GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel, calling for a similar intervention for petrol consumers.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, August 31, Duncan Amoah stated, “I am asking if the government can also look at some 30 to 40 pesewas reduction for the price of petrol, because as we speak, petrol is 16, diesel is 17.

I do think that maybe some amnesty could also be extended to those who buy petrol such that they could also feel some relief from the government”.

Duncan Amoah’s call comes as petrol and diesel prices are projected to increase from September 1, 2026, following a rise in global crude oil and refined petroleum product prices.

Earlier, Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) had announced that fuel prices at the pumps are expected to rise marginally from Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to COPEC, the projected increases are expected to affect petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

They detailed that the adjustments are largely driven by movements in international petroleum product prices, despite a recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

COPEC, in its analysis, disclosed that global crude oil prices fell marginally from $90.41 to $89.30 per barrel during the current pricing window.

“The cedi also strengthened against the dollar, with the average interbank rate improving from GH¢11.800 to GH¢11.5166 per dollar.

That represents an appreciation of about 2.39%.

Despite these developments, COPEC says changes in the Free-On-Board (FOB) prices of refined petroleum products are expected to push pump prices higher.

Petrol is projected to sell at about GH¢16.21 per litre, representing an estimated 5% increase from the current mean pump price of GH¢15.43.

Diesel is also expected to rise to approximately GH¢17.61 per litre.

That would represent an estimated 2.58% increase over the current mean price of GH¢17.17 per litre.

LPG is similarly projected to record a marginal increase, with COPEC estimating a price of approximately GH¢14.19 per kilogramme”, a JoyNews report stated.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Mahama government that its recent fuel subsidy could damage Ghana’s fiscal gains.

According to the IMF, the recent fuel subsidy measures must remain temporary and carefully targeted not to undermine Ghana’s fiscal gains.

The IMF warning was contained in its Staff Report submitted to the Fund’s Executive Board on July 27 ahead of Ghana’s Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

The IMF Staff Report acknowledged Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook but warned that fuel subsidies should not become a permanent policy tool.

Parts of the report stated, “The recent fuel subsidy measures must be temporary and well targeted.”

“Ghana’s near-term growth and inflation outlook is favourable but subject to elevated downside risks.”

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “When the President is coming, they use another route. See the road for yourself.” #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Top 5 profit-making State-Owned Enterprises in 2025 

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Top 5 profit-making State-Owned Enterprises in 2025 

In Ghana, while some State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) continue to struggle with mounting debts and financial losses, others are proving that state-owned institutions can be profitable and financially sustainable.

In 2025, some SOEs recorded impressive profits, generating millions, according to the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) 2025 State Ownership Report.

In this article, we take a look at the top five profit-making SOEs in 2025, highlighting the institutions that recorded the strongest financial performances during the year.

See the list below:

  • Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) – GHS5.109bn
  • Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) – GHS4.504bn
  • Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) – GHS4.128bn
  • Ghana Ports& Harbours Authority (GPHA) – GHS2.821bn
  • Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) – GHS1.143bn

The development follows the  State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) announcing that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a consolidated net profit after tax of GH¢19.80 billion in the 2025 financial year.

According to SIGA, the GH¢19.80 billion profit ends the four consecutive years of net losses.

SIGA disclosed that the turnaround represents a significant improvement from the GH¢2.25 billion net loss posted in 2024, as total SOE revenue increased by 28.12 per cent from GH¢137.64 billion to GH¢176.43 billion.

SIGA, in a release on Sunday, August 30, 2026, made these figures known, which marks the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship assessment of specified entities and the fifth published by SIGA.

However, Bright Simons, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has punched holes in the State Interests and Governance Authority’s (SIGA) claim that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a combined net profit of GH¢19.8 billion in 2025.

Bright Simons has quizzed whether the headline figures accurately reflect the underlying performance of the enterprises.

Bright Simons argued that currency-related gains significantly influenced the 2025 results.

According to Bright Simons, SIGA’s report as currently presented does not paint an accurate picture of affairs at state-controlled businesses in Ghana.

He highlighted that it is replete with bizarre errors, misstatements, confusions, and flawed inferences. Especially when read against previous SIGA reports.

Parts of his post on X stated, “. The report as currently presented does not paint an accurate picture of affairs at state-controlled businesses in Ghana. It is replete with bizarre errors, misstatements, confusions, and flawed inferences. Especially when read against previous SIGA reports.

For example, the net loss for 2023 has been published in 3 different ways: GHS 2,573.2 million in the 2023 report, GHS 7,143.5 million in the 2024 report, and GHS 6,823.55 million in the 2025 report.

The net loss for 2022 has been published in 4 different ways. Revenue for 2021 has been published in 5 different five ways.

Total liabilities for 2021 appear as GHS135,883 million in the 2021 report, GHS172,043 million in the 2023 report, and GHS135,914 million in the 2025 report, a GHS36 billion excursion that appears and then vanishes.

These confusions make it really hard to make the comparisons across years that SIGA is trying to push us to do”.

He further added, “State-owned businesses’ underlying profitability declined in 2025. You heard that right. Contrary to what SIGA says, when you remove the currency effects, net profit fell 17.1 per cent, operating profit fell 22.7 per cent, and the operating margin narrowed by three and a half percentage points between 2024 and 2025”.

“In simple terms: SIGA told us that a loss of GHS 2.26 billion in 2024 switched into a profit of GHS19.80 billion in 2025. But as everyone now knows, if you ignore the currency revaluations, profit actually fell from GHS9.75 billion to GHS8.08 billion, a decline of 17.1 per cent,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Bright Simon called on SIGA to withdraw, not just the confusing 2025 one, but all its reports from 2020, fix the errors, and submit a more reliable series.

@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – #❤️Mrs Kwofie💍
@ghnow_ “When the President is coming, they use another route. See the road for yourself.” #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

SIGA’s GH¢19.8bn SOEs profit claim false; full of bizarre errors – Bright Simons

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SIGA’s GH¢19.8bn SOEs profit claim false; full of bizarre errors – Bright Simons

Bright Simons, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has punched holes in the State Interests and Governance Authority’s (SIGA) claim that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a combined net profit of GH¢19.8 billion in 2025.

It will be recalled that the  State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has announced that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a consolidated net profit after tax of GH¢19.80 billion in the 2025 financial year.

According to SIGA, the GH¢19.80 billion profit ends the four consecutive years of net losses.

SIGA disclosed that the turnaround represents a significant improvement from the GH¢2.25 billion net loss posted in 2024, as total SOE revenue increased by 28.12 per cent from GH¢137.64 billion to GH¢176.43 billion.

SIGA, in a release on Sunday, August 30, 2026, made these figures known, which marks the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship assessment of specified entities and the fifth published by SIGA.

However, the Vice President of IMANI Africa has quizzed whether the headline figures accurately reflect the underlying performance of the enterprises.

Bright Simons argued that currency-related gains significantly influenced the 2025 results.

According to Bright Simons, SIGA’s report as currently presented does not paint an accurate picture of affairs at state-controlled businesses in Ghana.

He highlighted that it is replete with bizarre errors, misstatements, confusions, and flawed inferences. Especially when read against previous SIGA reports.

Parts of his post on X stated, “. The report as currently presented does not paint an accurate picture of affairs at state-controlled businesses in Ghana. It is replete with bizarre errors, misstatements, confusions, and flawed inferences. Especially when read against previous SIGA reports.

For example, the net loss for 2023 has been published in 3 different ways: GHS 2,573.2 million in the 2023 report, GHS 7,143.5 million in the 2024 report, and GHS 6,823.55 million in the 2025 report.

The net loss for 2022 has been published in 4 different ways. Revenue for 2021 has been published in 5 different five ways.

Total liabilities for 2021 appear as GHS135,883 million in the 2021 report, GHS172,043 million in the 2023 report, and GHS135,914 million in the 2025 report, a GHS36 billion excursion that appears and then vanishes.

These confusions make it really hard to make the comparisons across years that SIGA is trying to push us to do”.

He further added, “State-owned businesses’ underlying profitability declined in 2025. You heard that right. Contrary to what SIGA says, when you remove the currency effects, net profit fell 17.1 per cent, operating profit fell 22.7 per cent, and the operating margin narrowed by three and a half percentage points between 2024 and 2025”.

“In simple terms: SIGA told us that a loss of GHS 2.26 billion in 2024 switched into a profit of GHS19.80 billion in 2025. But as everyone now knows, if you ignore the currency revaluations, profit actually fell from GHS9.75 billion to GHS8.08 billion, a decline of 17.1 per cent,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Bright Simon called on SIGA to withdraw, not just the confusing 2025 one, but all its reports from 2020, fix the errors, and submit a more reliable series.

Read his full post below:

1. We were all there when SIGA, an agency that regulates state-owned or controlled businesses and parastatals, came and told us that state-controlled businesses have made incredible profits in 2025.

2. This was presented as a massive turnaround after years of losses.

3. Someone seemed to have forgotten that Ghana still has nerdy policy analysts who spend their lunchtime poring over figures.

4. With the help of Tabula and Excel Power Query, we have taken the SIGA report to task.

5. Unfortunately, it simply doesn’t hold up.

6. In fact, some of the findings are pretty bizarre.

7. The report as currently presented does not paint an accurate picture of affairs at state-controlled businesses in Ghana. It is replete with bizarre errors, misstatements, confusions, and flawed inferences. Especially when read against previous SIGA reports.

8. For example, the net loss for 2023 has been published in 3 different ways: GHS 2,573.2 million in the 2023 report, GHS 7,143.5 million in the 2024 report, and GHS 6,823.55 million in the 2025 report.

9. The net loss for 2022 has been published in 4 different ways. Revenue for 2021 has been published in 5 different five ways.

10. Total liabilities for 2021 appear as GHS135,883 million in the 2021 report, GHS172,043 million in the 2023 report, and GHS135,914 million in the 2025 report, a GHS36 billion excursion that appears and then vanishes.

11. These confusions make it really hard to make the comparisons across years that SIGA is trying to push us to do.

12. But when we do, we are forced to different, highly unflattering conclusions. As follows.

13. State-owned businesses’ underlying profitability declined in 2025. You heard that right. Contrary to what SIGA says, when you remove the currency effects (which, as analyst @CallmeAlfredo stresses, must be done for safe comparisons), net profit fell 17.1 per cent, operating profit fell 22.7 per cent, and the operating margin narrowed by three and a half percentage points between 2024 and 2025.

14. Basically, ECG went from exchange rate losses of GHS 8,837.71 million in 2024 to a gain of GHS 12,157.79 million in 2025. That swing: GHS20,995.50 million, is 95.2 per cent of the entire profit swing of GHS22,058.91 million that SIGA is celebrating.

15. Take exchange rate revaluations out and ECG’s operating result goes from a profit of GHS1.84 billion to a loss of GHS14.25 billion. Its operating cash flow moved from an inflow of GHS6.51 billion to an outflow of GHS12.54 billion, a swing of GHS19.05 billion in the wrong direction, while the company took in GHS20.44 billion of new financing to stay afloat.

16. Only $1.4 million in dividends were realised from the 53 fully state-owned enterprises in 2025. The dividend tally actually fell by 45.5% in 2025, compared to 2024. Celebrating “profits” when dividends are crashing?

17. Moreover, the celebrated turnaround is being measured against a baseline that was reduced by three-quarters between editions, using a ratio whose definition changed at the same time. Neither adjustment was disclosed.

18. In simple terms: SIGA told us that a loss of GHS 2.26 billion in 2024 switched into a profit of GHS19.80 billion in 2025. But as everyone now knows, if you ignore the currency revaluations, profit actually fell from GHS9.75 billion to GHS8.08 billion, a decline of 17.1 per cent.

19. (By the way, the “976%” improvement from 2024 to 2025 that has been reported is totally meaningless. One can’t use a percentage incremental when swinging from below zero – negative – to positive).

20. SIGA’s published cost figure for 2021 is wrong by GHS 50.9 billion. Instead of GHS 54.04 billion, GHS 104.97 billion is used. The wrong number is replicated from the 2023 figure. This crazy error is presented as evidence that State companies are becoming more efficient at covering their costs. The published series thus climbs from 0.54 in 2021 to 1.17 in 2025 to underline the success story. If corrected, 2021 was already 1.04. Most of the “improvement” is from a pure mistake.

21. (The craziest thing is that this is not a one-off. In all five SIGA reports from 2021 to 2025, the earliest year’s cost figure is an exact copy of the figure two years later in the same table. And it is not confined to that table: the 2025 report duplicates cells in its mining chapter and its joint-venture chapter too, at different intervals. These are not typos. Something messed up seems to be going on.)

22. The other strange thing is how SIGA fails to explain how equity dropped by a whopping GHS 12.69 billion in 2025 creating an inexplicable GHS 32.49 billion gap from the profit line. Even as net worth has been reported as rising for the three previous years of losses. So somehow the net worth of the businesses that has been rising during the years of losses suddenly drops when humongous profits show up?

23. Another bizarre issue is that the 2024 report says State businesses lost GHS 9,675.43 million that year and reported a return on equity of minus 8.5 per cent. The 2025 report says the loss in 2024 was GHS 2,259.15 million. GHS 7.42 billion of losses disappeared like smoke. With zero explanation.

24. Apart from the currency revaluations, SIGA also booked GHS 4,128.08 million as profits from GETFund. That money is simply the portion of the levy (a kind of tax) Ghanaians pay that GETFund hadn’t got around to spending yet by the end of the year (more likely, it wasn’t released to them.)

25. As for the entities in which Ghana owns a tiny stake (like 0.04% in Anglogold), it is comical how their total profits were reported as if they can be attributed to Ghana.

In short, SIGA should withdraw, not just the confusing the 2025 one, but all its reports from 2020, fix the errors, and submit a more reliable series.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – #❤️Mrs Kwofie💍

My petition against Special Prosecutor on ice after a ‘political settlement’ – Martin Kpebu

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My petition against Special Prosecutor on ice after a ‘political settlement’ – Martin Kpebu

Martin Kpebu, a Private legal practitioner, has revealed that his petition filed against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has been put on ice.

According to Martin Kpebu, the petition has been put on ice following a political settlement, revealing that some person went to beg President Mahama.

Lawyer Kpebu disclosed that his petition is separate from those recently dismissed by the Chief Justice for failing to establish a prima facie case.

Speaking on JoyNews PM Express, Martin Kpebu stated, “Mine is not part. Those that were part, they put that out in the public”.

“Evans, don’t joke. Mine is a strong dossier. There’s no way you can throw that petition out,” he said.

Kpebu explained that the petition has stalled because of a political settlement.

He added, “Yeah, so what has happened is that we are unable to move forward because it’s been put on ice because of a certain political settlement. People went to beg the president”.

“It’s okay, the manner in which it’s being held now. I’m a practical person. But look, let’s see. Maybe eventually Kissi Agyebeng will come to terms with his conduct and just honourably resign. But you can’t throw that petition out. If it gets thrown out, I will publish it. And then, nothing stops me from publishing it now,” he said.

It will be recalled that some months ago, Martin Kpebu said his faith in the system would be shaken if his petition against the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, is thrown out like the recent petition against the EC and OSP.

According to Lawyer Kpebu, his petition against the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, is yet to be looked at by the Chief Justice.

Lawyer Kpebu is quoted by TV3 as saying, “If my petition for the OSP to be removed gets thrown out like these three, it will shake my faith in the system”.

Also, Martin Kpebu has echoed his resolve to petition President John Dramani Mahama for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng from Office.

Martin Kpebu revealed he has fifteen allegations against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

 Speaking to TV3 shortly after his release, Lawyer Kpebu stated, “I know I have not done anything wrong, so I knew I would be released”.

He revealed that his arrest stemmed from a verbal confrontation with a military officer stationed at the OSP.

Mr Kpebu recounted, “Then the next thing, the soldier said I am stupid, so I also turned and said he is also stupid, and so we exchanged words”.

“I know I have not done anything wrong, so I knew I would be released,” he stated.

“Then a colleague of his, another soldier, shouted that next time I do that, I will see. In Ghanaian English, ‘you will see’ means he will cause me some harm, or there will be consequences, even if not physical.

So I turned and gave the same answer; he had no right. I’m not a suspect, and even if I was, could he do that? So I said he had no right”.

“Then the next thing I knew, he said I’m stupid. That’s what the soldier said. So I turned back and told him he is also stupid. We exchanged a few words, and then one of my lawyers pulled me so we could go in,” he added, stating he would never attack any officer who had done nothing to him.

He added that his arrest confirms that Kissi Agyebeng is incompetent.

“I will petition for his removal. I have 15 allegations against him,” he once again revealed.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“SOEs’ ‘by force’ profit don’t make sense” – Manasseh Azure calls out SIGA

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“SOEs’ ‘by force’ profit don’t make sense” – Manasseh Azure calls out SIGA

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an Investigative journalist, has called out the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) after they announced that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a consolidated net profit after tax of GH¢19.80 billion in the 2025 financial year.

He questioned the credibility of SIGA’s 2025 State Ownership Report, calling some SOE “by force” profits illogical and urging clarification on suspicious details.

According to Manasseh Azure, SIGA must come clear with more details about the “by force”.

In a post on X, Manasseh Azure stated, “SIGA, please, come clear. Details of some of the SOEs’ ‘by force’ profit don’t make sense”.

His comment comes on the back of the  State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) announcing that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a consolidated net profit after tax of GH¢19.80 billion in the 2025 financial year.

According to SIGA, the GH¢19.80 billion profit ends the four consecutive years of net losses.

SIGA disclosed that the turnaround represents a significant improvement from the GH¢2.25 billion net loss posted in 2024, as total SOE revenue increased by 28.12 per cent from GH¢137.64 billion to GH¢176.43 billion.

SIGA, in a release on Sunday, August 30, 2026, made these figures known, which marks the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship assessment of specified entities and the fifth published by SIGA.

However, policy analysts note that SOEs’ headline profits rely heavily on accounting and macroeconomic factors like FX revaluations rather than core operations.

Read SIGA’s full press release below:

“The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has released the 2025 State Ownership Report (SOR), the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship account of the performance of its Specified Entities, and the fifth published by SIGA since the Authority’s establishment in 2019. Covering 162 of the 175 approved Specified Entities comprising 53 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), 36 Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) and 73 Other State Entities (OSEs), the report offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the financial and operational performance of the stateowned sector, and serves as a vital resource for policymakers, stakeholders and the public in shaping the future of Ghana’s SOEs, JVCs and OSEs.

“This edition is significant because it documents the performance of Specified Entities for the first year of President Mahama’s second administration,” said Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of SIGA. “It gives a full picture of how these Specified Entities are contributing to the broader economic reset agenda, and it will help drive meaningful dialogue around the future of our State-Owned Enterprises, Joint Venture Companies and Other State Entities, ensuring they fulfil their potential as catalysts for economic growth and development.”

The complete 2025 State Ownership Report is available on SIGA’s official website. SIGA invites the Ghanaian public, the media, investors and all stakeholders to read the report and take an active interest in how their collective investments held in trust through the country’s Specified Entities are being managed and are performing on their behalf.

Key highlights from the 2025 State Ownership Report:

A Turnaround Four Years In The Making

The State-Owned Enterprise sector delivered the standout result of the 2025 report. Total SOE revenue climbed 28.12% to GHS176.43 billion, from GHS137.64 billion in FY2024, propelled by the Agricultural (up 203.71%), Manufacturing (up 114.74%) and Infrastructure (up 92.24%) sub-sectors. That growth carried through to the bottom line: Profit Before Interest and Tax rose to GHS25.49 billion, continuing a four-year recovery from a loss of GHS502.00 million in FY2023 and a partial rebound of GHS5.80 billion in FY2024.

Most significantly, the sector broke a four-year cycle of consolidated net losses, closing FY2025 with a Net Profit after Tax of GHS19.80 billion, against a Net Loss after Tax of GHS2.25 billion the year before. Ten SOEs, among them the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Bui Power Authority, Ghana National Gas Company, BOST Energies Company, Minerals Income Investment Fund and TDC Company Ltd, sustained profitability throughout the five years. A stronger Cedi also reshaped the sector’s finances: SOEs recorded net foreign exchange earnings of GHS11.72 billion, reversing a GHS12.01 billion foreign exchange loss in FY2024, while finance costs fell by 42.49%.

Balance sheets contracted modestly, with total assets down 5.86% to GHS407.84 billion, led by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority and COCOBOD, and total liabilities down 4.31% to GHS281.99 billion, of which ECG alone accounted for GHS82.31 billion. The report cautions, however, that risks remain concentrated, especially because five SOEs consisting of ECG, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Ltd, GNPA Ltd, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centre recorded losses in every year from FY2021 to FY2025, while six entities, including AirtelTigo Ghana Ltd, Gihoc Distilleries and Tema Oil Refinery, have carried negative equity throughout the same period. Dividend payments to government also declined, with only two SOEs – Ghana Reinsurance Company Ltd and TDC Company Ltd – paying a combined GHS16.00 million, down 29.36% on FY2024.

Joint Ventures Extend Their Gains

Ghana’s Joint Venture Companies built on the momentum of the previous year. Net profit, excluding minority interest, rose 36.55% to GHS3.14 billion, from GHS2.29 billion in FY2024, while total JVC assets grew 25.99% to GHS96.69 billion. Minority-interest JVCs performed even more strongly, with net profit climbing to GHS61.32 billion in FY2025 from GHS21.06 billion in FY2024. These minority-interest companies were also the dominant source of dividends to government, contributing GHS1.19 billion, which represents 97.12% of all dividends received across the portfolio.

Other State Entities Face Mounting Pressure

The picture was less encouraging among Other State Entities, whose net deficit widened sharply to GHS10.48 billion in FY2025, from GHS2.18 billion in FY2024. While total assets grew 60.15% to GHS310.62 billion, liabilities rose faster still, up 41.83% to GHS323.17 billion, and the sub-sector’s accumulated fund swung to a negative GHS41.14 billion from a positive GHS15.47 billion. This is a shift driven substantially by the Bank of Ghana’s negative equity position of GHS93 billion.

A More Supportive Macroeconomic Environment

The Specified Entities’ performance unfolded against a markedly improved macroeconomic backdrop. Real GDP growth reached 6.0% in FY2025 which is the fastest pace of expansion since FY2019 and an improvement on the 5.8% recorded in FY2024. Monetary conditions eased considerably over the year: the Monetary Policy Rate fell from 27% to 18%, the Ghana Reference Rate from 29.31% to 15.9%, and the average lending rate from 30.25% to 20.4% by December 2025. Public debt rose in nominal terms to GHS640.99 billion but improved as a share of GDP, to 45.28%, on the back of currency appreciation, lower borrowing costs, a high primary surplus and effective debt management. The report nonetheless flags continuing fiscal exposure from outstanding loan guarantees of GHS3.03 billion, onlent loans of GHS14.73 billion, and US$3.7 million in contingent liabilities that crystallised from public-private partnership agreements during the year.

Reform Across Multiple Fronts

FY2025 was also a year of significant institutional change, beginning with the political transition from the New Patriotic Party to the National Democratic Congress and the new administration’s early steps to align Specified Entities with its development agenda.

On public financial management, the Ministry of Finance issued new PFM Implementation Guidelines in May 2025, requiring Specified Entities to submit quarterly internal audit and commitment control reports and subjecting centrally approved procurement to commitment authorisation by the Minister for Finance. The measures coincided with a sharp fall in public-sector procurement infractions, from GHS18.4 billion in FY2024 to GHS2.2 billion in FY2025, though the report notes that commitment authorisation requirements also introduced delays to capital projects and procurement activity.

SIGA itself deepened its oversight role during the year, assessing 70 Specified Entities that had executed FY2024 performance contracts through its Annual Governance and Institutional Performance Assessment Reports, intensifying engagement with entities showing persistent statutory reporting noncompliance, and welcoming a growing number of entities into the performance-contract framework ahead of FY2026 negotiations.

Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy took shape across several Specified Entities, from a round-theclock customer call centre at TDC and three-shift operations at Ghana Publishing, to AESL’s work on 24-hour markets across 33 MMDAs, extended production at GIHOC Distilleries, expanded services at DVLA, and continuous online services and environmental monitoring at the EPA; SIGA intends to fold these initiatives into future performance contracts and monitoring frameworks. In transport, the GHS62.86 billion Big Push Programme advanced a corridor-based approach to modernising trunk roads, bridges, interchanges and highways under the Ghana Highway Authority, with most projects still in early implementation by year-end.

The financial sector saw the recapitalisation of state-owned banks NIB and ADB, alongside continued government support for CBG, aimed at strengthening capital positions and restoring depositor and investor confidence. In the extractive sector, government established the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to centralise oversight of the gold sector, strengthen traceability and formalisation, curb illegal mining and smuggling, and capture greater value and foreign-exchange inflows from the gold value chain. And in rail, following prolonged financial, operational and labour difficulties that led to the suspension of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), SIGA recommended its liquidation, the absorption of its employees into the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), and the transformation of GRDA into a combined commercial and regulatory institution; the 97-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan line began commercial operations under GRDA in October 2025, and government has since introduced a phased support package covering salary arrears and critical infrastructure refurbishment.

Advancing Climate And Gender Commitments

Climate reporting continued to gain ground, with 42 of the 162 reporting Specified Entities — 25.9% of the total — disclosing climate-related projects, programmes or initiatives in FY2025, up from 27 entities the year before. The workforce across Specified Entities also expanded, growing 5.45% to 98,724 employees, an increase of 5,104 jobs, with SOEs accounting for the largest share of employment (48.62%), followed by OSEs (39.92%) and JVCs (11.47%). Women’s representation rose to 30.02% of the workforce, from 29.30% in FY2024, as female employment grew at nearly double the rate of male employment 8.02% against 4.39%.

From Recovery To Sustainable Value Creation

SIGA frames FY2025 as a turning point for Ghana’s state-owned sector. Stronger revenues, a return to profitability, improved fiscal discipline, deeper oversight and major institutional reforms all point in the same direction, yet persistent losses, negative equity, fiscal risk, governance gaps and uneven progress on climate and gender integration are a reminder that recovery alone is not enough.

The Authority’s call to action is direct: Specified Entities must move from recovery to resilience, from compliance to performance, and from state ownership to sustainable value creation. That will require stronger accountability, more disciplined capital allocation, decisive action on chronically underperforming entities, and the institutionalisation of performance-driven governance across the portfolio.

“The gains of FY2025 must not become a temporary rebound,” the report concludes. “They must become the foundation for a more efficient, competitive, inclusive and sustainable State-owned sector that creates value for the Ghanaian taxpayer and contributes meaningfully to national development.”

See the post below:

@ghnow_ “When the President is coming, they use another route. See the road for yourself.” #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Ghana Armed Forces opens 2026/27 recruitment for Degree Holders on September 3

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Ghana Armed Forces opens 2026/27 recruitment for Degree Holders on September 3

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the commencement of its 2026/2027 enlistment exercise.

According to GAF, the application forms will officially go on sale from Thursday, September 3, 2026.

In a post shared on Facebook on Monday, August 31, the Ghana Armed Forces announced that the exercise is open to first-degree holders and applicants with higher qualifications.

They disclosed that prospective applicants can purchase the required E-Voucher for GH¢200 from any post office nationwide from Thursday, September 3.

Also, GAF urged applicants to rely only on information published through its verified social media platforms for details about the enlistment process, warning applicants to be cautious of scammers who may falsely claim to have links to the Armed Forces or offer to secure enlistment in exchange for money.

According to GAF, applicants are advised to verify all recruitment information through the GAF’s official platforms and avoid dealing with unauthorised individuals or sources.

They revealed that further information on the enlistment process should be obtained through its verified communication channels.

In related news, Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has said persons living with HIV and Hepatitis B are not eligible for recruitment into the security services under existing recruitment protocols.

Speaking at Parliament’s Public Assurance Committee, the former Defence Minister stated, “If you are having HIV or Hepatitis B, you don’t qualify to join the security services, so they will disqualify you; it is part of their protocol.

With the military, they all do it in one hospital, 37; you come to 37 for your medicals; because of that, they will inform you, and you will go home knowing the reason why you were disqualified.

They will counsel you; they will do everything psychologically.

He added, “This 1300 some may not even know why they were disqualified; it can be multiple reasons, it can be just HIV alone, you can have HIV at the same time Hepatitis B”.

Also, an ex-Senior Warrant Officer and a 41-year-old ward assistant identified as Patience Mbaye have allegedly been fingered in a GH¢1.68m military recruitment scam.

Patience Mbaye is alleged to have duped 26 applicants of GH¢675,000 in a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment scam.

Reports suggest Mbaye is alleged to have collected GH¢675,000 from 26 people under the pretext of securing their recruitment into the GAF.

In court, Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, prosecuting, told the court that Mbaye allegedly acted with Ex-Senior Warrant Officer Jeffery Naboung, who is on the run.

The prosecution told the court the Ex-Senior Warrant Officer collected GH¢1,005,000 from 47 persons under the same pretext.

They were both charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and three counts of defrauding by false pretences.

However, Patience Mbaye pleaded not guilty, and the court admitted her to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three justified sureties.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “When the President is coming, they use another route. See the road for yourself.” #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“I won’t be reckless; I know what I have to do” – Afenyo-Markin on his role as Minority Leader

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“I won’t be reckless; I know what I have to do” – Afenyo-Markin on his role as Minority Leader

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, mindful of the NPP’s long political history and the trust placed in him by the party’s elders.

Afenyo-Markin also dismissed claims of compromising videos or audios, saying he will not do anything to embarrass himself, his family or the party.

According to Afenyo-Markin, while he is not perfect, he cannot be reckless as he knows what to do.

Speaking during a solidarity visit by Asafo companies and cultural troupes from Winneba (Effutu) to his Accra residence on August 31, 2026, Afenyo-Markin stated, “I have discharged my duty as Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I sit on a seat that JB Danquah, JH Mensah, Busia, Dombo, Kyei Mensah‑Bonsu, and Paapa Owusu‑Ankomah sat on. I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect.”

“From day one, they entrusted me with this position. I have always acknowledged the weight of history to do what is right. I’m not a perfect guy. But I won’t be reckless. I know what I have to do”.

He further urged the public to ignore reports of alleged audio or video evidence purportedly connecting him to extortion.

“So people talking about they have videos and audio — some are playing games on social media. Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family, and the party. There’s nothing like that anywhere. But it’s a social media era, so as a politician I have to accept some of these things. It will come my way,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the plaintiff in a defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, have denied claims that he is avoiding service of the writ filed against the accused.

On August 29, 2026, in a statement issued, Afenyo-Markin said assertions suggesting that he had failed to serve Gyamfi were false.

They disclosed that the writ was filed on August 24, 2026, and two days later, lawyers for Gyamfi, Ayine & Partners, formally informed the Registrar of the High Court that they had their client’s express instructions and authority to accept service on his behalf.

The statement added that the Bailiff subsequently served the writ on Gyamfi’s lawyers based on the written undertaking.

The statement further alleged that the lawyers returned the writ on August 27, claiming that their client had changed his mind about authorising them to accept service.

They further argued that in any event, under Order 7, rule 12(2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, a writ is duly served once it is delivered to a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a client, adding that  Sammy Gyamfi has been validly served.

Read full statement below

“PRESS STATEMENT

FALSE CLAIMS REGARDING SERVICE OF WRIT ON SAMMY GYAMFI

Accra — Our attention has been drawn to false claims that the Plaintiff in the defamation suit against Samuel Adu Gyamfi is avoiding service of the Writ.

The writ was filed on 24 August 2026. On 26 August 2026, Ayine & Partners formally informed the Registrar of the High Court that they had Mr Gyamfi’s “express instructions and authority” to accept service on his behalf. Relying on that written undertaking, the Bailiff duly served the Writ on his lawyers.

Subsequently, the lawyers on 27 August returned the Writ, claiming their client had changed his mind. When the Bailiff then attempted personal service at Mr Gyamfi’s office on that Thursday, his security personnel prevented him from doing so and directed him to Mr Gyamfi’s residence.

The position is straightforward: it is not and cannot be the Plaintiff who is avoiding service. It is the Defendant who first authorised his lawyers to accept service, withdrew that authority after service had been effected, and then obstructed an attempt at personal service.

In any event, under Order 7, rule 12(2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, a writ is duly served once it is delivered to a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a client. Accordingly, Mr Gyamfi has been validly served.

We urge those spreading the contrary narrative to desist. The relevant correspondence and the Bailiff’s official record speak for themselves. Mr Gyamfi will be required to answer the suit before the Court”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Ghana Tanker Association laments the poor state of the Tema–VALCO to TOR road #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Tanker Drivers Association Announces Planned Sit-Down Strike on Wednesday #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

It’s time to move from No Fee Stress ‘Lite’ to No Fee Stress ‘Proper’ – Mahama gov’t told

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It’s time to move from No Fee Stress ‘Lite’ to No Fee Stress ‘Proper’ – Mahama gov’t told

Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, told the John Mahama government it is time to move from No Fee Stress ‘Lite’ to No Fee Stress ‘Proper’

The EduWatch director made this known while punching holes in the design of the Mahama government’s No Fee Stress policy.

Kofi Asare argued that the No Fee Stress policy does not adequately address the financial barrier preventing some poor students from entering tertiary education.

According to Kofi Asare, the policy, which was intended to remove admission and academic fees that prevent financially disadvantaged students from accessing tertiary education, adds that the current reimbursement model requires students to first raise money and secure admission before receiving government support.

He argued that with the current reimbursement model, poor students are still at home unable to raise the initial funds required to enrol.

Kofi Asare disclosed that the government has been implementing No Fee Stress “Lite” for two academic years, benefiting more than 320,000 students at a cost of about GH¢900m, but the poor students are still at home.

In a social media post on X, Kofi Asare wrote, “The government has been implementing No Fee Stress “Lite” for two academic years, benefiting more than 320,000 students at a cost of about GH¢900m. Great!

But there is a critical gap. The beneficiaries are students who were able to raise the money required to secure admission in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years.

The poorest students, those who could not raise the initial fees, remain at home. Miss Ali is one of them. (Results are attached).

It is therefore time to move from No Fee Stress “Lite” to No Fee Stress ‘Proper’: a system in which tertiary admission and academic fees are waived upfront, rather than relying mainly on a refund mechanism that requires students to pay before they can benefit.

Eduwatch has repeatedly advised the government to target the policy at students who genuinely need it, but the government has taken a different position. It appears there is more cash to splash; just like free SHS.

If there is more cash, then the poorest must not be left behind because they lack the cash to honour their admission.

On judgement day, the true measure of No Fee Stress should not be how many students receive refunds, but how many students who would otherwise be excluded are given the opportunity to enter tertiary education in the first place.

A policy cannot claim to remove financial barriers while leaving behind those who cannot afford the upfront cost of admission.

The government must absorb Miss Ali’s fees and those of other prospective students in her situation before admission this year.

That is what the NDC manifesto promised, and this is the opportunity to turn that promise into reality.

Government cannot afford to stress Miss Ali and her colleagues in an era that is supposed to be “No Fee Stress.”

Let the policy speak. Let opportunity reach those who need it most. And let Miss Ali breathe.

Me kraa, I am stressed. I’m tired of saying this same thing over and over. Find the cash and do the do. Tsoo!

Do not measure the health of the forest by the strength of the lion while the smaller animals perish. -Larteh Proverb!”.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says 312,448 first-year tertiary students have benefited from the government’s ‘No Fees Stress’ policy at a total cost of over GHC888 million.

Haruna Iddrisu, answering questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 18, said the 2024/2025 academic year recorded 152,000 beneficiaries for GHC399 million, while 159,000 students have benefited so far in the 2025/2026 academic year for GHC489 million.

He stated, “The No Fees Stress policy for the 2024-25 academic year, 152,698 validated first-year students benefited at the cost of GHC399,374,727. For the 2025 academic year, 159,750 students have benefited so far at a cost of GHC489,456,427.

“To date, 312,448 students have been assisted under the ‘No Fees Stress’ at a total cost of GHC888,831,000. This is what we have done to support young people’s desires to access tertiary education. Our policy remains access, relevance and quality,” he said.

“I’m happy to announce that under this government, we are demystifying legal education. Therefore, students pursuing law and professional law can now apply for their student loans,” he said.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ “I go to the mechanic every week because of this road” — Driver shares his story #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

‘We have no choice’ – Deputy AG breaks silence on OSP claim of collaboration snub

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‘We have no choice’ – Deputy AG breaks silence on OSP claim of collaboration snub

The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, has rejected claims by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that the Attorney-General’s Office has refused to collaborate on corruption cases.

According to the Deputy AG, the Attorney-General’s Office has no choice, as its office is bound to make sure that all the agencies that are fighting crime do their work and do it properly.

Speaking to JoyNews at the Supreme Court, Justice Srem-Sai dismissed the claim, saying, “There has never been any tension between OSP as far as the Attorney-General is concerned”.

“My boss has no desire whatsoever to struggle with anyone over a job or what to do. What my boss knows and what he’s always asking us to do is to ensure that we fight crime and fight crime properly, respecting the rights of accused persons,” he said.

He argued that the Attorney-General’s Office had no reason to single out the OSP for a different working relationship from other law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, adding that the OSP was only one of several institutions involved in Ghana’s fight against crime and corruption.

He argued that the Attorney-General’s Office works with the National Commission for Civic Education (NACOC), the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Police Service and other state agencies as institutions.

“Why should there be some particular tension between us and them?” he asked.

“OSP is another agency created by legislation to fight crime. And like the way we work with all the other institutions, we work with the OSP the same way,” he said.

“But to say you have come to collaborate with us and we said no, there wouldn’t be any need for that approach in the first place”.

“We don’t have a choice. It’s not about being ready to welcome [the OSP]. We are bound as the Office of the Attorney-General to make sure that all the agencies that are fighting crime do their work and do their work properly,” he said.

“We are all creatures of law, either by the Constitution or by legislation. And the law determines our place in the greater scheme of things,” he said.

He further maintained that the Attorney-General’s Office remained focused on its mandate and had no interest in creating friction with the OSP.

His comment follows Samuel Appiah Darko, the Director of Strategy, Research and Communications at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), saying the Attorney-General (AG) has declined several requests from the office to collaborate on cases.

According to Samuel Appiah Darko, the OSP on several occasions approached the Office of the AG for cooperation, but their request was rejected.

He disclosed that although the OSP generally has a good working relationship with the Attorney-General and other stakeholders, there have been instances where its requests for case-specific collaboration were turned down.

Samuel Appiah Darko disclosed that several developments occur behind the scenes, but the OSP does not consider it necessary to make them public.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 29, Samuel Appiah Darko stated, “There are so many issues the OSP has kept quiet and not talked about. Look, there are instances where the OSP has approached the Attorney General’s office and said, let us collaborate in this matter, and we have been turned down.”

“When you are managing a state institution, a very sensitive one, it is not all the information you will come out to the public to talk about,” he noted.

He further rejected perceptions of a strained relationship with the Office of the Attorney-General.

“The reason why I have called on the show is to talk about these things. First of all, the issue that the OSP is not collaborating with the AG, I think that it is a wrong perception,” he said.

“Is that not obvious from your press conferences?” the host of the show, Samson Lardy Anyenini, asked him.

He replied, “I know that people think that there is tension between the AG and the OSP. There could be tension, but you cannot also deny the OSP from also telling Ghanaians about some of the things that it is doing, and it wants to do. For instance, if the OSP needs to respond to some information that has already been put in the public domain that may not be accurate and the OSP clarifies that, that does not mean that the OSP is breeding a fight or tension.”

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Driver’s tyre bursts on Tema–VALCO Road due to deplorable road condition #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ “I go to the mechanic every week because of this road” — Driver shares his story #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow

Watch Afenyo-Markin join Asafo Companies 1 and 2 to chant “Sammy atɔn gold, abɔ ka”

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Watch Afenyo-Markin join Asafo Companies 1 and 2 to chant “Sammy atɔn gold, abɔ ka”

A video has surfaced of the Asafo Companies One and Two from Efutu joining Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin in chanting “Sammy atɔn gold, abɔ ka” during a show of solidarity at his Accra residence, amid his ongoing dispute with GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi.

In the viral video, the Asafo Companies One and Two show solidarity with the Minority leader amid his dispute with the GoldBod CEO.

Also, Afenyo-Markin, speaking to TV3, has disclosed that he has never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name concerning the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme loss.

According to Afenyo-Markin, he has always been talking about the GoldBod institution.

He stated, “I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution. The contention of the Minority is that its implementation has not been good.”

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the plaintiff in a defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, have denied claims that he is avoiding service of the writ filed against the accused.

On August 29, 2026, in a statement issued, Afenyo-Markin said assertions suggesting that he had failed to serve Gyamfi were false.

They disclosed that the writ was filed on August 24, 2026, and two days later, lawyers for Gyamfi, Ayine & Partners, formally informed the Registrar of the High Court that they had their client’s express instructions and authority to accept service on his behalf.

The statement added that the Bailiff subsequently served the writ on Gyamfi’s lawyers based on the written undertaking.

The statement further alleged that the lawyers returned the writ on August 27, claiming that their client had changed his mind about authorising them to accept service.

They further argued that in any event, under Order 7, rule 12(2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, a writ is duly served once it is delivered to a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a client, adding that  Sammy Gyamfi has been validly served.

Read full statement below

“PRESS STATEMENT

FALSE CLAIMS REGARDING SERVICE OF WRIT ON SAMMY GYAMFI

Accra — Our attention has been drawn to false claims that the Plaintiff in the defamation suit against Samuel Adu Gyamfi is avoiding service of the Writ.

The writ was filed on 24 August 2026. On 26 August 2026, Ayine & Partners formally informed the Registrar of the High Court that they had Mr Gyamfi’s “express instructions and authority” to accept service on his behalf. Relying on that written undertaking, the Bailiff duly served the Writ on his lawyers.

Subsequently, the lawyers on 27 August returned the Writ, claiming their client had changed his mind. When the Bailiff then attempted personal service at Mr Gyamfi’s office on that Thursday, his security personnel prevented him from doing so and directed him to Mr Gyamfi’s residence.

The position is straightforward: it is not and cannot be the Plaintiff who is avoiding service. It is the Defendant who first authorised his lawyers to accept service, withdrew that authority after service had been effected, and then obstructed an attempt at personal service.

In any event, under Order 7, rule 12(2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, a writ is duly served once it is delivered to a lawyer who has undertaken in writing to accept service on behalf of a client. Accordingly, Mr Gyamfi has been validly served.

We urge those spreading the contrary narrative to desist. The relevant correspondence and the Bailiff’s official record speak for themselves. Mr Gyamfi will be required to answer the suit before the Court”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Driver’s tyre bursts on Tema–VALCO Road due to deplorable road condition #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

University of Memphis has not ended scholarship agreement with Ghana – Scholarships Authority

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University of Memphis has not ended scholarship agreement with Ghana – Scholarships Authority

Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA), Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, has said the University of Memphis has not ended the scholarship agreement with Ghana.

According to the GSA, the University of Memphis has not formally notified it of any decision to terminate the scholarship agreement between the two institutions.

He further argued that the scholarship agreement, signed in April 2023, remains in force until 2028 unless either party formally activates the termination clause.

He disclosed that under the terms of the agreement, either party seeking to end the partnership is required to provide the other with 90 days’ prior written notice.

Asafo-Agyei stated, “As we speak, no official or unofficial notice of termination has been served on the GSA, nor have there been any discussions with the Authority that remotely suggest that the agreement has been terminated or is being terminated”.

The acting Executive Director disclosed that government has continued to take steps to settle its outstanding financial obligations, adding that the government has released $500,000 to the University of Memphis on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as part-payment of the arrears.

His remarks follow reports that the University of Memphis in the United States has ended its scholarship partnership with Ghana over outstanding tuition payments approaching $4 million.

According to reports, the University of Memphis’ move now puts nearly  100 Ghanaian students at the University facing uncertainty over their education.

Reports suggest affected students, who benefited from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat programme, have been barred from enrolling for the new academic term.

The students will now have to secure alternative funding to settle their tuition obligations.

The development comes as the University of Memphis prepares to begin its fall semester.  

According to the university, Ghana still owes nearly $4 million in tuition fees under the scholarship arrangement, revealing that the debt had previously stood at $3.6 million in July 2025, with Ghana making two $1 million payments in August that year before the outstanding balance later increased again.

Bill Hardgrave, the University of Memphis president, had previously linked the payment difficulties to Ghana’s change in government and the resulting impact on the country’s budget.

However, despite expectations that the situation would be resolved, the outstanding obligations have remained unsettled.

The Ghanaians student at the University could also face immigration complications if they are unable to maintain the full-time enrolment required under their international student status.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the scholarship arrangement was established in 2023 following an initiative involving the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who advocated for opportunities for Ghanaian students after he visited the Memphis in May International Festival.

@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

Watch how Ghana’s cedi is manufactured

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Watch how Ghana’s cedi is manufactured

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released a video explaining how the country’s banknotes are produced, revealing the detailed process behind the cedi notes used in everyday transactions.

According to the video, before a single banknote reaches a bank, shop or wallet, it goes through months of design work, several printing stages and strict security checks.

Ghana’s current banknote series comprises six denominations, ranging from GH¢5 to GH¢200, with a range of security features designed to make the notes more durable and difficult to counterfeit.

The video detailed the manufacturing of Ghana’s Cedi banknotes, covering industrial processes at a secure facility with Crane Currency Malta equipment.

The footage also demonstrates sequential printing stages including screen printing for gold elements, offset for colours and backgrounds, and intaglio for physical security features.

In other news, President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s currency, the Cedi, is “long overdue for refreshing”.

According to John Mahama, there is a need to periodically upgrade the Cedi security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters.

Mahama detailed that the currencies must be periodically updated to make it more difficult for criminals to reproduce them.

He, however, argued that the decision to redesign or replace the cedi rests with the Bank of Ghana.

Mahama further disclosed that he is aware of plans by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to refresh the currency, adding that he expects the central bank to announce the details to the public.

President Mahama, speaking during the Resetting Ghana Tour in the Upper East Region, stated, “Every country, every ten years, you are supposed to refresh your currency because if you use the same currency for too long, people learn how to counterfeit it”.

Mahama argued that security features on banknotes must be updated from time to time to keep pace with counterfeiting techniques.

“And so this particular currency is long overdue for refreshing,” he said.

“I know the governor has plans to refresh the currency and I am sure that at the appropriate time, the Bank of Ghana will let Ghanaians know what they are doing about it,” he said.

However, it must be noted that updating the security features on Ghana’s banknotes would not change the value of the cedi or amount to a redenomination.

Mahama highlighted that the value and performance of the currency are ultimately linked to the management of the wider economy.

“What I would say is that the cedi today is stronger than it was in the past because of good economic management,” he said.

He pointed to the government’s economic policies as a key factor supporting the cedi’s recent performance against major international currencies.

“Your currency is as strong as your economic management, and because of the good policies we put in place, the cedi is holding its own against other major currencies,” the President added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow

BREAKING – Lionel Messi retires from international football

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BREAKING – Lionel Messi retires from international football

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

Messi, in a statement, expressed deep gratitude to fans, family, coaches, and teammates for the journey that brought World Cup glory in 2022 and more.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward made his final appearance for Argentina in the World Cup final.

Messi’s sixth World Cup campaign saw him make history as only the third player.

Lionel Messi finished his international career as Argentina’s all-time record appearance holder and leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country.

Messi also leaves behind a remarkable trophy collection, having won the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and two World Cup Golden Ball awards.

Lionel Messi’s full statement announcing his retirement read, “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.

“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!

“Thank you God for making me Argentine.

“Vamos Argentina!

“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.”

See the post below:

“Be wary of Emmanuel Macron, Tony Blair and Bill Gates” – Prof Lumumba warns Mahama

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“Be wary of Emmanuel Macron, Tony Blair and Bill Gates” – Prof Lumumba warns Mahama

Prof Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, a Renowned pan-Africanist, has warned President John Dramani Mahama not to be wary of Emmanuel Macron, Tony Blair and Bill Gates.

According to Prof Lumumba, five African leaders, including the president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, are on the right path in championing the course of Africa but must be wary of certain Western leaders.

Prof Lumumba argued that African leaders must be wary of their association with certain Western leaders.

He argued that Emmanuel Macron, Tony Blair and Bill Gates have their hands in very important sectors of the African continent, including education, health and agriculture.

Prof Lumumba stressed that these individuals seem to be helping in these sectors by investing a lot of money, but this is not the case.

Speaking in an interview with excerpts shared on X, Prof Lumumba stated, “I believe that President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana is moving in the right direction. Like him or hate him, Paul Kagame still believes in an African project, and then Boko in Botswana believes in an African project. In the Sahel, Traoré has his problems, but he believes in an African project.

“Those are the ones that I can count, but they must be wary of two individuals. There is no defamation here because we can defend them. They must be wary of Emmanuel Macron. They must be wary of another person called Tony Blair… because he has an advisory thing; even here in Nairobi, he has a thing. He’s advising all manner of African presidents,” he said.

He added, “Then they must be wary of another individual called Bill Gates. These individuals, the three of them, because they are everywhere they are in health, they are in education, they are in agriculture and they come with money, lots of money. Lots of money, but it’s not lots of money. It appears to be lots of money.

Prof Lumumba further highlighted that African countries themselves must be in charge of these sectors as the continent has enough resources to do that.

He revealed that African billionaires like Aliko Dangote and institutions like the African Exim Bank can be marshalled to raise the needed capital for these important sectors.

“We have more money internally that we can generate if we marshal African billionaires.

Dangote is beginning to show the way in the oil sector. We can look at a few of them on the continent and put them together to use our institutions, the African Exim Bank, which is now in about twenty countries, complete with a payment system. African Development Bank, if we inject some of these firms, East African Development Bank”, he added.

Some Africans reacting to his comments stated, “African billionaires must come together to build a trans African railway line, connecting major landlocked cities and towns. Some must invest in cargo shipping within coastal cities. This will boost movement and access to indigenous goods within African countries”.

“The way I like listening to this man…. His intelligence in historical fiction is eccentric”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “One thing the NPP doesn’t understand is that we the citizens act as if we don’t see and we don’t recall, but trust me if you do well in government, the thumb will justify the means on every Election Day. If they keep being irresponsible, they’ll be replaced by the United Party”.

“Very true to all he has said. So now citizens and nations must protect their leaders by siding with them. Because these evil people will use their own people to overthrow or destroy their progress”, a netizen added.

An X user added, “I’m truly proud, but please, our leaders, take note of the things he pointed out in the video”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “Should we wait for a tanker accident before this road is prioritised?” — Tanker Drivers Association Chairman #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The Tema–VALCO Road leading to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is in a deplorable state, leaving motorists and heavy-duty truck drivers struggling to navigate the badly damaged stretch. #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

Ghana’s over $4m debt forces University of Memphis to end scholarship deal

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Ghana’s over $4m debt forces University of Memphis to end scholarship deal

The University of Memphis in the United States has ended its scholarship partnership with Ghana over outstanding tuition payments approaching $4 million.

According to reports, the University of Memphis’ move now puts nearly  100 Ghanaian students at the University facing uncertainty over their education.

Reports suggest affected students, who benefited from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat programme, have been barred from enrolling for the new academic term.

The students will now have to secure alternative funding to settle their tuition obligations.

The development comes as the University of Memphis prepares to begin its fall semester.  

According to the university, Ghana still owes nearly $4 million in tuition fees under the scholarship arrangement, revealing that the debt had previously stood at $3.6 million in July 2025, with Ghana making two $1 million payments in August that year before the outstanding balance later increased again.

Bill Hardgrave, the University of Memphis president, had previously linked the payment difficulties to Ghana’s change in government and the resulting impact on the country’s budget.

However, despite expectations that the situation would be resolved, the outstanding obligations have remained unsettled.

The Ghanaians student at the University could also face immigration complications if they are unable to maintain the full-time enrolment required under their international student status.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the scholarship arrangement was established in 2023 following an initiative involving the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who advocated for opportunities for Ghanaian students after he visited the Memphis in May International Festival.

In related scholarship secretariat news, Sarbah Zita Benson, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK/Ireland, has once again exposed the alleged irregularities uncovered in scholarship arrangements for Ghanaian students studying in the UK.

According to Sabah Zita Benson, she cringed reading the rot that happened under the former Registrar of the scholarship secretariat, Dr Kingsley Agyemang.

She disclosed that the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat were paying monthly stipends for whole families, including spouses and children, because one person was coming to study for an MBA.

Sabah Zita Benson provided documents containing the allegations disclosing that the children and spouses of scholarship beneficiaries also received medical coverage and other benefits allegedly worth about £90,000.

She also stressed that each of the children of the scholarship recipients received about £8,160 as financial support while accompanying their parents.

Sarbah Zita Benson detailed documents from the prior NPP administration showing such family-inclusive awards as part of broader mismanagement that led to over £37 million in student payment arrears.

Speaking in an interview, Sabah Zita Benson stated, “These are documents from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, and if you see the rot, you will be amazed. All these are scholarship documents that I received from the Ghana Scholarship [Secretariat].

I cringed reading these documents. The rot that happened under the former Registrar. This particular one is one woman. I don’t want to mention names. I’ll say Princess. She gets a scholarship and goes with her three children”.

She added, “The children are paid to come and stay with their mother to study, and her spouse, her husband. And so, this one, for instance, has three children. She is enrolled in a master’s degree programme.

“She gets paid for the master’s programme with stipends. Her husband gets paid to come and support his wife in studying. Together with their three children, that’s another child, a baby, also a scholarship student”.

Sarbah Zita Benson further added, “I’ll tell you, they pay for their airfare. So for the four, their visas, yellow card, yellow fever card, ticket, comes to about £90,000. And every month, the three children, their husband, everybody – not all of them – each gets £8,160 to support the mother to study. Do you think that is fair to the taxpayer of Ghana?

She further called on the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to move fast to investigate the allegations and ensure that individuals found culpable refund every penny.

@ghnow_ Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Association raises concerns over the slow pace of work on the Tema–VALCO Road to TOR, alleging that the contractor works for only one hour each day. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “Should we wait for a tanker accident before this road is prioritised?” — Tanker Drivers Association Chairman #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow

“Your social media handles are now your public reference points” – Joyce Bawah Mogtari advises

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“Your social media handles are now your public reference points” – Joyce Bawah Mogtari advises

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Senior Presidential Aide and Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, has urged Ghanaian social media users to be deliberate about what they publish online.

According to Joyce Bawah Mogtari,  social media profiles have increasingly become public reference points.

She argued that the growing influence of social media makes it an important tool for communication, business, political campaigns, public engagement and marketing.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari encouraged users to leverage the platforms to promote constructive ideas and meaningful conversations.

In a Facebook post, Joyce Bawah Mogtari wrote, “Social media advocacy and advertising have become powerful tools and essential skills for modern-day communication, business, political campaigns, public engagement, and marketing. Apparently, your social media handles are now your public reference point. So be careful what you post or comment on.

Years ago, I had a friend who would occasionally chastise me for interacting with too many posts on social media. Today, that individual probably posts more than I do. There is no need to mention names; the point is simply that people’s perspectives and habits evolve.

My personal social media platforms are primarily an extension of my work as a spokesperson and communicator, and a means of amplifying the work of the NDC. As is normal in political spaces, some individuals may have personal grievances with me or disagree with my political views. Some may choose to express those sentiments directly, indirectly, or simply by not engaging with my posts. Others I have had disagreements with have blocked me, and vice versa, so naturally, I do not expect them to see or comment on what I post.

In my view, social media has its own etiquette. If you consistently share thoughtful, well-researched, relevant, and meaningful content, people beyond your immediate social circle— colleagues, professionals, and even people you have never met— will engage with it organically.

Edem Agbana can personally attest to the period when I made a deliberate decision to use my personal social media platforms more proactively to engage communities and young people and to promote the work of our party. It served me well.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with communicating with others, commenting on their posts, or engaging in conversations online. Social media is ultimately about networking, exchanging ideas, building relationships, and creating connections. The key is to use your platform wisely to contribute to social change, promote meaningful ideas, and participate in constructive conversations.

A few weeks ago, at a meeting of a highly specialised forum, a very knowledgeable and influential speaker told me that he had come to know me largely through my articles on social media. He referenced several of the issues I have written about and, rather delightfully, connected my approach to the example of my Boss, President Mahama.

He noted that President Mahama has historically been one of the most prolific African political figures, one who started using Social Media long before many other leaders and recalled that our President had to his mind, in fact, had set the tone and the example for many of his colleagues. So you see it is a usefully impactful tool for modern-day communication; please use it wisely and use it positively, use it for all the right reasons, because indeed Social Media gets results.

It takes a village!”.

Netizens reacting to Joyce Bawah’s post stated, “Auntie, you see the world we live in today—people will sometimes hate you for no reason. 😂

Personally, I have faced my fair share of issues simply because I have taken your projects and advocacy on social media as my own personal projects. Some have even asked, “Why are you posting your woman like that?” 😂

But I remain focused. No distractions. I know what I am doing, and I believe in the work.

For me, this is more than just posting. I have a project, and social media advocacy, strategic communication, and positive storytelling are all part of it. If a platform can amplify good work, inspire people, and contribute to social change, then why not use it?

As you rightly said, Social Media gets results. The key is to use it wisely, positively, and for the right reasons.

So, Auntie, we keep communicating, we keep advocating, and we keep amplifying the work. No distractions.

Acta Non Verba. 💚✊🏽”.

A Facebooker added, “Absolutely, Auntie Joyce. 👏🏽 This is a powerful reminder that social media is no longer just a place to post; it is part of our public identity and a powerful tool for communication, influence, and impact. What we put out there today can open doors, shape perceptions, and create opportunities tomorrow.

I particularly love the point about using our platforms to contribute to social change and constructive conversations. Communication is not just about being heard; it is about making an impact. Thank you for this important reminder, Auntie. 🙏🏽

#ActaNonVerba”.

“This is exactly what young communicators need to hear.

Your timeline is your reference point. Post with purpose, engage with respect, and the right people will find you.

Thank you, Hon. JBM, for leading by example and for showing us how to use social media to amplify impact, not just noise,” one other Ghanaian added.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ “Should we wait for a tanker accident before this road is prioritised?” — Tanker Drivers Association Chairman #GHnow #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Association raises concerns over the slow pace of work on the Tema–VALCO Road to TOR, alleging that the contractor works for only one hour each day. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“President John Mahama moving in the right direction” – Prof Lumumba

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“President John Mahama moving in the right direction” – Prof Lumumba

Prof Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, a Renowned pan-Africanist, has showered praises on President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Prof Lumumba, five African leaders, including the president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, are on the right path in championing the course of Africa.

Prof Lumumba, however, warned John Mahama to be wary of certain Western leaders.

Prof Lumumba argued that African leaders must be wary of their association with certain Western leaders.

He argued that Emmanuel Macron, Tony Blair and Bill Gates have their hands in very important sectors of the African continent, including education, health and agriculture.

Prof Lumumba stressed that these individuals seem to be helping in these sectors by investing a lot of money, but this is not the case.

Speaking in an interview with excerpts shared on X, Prof Lumumba stated, “I believe that President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana is moving in the right direction. Like him or hate him, Paul Kagame still believes in an African project, and then Boko in Botswana believes in an African project. In the Sahel, Traoré has his problems, but he believes in an African project.

“Those are the ones that I can count, but they must be wary of two individuals. There is no defamation here because we can defend them. They must be wary of Emmanuel Macron. They must be wary of another person called Tony Blair… because he has an advisory thing; even here in Nairobi, he has a thing. He’s advising all manner of African presidents,” he said.

He added, “Then they must be wary of another individual called Bill Gates. These individuals, the three of them, because they are everywhere they are in health, they are in education, they are in agriculture and they come with money, lots of money. Lots of money, but it’s not lots of money. It appears to be lots of money.

Prof Lumumba further highlighted that African countries themselves must be in charge of these sectors as the continent has enough resources to do that.

He revealed that African billionaires like Aliko Dangote and institutions like the African Exim Bank can be marshalled to raise the needed capital for these important sectors.

“We have more money internally that we can generate if we marshal African billionaires.

Dangote is beginning to show the way in the oil sector. We can look at a few of them on the continent and put them together to use our institutions, the African Exim Bank, which is now in about twenty countries, complete with a payment system. African Development Bank, if we inject some of these firms, East African Development Bank”, he added.

Some Africans reacting to his comments stated, “African billionaires must come together to build a trans African railway line, connecting major landlocked cities and towns. Some must invest in cargo shipping within coastal cities. This will boost movement and access to indigenous goods within African countries”.

“The way I like listening to this man…. His intelligence in historical fiction is eccentric”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “One thing the NPP doesn’t understand is that we the citizens act as if we don’t see and we don’t recall, but trust me if you do well in government, the thumb will justify the means on every Election Day. If they keep being irresponsible, they’ll be replaced by the United Party”.

“Very true to all he has said. So now citizens and nations must protect their leaders by siding with them. Because these evil people will use their own people to overthrow or destroy their progress”, a netizen added.

An X user added, “I’m truly proud, but please, our leaders, take note of the things he pointed out in the video”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

“Poor students remain at home” – EduWatch punches holes in Mahama gov’t no fee stress policy

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“Poor students remain at home” – EduWatch punches holes in Mahama gov’t no fee stress policy

The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) , Kofi Asare, has punched holes in the design of the Mahama government’s no fee stress policy for university students.

Kofi Asare argued that the No Fee Stress policy does not adequately address the financial barrier preventing some poor students from entering tertiary education.

According to Kofi Asare, the policy was intended to remove admission and academic fees that prevent financially disadvantaged students from accessing tertiary education, adding that the current reimbursement model requires students to first raise money and secure admission before receiving government support.

He argued that with the current reimbursement model, poor students are still at home unable to raise the initial funds required to enrol.

In a social media post on X, Kofi Asare wrote, “The government has been implementing No Fee Stress “Lite” for two academic years, benefiting more than 320,000 students at a cost of about GH¢900m. Great!

But there is a critical gap. The beneficiaries are students who were able to raise the money required to secure admission in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years.

The poorest students, those who could not raise the initial fees, remain at home. Miss Ali is one of them. (Results are attached).

It is therefore time to move from No Fee Stress “Lite” to No Fee Stress ‘Proper’: a system in which tertiary admission and academic fees are waived upfront, rather than relying mainly on a refund mechanism that requires students to pay before they can benefit.

Eduwatch has repeatedly advised the government to target the policy at students who genuinely need it, but the government has taken a different position. It appears there is more cash to splash; just like free SHS.

If there is more cash, then the poorest must not be left behind because they lack the cash to honour their admission.

On judgement day, the true measure of No Fee Stress should not be how many students receive refunds, but how many students who would otherwise be excluded are given the opportunity to enter tertiary education in the first place.

A policy cannot claim to remove financial barriers while leaving behind those who cannot afford the upfront cost of admission.

The government must absorb Miss Ali’s fees and those of other prospective students in her situation before admission this year.

That is what the NDC manifesto promised, and this is the opportunity to turn that promise into reality.

Government cannot afford to stress Miss Ali and her colleagues in an era that is supposed to be “No Fee Stress.”

Let the policy speak. Let opportunity reach those who need it most. And let Miss Ali breathe.

Me kraa, I am stressed. I’m tired of saying this same thing over and over. Find the cash and do the do. Tsoo!

Do not measure the health of the forest by the strength of the lion while the smaller animals perish. -Larteh Proverb!”.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says 312,448 first-year tertiary students have benefited from the government’s ‘No Fees Stress’ policy at a total cost of over GHC888 million.

Haruna Iddrisu, answering questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 18, said the 2024/2025 academic year recorded 152,000 beneficiaries for GHC399 million, while 159,000 students have benefited so far in the 2025/2026 academic year for GHC489 million.

He stated, “The No Fees Stress policy for the 2024-25 academic year, 152,698 validated first-year students benefited at the cost of GHC399,374,727. For the 2025 academic year, 159,750 students have benefited so far at a cost of GHC489,456,427.

“To date, 312,448 students have been assisted under the ‘No Fees Stress’ at a total cost of GHC888,831,000. This is what we have done to support young people’s desires to access tertiary education. Our policy remains access, relevance and quality,” he said.

“I’m happy to announce that under this government, we are demystifying legal education. Therefore, students pursuing law and professional law can now apply for their student loans,” he said.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

1D1F never extended funding for Northshore Apparel GH – Manasseh debunks claims

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1D1F never extended funding for Northshore Apparel GH – Manasseh debunks claims

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an Investigative journalist, has dropped some facts about Northshore Apparel GH while debunking claims it was part of the 1D1F projects.

According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, his facts were from the promoters of Northshore Apparel GH.

He disclosed that the project concept, although it was shared with the NPP government through the 1D1F secretariat for support through the Ministry of Trade in 2022, was never funded.

The investigative journalist revealed that the project, at ground-breaking in 2024, had grant funding support from Investing For Employment, a facility of KFW through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation, a commercial loan facility from ADB PLC, and equity contributions from the promoters.

In a Facebook post, Manasseh Azure wrote, “FACTS ABOUT NORTHSHORE APPAREL GH

********************************************

In the ongoing discussion about Northshore Apparel GH, the extent of the Government of Ghana’s involvement and whether it was part of the 1D1F projects, I got the following facts from the promoters of the initiative.

1. The project concept was shared with the NPP government through the 1D1F secretariat for support through the Ministry of Trade in 2022. Though the concept was acknowledged, the project was never funded.

2. The 1D1F had concessionary funding arrangements with commercial banks for 1D1F projects. That support was never extended to Northshore.

3. The project, at ground breaking in 2024, had grant funding support from Investing For Employment, a facility of KFW through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation, a commercial loan facility from ADB PLC, and equity contributions from the promoters.

4. The commercial loan facility from ADB PLC was not advanced through 1D1F or any concessionary government support programme. It was a purely commercial transaction secured by the promoters, using properties as collateral. The arrangement was the same as collecting a loan to run a fuel business.

5.  At the ground breaking/ sodcutting, though an invitation was extended to the government in power, all government functionaries then were distancing themselves from the project, apart from the MCE of Savelugu. The Northern Regional Minister, who was delegated through a letter from Jubilee House to attend, did not show up.

6. In 2025, the project was presented to Ghana EximBank (GEXIM) for consideration. GEXIM, led by Sylvester Mensah, evaluated and increased its scope, paid off ADB PLC, and injected the much-needed funds through its concessionary rates to bring the project to its current completion.

7. This was the first time deliberate state support was made available to Northshore. The YEA, through its Youth In Garment, supported the training of 1,000 beneficiaries, and NYA also supported 1,000 beneficiaries.

These are the facts known to me, and I have yet to see any evidence to the contrary that this project was under the 1D1F project.

The most important consideration here is that the factory provides jobs for thousands, and future administrations will support it in the same way they support other local and international businesses. However, it’s only fair that the facts be presented as they are”.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has described Northshore Apparel as the beginning of efforts to restore northern Ghana to its former industrial glory.

Speaking at the opening of Northshore Apparel at Savelugu in the Northern Region, Mahama stated, “The glorious past of northern industry declined. Today I have a pleasant feeling in my heart because I believe that we’ve planted the first seed that will restore the north to its glorious industrial past, and that’s what North Shore is just about doing”.

He further expressed optimism that the development of industrial hubs in northern Ghana will help reduce the migration of young people from the north to the southern parts.

President Mahama stated, “We believe that at full strength this hub which we have named the North Shore Industrial Hub will be able to provide employment to at least 30,000 young people.

“This is important because it will reduce the north-south migration. When we did the African Peer-Review Mechanism and Ghana was peer-reviewed, one of the things for which we were indicted was the lack of opportunities in the northern parts that was leading to an imbalance of our population.

“So when students leave school and they have no opportunity, they just pick their bags, board a vehicle and go to the south. It puts pressure on social services in the south,” he said.

See the post below:

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

Tinubu runs to US court to block release of his alleged drug trafficking record

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Tinubu runs to US court to block release of his alleged drug trafficking record

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has filed a challenge in a US court to prevent the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI and DEA from releasing records linked to allegations of drug trafficking.

According to reports, lawyers for Bola Tinubu, in a 16-page court document, argued that the release of the records could infringe on his privacy.

Parts of the document by his lawyer and legal team, Christopher W. Carmichael, Victor P. Henderson, and Oluwole O. Afolabi, read, “Submitted in that proceeding did not reveal the details of a possible criminal investigation (or its results) involving Intervenor. Other than by speculation or labels, Plaintiff does not point to an existing public record that contains details of a governmental criminal investigation or findings about Intervenor. (DE 85-3, No. 16.)

“The purpose of Plaintiff’s motion is to obtain such information because it is not public. Moreover, Plaintiff’s argument that the limited disclosures in connection with the forfeiture negates all privacy interests is not consistent with precedent. The Supreme Court explained that an individual retains a privacy interest in an entire file or document being produced, even where there are “scattered” disclosures of information from that same file. See Reporters Committee, 489 U.S. at 764-67 (“our cases have recognised the privacy interests inherent in the non-disclosure of certain information even where the information may have been public at one time.”).

“While some information may appear in portions of public records, an individual still retains a privacy interest in the details that remain undisclosed. Applying Reporter’s Committee, this Court explained that an individual retains a privacy interest even if they were previously publicly associated with criminal activity. Judicial Watch, Inc. v. United States Dept. of Justice, 898 F.Supp.2d 93, 104-05 (D.D.C. 2012).

“Other decisions have likewise described the fact that someone was under investigation as “distinct” from the contents of the investigative files. See Electronic Privacy Info. Centre v. United States Dept. of Justice, 18 F.4d 712, 719 (D.C. Cir. 2021) (“Although the names of – 6 – Case 1:23-cv-01816-BAH Document 98 Filed 08/28/26 Page 7 of 16 Trump campaign officials appear in public portions of the Report, they retain a privacy interest in ‘avoiding disclosure of the details of the investigation.’”)

“Regardless of the prior disclosure in the forfeiture proceeding, Intervenor retains a privacy interest in potential disclosure of the investigative files sought by Plaintiff”, the document read in part.

Meanwhile, the   Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has finally submitted records relating to President Bola Tinubu’s 1993 drug-trafficking and money-laundering records to Judge Beryl Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

Reports suggest the FBI hand-delivered the records to the court on Friday and requested that they remain under seal for the judge’s review.

According to reports, the FBI submitted the documents under seal on August 28, 2026, for an ex parte, in camera review, in compliance with a minute order issued by Judge Howell on August 20.

President Bola Tinubu’s 1993 drug-trafficking and money-laundering records have been submitted directly to the judge without being immediately made available to Greenspan, the petitioner in the case.

The development follows a United States District Court reportedly giving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) a deadline to release investigative files on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It may be recalled that in April 2025, the court ordered the two American agencies to release the files in its ruling in a suit filed by American activist Aaron Greenspan and journalist David Hundeyin.

Multiple reports on August 18, 2026, disclosed that the court has now given the DEA and the FBI a deadline to release the files after they refused to comply with its order.

According to African Folder, the judge who presided over the case, Judge Beryl Howell, ordered the agencies to “release non-exempt records” after sharply criticising the two agencies for missing a string of court deadlines.

The information gathered suggests the case stems from a Chicago heroin investigation and a 1993 forfeiture in which Tinubu surrendered $460,000, but was never charged with any crime.

In the meantime, reports suggest President Tinubu has consistently and firmly denied any involvement in drug trafficking, dismissing the decades-old allegations.

@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

Supreme Court throws out Solomon Asamoah’s bid to halt $2m Skytrain trial

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Supreme Court throws out Solomon Asamoah’s bid to halt $2m Skytrain trial

The Supreme Court has thrown out an application by the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Solomon Asamoah, seeking to halt proceedings in the ongoing Skytrain trial.

Solomon Asamoah, the first accused in the case, had filed an application for certiorari seeking to quash the High Court’s decision to dismiss his submission of no case after the prosecution closed its case.

He also applied for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the High Court from continuing with the trial pending the determination of his certiorari application.

However, the Supreme Court, sitting as a single-Judge court, dismissed the injunction application on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Justice Senyo Dzamefe, who heard the application last Friday, in his ruling held that the applicant’s own affidavit evidence did not disclose a serious case to be tried.

The Supreme Court also held that the trial judge’s decision to rule on the submission of no case was not in excess of jurisdiction.

Justice Senyo Dzamefe further found that the applicant had not established the irreparable harm that would result if the injunction were not granted.

Meanwhile, the High Court has set September 23 for the accused persons to file their defence, should they choose to do so.

In the meantime, the second accused person, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Board Chairman of GIIF, has filed another application for a stay of proceedings. The application is scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeal on September 1.

It will be recalled that Solomon Asamoah and Prof. Ameyaw Ekumfi are standing trial over allegations that $2 million was paid towards the Skytrain project without the approval of the GIIF Board.

Mr Asamoah is a former CEO of GIIF, while Prof. Ameyaw Ekumfi is a former Board Chairman of the Fund.

In other news, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has announced that there will be some interesting cases coming soon under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

According to Justice Srem-Sai, the prosecutors have identified approximately 30 cases from the ORAL report that are prosecutable.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on July 26, 2026, Dr Srem-Sai revealed, “When we analyse the report, I think we had about 30 cases that we thought were prosecutable”.

Justice Srem-Sai also disclosed that between five and ten of those cases are currently at advanced stages of prosecution.

“I think we have like between five and 10 now,” Dr Srem-Sai stated

According to the Deputy Attorney General, prosecutorial decisions are guided solely by the strength of evidence rather than the profile or political affiliation of the individuals.

Justice Srem-Sai added, “We don’t actually focus on which one is big or which one is that. We focus on which one is prosecutable”.

“I can tell you there will be some interesting cases coming soon”, he hinted.

Dr Srem-Sai regurgitated the government’s commitment to pursuing ORAL cases, which was established to investigate allegations of corruption, financial loss and the misappropriation of public resources.

“We are going to continue prosecuting as far as the ORAL is concerned; we are going to do it”, he added.

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Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ The deplorable state of Tema Valco Roundabout in to TOR road #GHNow #fyp #FixValcoKponeRoad ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

ECG saddled with GH¢82.31bn liabilities – SIGA raises red flag

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ECG saddled with GH¢82.31bn liabilities – SIGA raises red flag

The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has disclosed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) accounted for GH¢82.31 billion of the total liabilities held by Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the 2025 financial year.

According to SIGA’s 2025 State Ownership Report, the combined liabilities of SOEs declined by 4.31 per cent to GH¢281.99 billion in 2025, with ECG alone accounting for GH¢82.31 billion.

SIGA warned that despite an overall improvement in the state-owned sector, significant financial risks remained concentrated in a small number of entities.

SIGA’s 2025 State Ownership Report revealed ECG among five SOEs that recorded losses in each financial year from 2021 to 2025.

The other loss-making entities were Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited, GNPA Limited, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centres Limited.

SIGA’s report also identified ECG, the Volta River Authority and COCOBOD as the leading contributors to the 5.86 per cent decline in the total assets of SOEs, which fell to GH¢407.84 billion in 2025.

Read the full press release below:

“The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has released the 2025 State Ownership Report (SOR), the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship account of the performance of its Specified Entities, and the fifth published by SIGA since the Authority’s establishment in 2019. Covering 162 of the 175 approved Specified Entities comprising 53 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), 36 Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) and 73 Other State Entities (OSEs), the report offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the financial and operational performance of the stateowned sector, and serves as a vital resource for policymakers, stakeholders and the public in shaping the future of Ghana’s SOEs, JVCs and OSEs.

“This edition is significant because it documents the performance of Specified Entities for the first year of President Mahama’s second administration,” said Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of SIGA. “It gives a full picture of how these Specified Entities are contributing to the broader economic reset agenda, and it will help drive meaningful dialogue around the future of our State-Owned Enterprises, Joint Venture Companies and Other State Entities, ensuring they fulfil their potential as catalysts for economic growth and development.”

The complete 2025 State Ownership Report is available on SIGA’s official website. SIGA invites the Ghanaian public, the media, investors and all stakeholders to read the report and take an active interest in how their collective investments held in trust through the country’s Specified Entities are being managed and are performing on their behalf.

Key highlights from the 2025 State Ownership Report:

A Turnaround Four Years In The Making

The State-Owned Enterprise sector delivered the standout result of the 2025 report. Total SOE revenue climbed 28.12% to GHS176.43 billion, from GHS137.64 billion in FY2024, propelled by the Agricultural (up 203.71%), Manufacturing (up 114.74%) and Infrastructure (up 92.24%) sub-sectors. That growth carried through to the bottom line: Profit Before Interest and Tax rose to GHS25.49 billion, continuing a four-year recovery from a loss of GHS502.00 million in FY2023 and a partial rebound of GHS5.80 billion in FY2024.

Most significantly, the sector broke a four-year cycle of consolidated net losses, closing FY2025 with a Net Profit after Tax of GHS19.80 billion, against a Net Loss after Tax of GHS2.25 billion the year before. Ten SOEs, among them the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Bui Power Authority, Ghana National Gas Company, BOST Energies Company, Minerals Income Investment Fund and TDC Company Ltd, sustained profitability throughout the five years. A stronger Cedi also reshaped the sector’s finances: SOEs recorded net foreign exchange earnings of GHS11.72 billion, reversing a GHS12.01 billion foreign exchange loss in FY2024, while finance costs fell by 42.49%.

Balance sheets contracted modestly, with total assets down 5.86% to GHS407.84 billion, led by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority and COCOBOD, and total liabilities down 4.31% to GHS281.99 billion, of which ECG alone accounted for GHS82.31 billion. The report cautions, however, that risks remain concentrated, especially because five SOEs consisting of ECG, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Ltd, GNPA Ltd, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centre recorded losses in every year from FY2021 to FY2025, while six entities, including AirtelTigo Ghana Ltd, Gihoc Distilleries and Tema Oil Refinery, have carried negative equity throughout the same period. Dividend payments to government also declined, with only two SOEs – Ghana Reinsurance Company Ltd and TDC Company Ltd – paying a combined GHS16.00 million, down 29.36% on FY2024.

Joint Ventures Extend Their Gains

Ghana’s Joint Venture Companies built on the momentum of the previous year. Net profit, excluding minority interest, rose 36.55% to GHS3.14 billion, from GHS2.29 billion in FY2024, while total JVC assets grew 25.99% to GHS96.69 billion. Minority-interest JVCs performed even more strongly, with net profit climbing to GHS61.32 billion in FY2025 from GHS21.06 billion in FY2024. These minority-interest companies were also the dominant source of dividends to government, contributing GHS1.19 billion, which represents 97.12% of all dividends received across the portfolio.

Other State Entities Face Mounting Pressure

The picture was less encouraging among Other State Entities, whose net deficit widened sharply to GHS10.48 billion in FY2025, from GHS2.18 billion in FY2024. While total assets grew 60.15% to GHS310.62 billion, liabilities rose faster still, up 41.83% to GHS323.17 billion, and the sub-sector’s accumulated fund swung to a negative GHS41.14 billion from a positive GHS15.47 billion. This is a shift driven substantially by the Bank of Ghana’s negative equity position of GHS93 billion.

A More Supportive Macroeconomic Environment

The Specified Entities’ performance unfolded against a markedly improved macroeconomic backdrop. Real GDP growth reached 6.0% in FY2025 which is the fastest pace of expansion since FY2019 and an improvement on the 5.8% recorded in FY2024. Monetary conditions eased considerably over the year: the Monetary Policy Rate fell from 27% to 18%, the Ghana Reference Rate from 29.31% to 15.9%, and the average lending rate from 30.25% to 20.4% by December 2025. Public debt rose in nominal terms to GHS640.99 billion but improved as a share of GDP, to 45.28%, on the back of currency appreciation, lower borrowing costs, a high primary surplus and effective debt management. The report nonetheless flags continuing fiscal exposure from outstanding loan guarantees of GHS3.03 billion, onlent loans of GHS14.73 billion, and US$3.7 million in contingent liabilities that crystallised from public-private partnership agreements during the year.

Reform Across Multiple Fronts

FY2025 was also a year of significant institutional change, beginning with the political transition from the New Patriotic Party to the National Democratic Congress and the new administration’s early steps to align Specified Entities with its development agenda.

On public financial management, the Ministry of Finance issued new PFM Implementation Guidelines in May 2025, requiring Specified Entities to submit quarterly internal audit and commitment control reports and subjecting centrally approved procurement to commitment authorisation by the Minister for Finance. The measures coincided with a sharp fall in public-sector procurement infractions, from GHS18.4 billion in FY2024 to GHS2.2 billion in FY2025, though the report notes that commitment authorisation requirements also introduced delays to capital projects and procurement activity.

SIGA itself deepened its oversight role during the year, assessing 70 Specified Entities that had executed FY2024 performance contracts through its Annual Governance and Institutional Performance Assessment Reports, intensifying engagement with entities showing persistent statutory reporting noncompliance, and welcoming a growing number of entities into the performance-contract framework ahead of FY2026 negotiations.

Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy took shape across several Specified Entities, from a round-theclock customer call centre at TDC and three-shift operations at Ghana Publishing, to AESL’s work on 24-hour markets across 33 MMDAs, extended production at GIHOC Distilleries, expanded services at DVLA, and continuous online services and environmental monitoring at the EPA; SIGA intends to fold these initiatives into future performance contracts and monitoring frameworks. In transport, the GHS62.86 billion Big Push Programme advanced a corridor-based approach to modernising trunk roads, bridges, interchanges and highways under the Ghana Highway Authority, with most projects still in early implementation by year-end.

The financial sector saw the recapitalisation of state-owned banks NIB and ADB, alongside continued government support for CBG, aimed at strengthening capital positions and restoring depositor and investor confidence. In the extractive sector, government established the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to centralise oversight of the gold sector, strengthen traceability and formalisation, curb illegal mining and smuggling, and capture greater value and foreign-exchange inflows from the gold value chain. And in rail, following prolonged financial, operational and labour difficulties that led to the suspension of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), SIGA recommended its liquidation, the absorption of its employees into the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), and the transformation of GRDA into a combined commercial and regulatory institution; the 97-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan line began commercial operations under GRDA in October 2025, and government has since introduced a phased support package covering salary arrears and critical infrastructure refurbishment.

Advancing Climate And Gender Commitments

Climate reporting continued to gain ground, with 42 of the 162 reporting Specified Entities — 25.9% of the total — disclosing climate-related projects, programmes or initiatives in FY2025, up from 27 entities the year before. The workforce across Specified Entities also expanded, growing 5.45% to 98,724 employees, an increase of 5,104 jobs, with SOEs accounting for the largest share of employment (48.62%), followed by OSEs (39.92%) and JVCs (11.47%). Women’s representation rose to 30.02% of the workforce, from 29.30% in FY2024, as female employment grew at nearly double the rate of male employment 8.02% against 4.39%.

From Recovery To Sustainable Value Creation

SIGA frames FY2025 as a turning point for Ghana’s state-owned sector. Stronger revenues, a return to profitability, improved fiscal discipline, deeper oversight and major institutional reforms all point in the same direction, yet persistent losses, negative equity, fiscal risk, governance gaps and uneven progress on climate and gender integration are a reminder that recovery alone is not enough.

The Authority’s call to action is direct: Specified Entities must move from recovery to resilience, from compliance to performance, and from state ownership to sustainable value creation. That will require stronger accountability, more disciplined capital allocation, decisive action on chronically underperforming entities, and the institutionalisation of performance-driven governance across the portfolio.

“The gains of FY2025 must not become a temporary rebound,” the report concludes. “They must become the foundation for a more efficient, competitive, inclusive and sustainable State-owned sector that creates value for the Ghanaian taxpayer and contributes meaningfully to national development.”

SIGA-Press-Release-2025-SOR-Publication-1Download
@ghnow_ Hon. Afenyo Markin clash with Hon. Ahiafor on the vetting of Supreme Court Judges #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
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Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

“Someone has stolen the gods; the whole town will now worship God” – Krobohene

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“Someone has stolen the gods; the whole town will now worship God” – Krobohene

Krobohene Nana Asa Akonpanin has declared that members of his community will now worship God after their gods “Ani Koko Bosom” were reportedly stolen.

According to the Krobohene, in consultation with the elders, they have decided to turn the entire land to Christ.

He argued that if the gods couldn’t protect themselves from being stolen, then they don’t deserve to be worshipped.

The Krobohene argued that the disappearance of the deity left the community with no option but to turn to God and seek divine protection through prayer.

The Krobohene further praised members of his community for accepting Christianity, adding that the community had experienced positive changes since turning to God.

Speaking to his subordinates, the Krobohene stated, “The gods that were protecting this town have been missing. Someone has stolen the gods, so how can the gods protect the town? As a result, I consulted my elders and told them that the whole town should now worship God instead of the gods”.

“That is why we held prayers at the park and dedicated the town to God. Since that day, things have changed. We prayed for forgiveness and cleansing of the land, so I want to thank you all for agreeing to this initiative,” he said.

Some netizens reacting to the development stated, “This is how culture dies. First they say the gods are stolen, then the whole town must become Christian. It’s ignorance to think you have to destroy your own traditions to serve God. You can be Christian and still be culturally rooted”.

One X user added, “This is the reason why our forefathers gave up their gods & turned to Christ; you, this generation of unbelievers, think you are wiser than them smh”.

A netizen added, “Not all elderly people get sense. He can’t differentiate between idols, altar and the spirits themselves 🤣🤣. Even churches are protected. So-called Jesus couldn’t protect himself, so they have to lie to us that he rose from his shameful death mcheeew”.

“Let me ask this one question. So what happens to the black stool in the family house? Would they partake in the fortunes the stolen supposed god gave them? Ohene, what was stolen was just an altar; the deity still exists. Christ has no land in Ghana. The effects will be televised”, an X user added.

One last X user added, “The chief has tested and weighed between the two and has noticed that he and his people will serve God through Jesus Christ; why are you here insulting him?, What sort of stupidity is this”.

“These Southerners will regret one day for having very low self-esteem. You guys have a history of selling out your dignity for peasants to the Caucasians and their beliefs. Later you will come and envy the other Kingdoms for being proud of their roots.

Mmoa!”, an X user stated.

A netizen claimed, “Almost the same scenario happened in a nearby town during school days; they also pulled off the roofings. They woke up to find out juju has been stolen & they start harassing motorists & passerby, your gods that couldn’t protect itself? SMS”.

Watch the video below:

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Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Hon. Afenyo Markin clash with Hon. Ahiafor on the vetting of Supreme Court Judges #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Gov’t extends GH¢2 diesel subsidy for September

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Gov’t extends GH¢2 diesel subsidy for September

The John Mahama government, according to reports, has decided to extend the GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel for the next pricing window to cushion consumers.

Reports suggest the decision follows growing concerns over the expected increase in fuel prices at the pumps from the first pricing window of September.

It will be recalled that the GH¢2 per litre reduction intervention was originally introduced as a temporary measure for two pricing windows, and was expected to expire at the end of August.

However, the Mahama government has opted to maintain the reduction at least for the next pricing window, preventing the full GH¢2 per litre regulatory margin from being restored to diesel prices.

The move comes as relief to motorists, transport operators and businesses, particularly as diesel prices are already selling at around GH¢17 per litre.

In related news, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) has announced that fuel prices at the pumps are expected to rise marginally from Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to COPEC, the projected increases are expected to affect petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

They detailed that the adjustments are largely driven by movements in international petroleum product prices, despite a recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

COPEC, in its analysis, disclosed that global crude oil prices fell marginally from $90.41 to $89.30 per barrel during the current pricing window.

“The cedi also strengthened against the dollar, with the average interbank rate improving from GH¢11.800 to GH¢11.5166 per dollar.

That represents an appreciation of about 2.39%.

Despite these developments, COPEC says changes in the Free-On-Board (FOB) prices of refined petroleum products are expected to push pump prices higher.

Petrol is projected to sell at about GH¢16.21 per litre, representing an estimated 5% increase from the current mean pump price of GH¢15.43.

Diesel is also expected to rise to approximately GH¢17.61 per litre.

That would represent an estimated 2.58% increase over the current mean price of GH¢17.17 per litre.

LPG is similarly projected to record a marginal increase, with COPEC estimating a price of approximately GH¢14.19 per kilogramme”, a JoyNews report stated.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Mahama government that its recent fuel subsidy could damage Ghana’s fiscal gains.

According to the IMF, the recent fuel subsidy measures must remain temporary and carefully targeted not to undermine Ghana’s fiscal gains.

The IMF warning was contained in its Staff Report submitted to the Fund’s Executive Board on July 27 ahead of Ghana’s Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

The IMF Staff Report acknowledged Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook but warned that fuel subsidies should not become a permanent policy tool.

Parts of the report stated, “The recent fuel subsidy measures must be temporary and well targeted.”

“Ghana’s near-term growth and inflation outlook is favourable but subject to elevated downside risks.”

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Ralph proudly describes himself as a “fine junky.” #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Basem khaled متخصص بشره

SOEs record a consolidated net profit of GH¢19.80 billion in 2025 – SIGA

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SOEs record a consolidated net profit of GH¢19.80 billion in 2025 – SIGA

The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has announced that Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded a consolidated net profit after tax of GH¢19.80 billion in the 2025 financial year.

According to SIGA, the GH¢19.80 billion profit ends the four consecutive years of net losses.

SIGA disclosed that the turnaround represents a significant improvement from the GH¢2.25 billion net loss posted in 2024, as total SOE revenue increased by 28.12 per cent from GH¢137.64 billion to GH¢176.43 billion.

SIGA, in a release on Sunday, August 30, 2026, made these figures known, which marks the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship assessment of specified entities and the fifth published by SIGA.

Read the full press release below:

“The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has released the 2025 State Ownership Report (SOR), the tenth edition of Ghana’s flagship account of the performance of its Specified Entities, and the fifth published by SIGA since the Authority’s establishment in 2019. Covering 162 of the 175 approved Specified Entities comprising 53 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), 36 Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) and 73 Other State Entities (OSEs), the report offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the financial and operational performance of the stateowned sector, and serves as a vital resource for policymakers, stakeholders and the public in shaping the future of Ghana’s SOEs, JVCs and OSEs.

“This edition is significant because it documents the performance of Specified Entities for the first year of President Mahama’s second administration,” said Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of SIGA. “It gives a full picture of how these Specified Entities are contributing to the broader economic reset agenda, and it will help drive meaningful dialogue around the future of our State-Owned Enterprises, Joint Venture Companies and Other State Entities, ensuring they fulfil their potential as catalysts for economic growth and development.”

The complete 2025 State Ownership Report is available on SIGA’s official website. SIGA invites the Ghanaian public, the media, investors and all stakeholders to read the report and take an active interest in how their collective investments held in trust through the country’s Specified Entities are being managed and are performing on their behalf.

Key highlights from the 2025 State Ownership Report:

A Turnaround Four Years In The Making

The State-Owned Enterprise sector delivered the standout result of the 2025 report. Total SOE revenue climbed 28.12% to GHS176.43 billion, from GHS137.64 billion in FY2024, propelled by the Agricultural (up 203.71%), Manufacturing (up 114.74%) and Infrastructure (up 92.24%) sub-sectors. That growth carried through to the bottom line: Profit Before Interest and Tax rose to GHS25.49 billion, continuing a four-year recovery from a loss of GHS502.00 million in FY2023 and a partial rebound of GHS5.80 billion in FY2024.

Most significantly, the sector broke a four-year cycle of consolidated net losses, closing FY2025 with a Net Profit after Tax of GHS19.80 billion, against a Net Loss after Tax of GHS2.25 billion the year before. Ten SOEs, among them the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Bui Power Authority, Ghana National Gas Company, BOST Energies Company, Minerals Income Investment Fund and TDC Company Ltd, sustained profitability throughout the five years. A stronger Cedi also reshaped the sector’s finances: SOEs recorded net foreign exchange earnings of GHS11.72 billion, reversing a GHS12.01 billion foreign exchange loss in FY2024, while finance costs fell by 42.49%.

Balance sheets contracted modestly, with total assets down 5.86% to GHS407.84 billion, led by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority and COCOBOD, and total liabilities down 4.31% to GHS281.99 billion, of which ECG alone accounted for GHS82.31 billion. The report cautions, however, that risks remain concentrated, especially because five SOEs consisting of ECG, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Ltd, GNPA Ltd, Graphic Communications Group Company and Ghana Digital Centre recorded losses in every year from FY2021 to FY2025, while six entities, including AirtelTigo Ghana Ltd, Gihoc Distilleries and Tema Oil Refinery, have carried negative equity throughout the same period. Dividend payments to government also declined, with only two SOEs – Ghana Reinsurance Company Ltd and TDC Company Ltd – paying a combined GHS16.00 million, down 29.36% on FY2024.

Joint Ventures Extend Their Gains

Ghana’s Joint Venture Companies built on the momentum of the previous year. Net profit, excluding minority interest, rose 36.55% to GHS3.14 billion, from GHS2.29 billion in FY2024, while total JVC assets grew 25.99% to GHS96.69 billion. Minority-interest JVCs performed even more strongly, with net profit climbing to GHS61.32 billion in FY2025 from GHS21.06 billion in FY2024. These minority-interest companies were also the dominant source of dividends to government, contributing GHS1.19 billion, which represents 97.12% of all dividends received across the portfolio.

Other State Entities Face Mounting Pressure

The picture was less encouraging among Other State Entities, whose net deficit widened sharply to GHS10.48 billion in FY2025, from GHS2.18 billion in FY2024. While total assets grew 60.15% to GHS310.62 billion, liabilities rose faster still, up 41.83% to GHS323.17 billion, and the sub-sector’s accumulated fund swung to a negative GHS41.14 billion from a positive GHS15.47 billion. This is a shift driven substantially by the Bank of Ghana’s negative equity position of GHS93 billion.

A More Supportive Macroeconomic Environment

The Specified Entities’ performance unfolded against a markedly improved macroeconomic backdrop. Real GDP growth reached 6.0% in FY2025 which is the fastest pace of expansion since FY2019 and an improvement on the 5.8% recorded in FY2024. Monetary conditions eased considerably over the year: the Monetary Policy Rate fell from 27% to 18%, the Ghana Reference Rate from 29.31% to 15.9%, and the average lending rate from 30.25% to 20.4% by December 2025. Public debt rose in nominal terms to GHS640.99 billion but improved as a share of GDP, to 45.28%, on the back of currency appreciation, lower borrowing costs, a high primary surplus and effective debt management. The report nonetheless flags continuing fiscal exposure from outstanding loan guarantees of GHS3.03 billion, onlent loans of GHS14.73 billion, and US$3.7 million in contingent liabilities that crystallised from public-private partnership agreements during the year.

Reform Across Multiple Fronts

FY2025 was also a year of significant institutional change, beginning with the political transition from the New Patriotic Party to the National Democratic Congress and the new administration’s early steps to align Specified Entities with its development agenda.

On public financial management, the Ministry of Finance issued new PFM Implementation Guidelines in May 2025, requiring Specified Entities to submit quarterly internal audit and commitment control reports and subjecting centrally approved procurement to commitment authorisation by the Minister for Finance. The measures coincided with a sharp fall in public-sector procurement infractions, from GHS18.4 billion in FY2024 to GHS2.2 billion in FY2025, though the report notes that commitment authorisation requirements also introduced delays to capital projects and procurement activity.

SIGA itself deepened its oversight role during the year, assessing 70 Specified Entities that had executed FY2024 performance contracts through its Annual Governance and Institutional Performance Assessment Reports, intensifying engagement with entities showing persistent statutory reporting noncompliance, and welcoming a growing number of entities into the performance-contract framework ahead of FY2026 negotiations.

Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy took shape across several Specified Entities, from a round-theclock customer call centre at TDC and three-shift operations at Ghana Publishing, to AESL’s work on 24-hour markets across 33 MMDAs, extended production at GIHOC Distilleries, expanded services at DVLA, and continuous online services and environmental monitoring at the EPA; SIGA intends to fold these initiatives into future performance contracts and monitoring frameworks. In transport, the GHS62.86 billion Big Push Programme advanced a corridor-based approach to modernising trunk roads, bridges, interchanges and highways under the Ghana Highway Authority, with most projects still in early implementation by year-end.

The financial sector saw the recapitalisation of state-owned banks NIB and ADB, alongside continued government support for CBG, aimed at strengthening capital positions and restoring depositor and investor confidence. In the extractive sector, government established the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to centralise oversight of the gold sector, strengthen traceability and formalisation, curb illegal mining and smuggling, and capture greater value and foreign-exchange inflows from the gold value chain. And in rail, following prolonged financial, operational and labour difficulties that led to the suspension of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), SIGA recommended its liquidation, the absorption of its employees into the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), and the transformation of GRDA into a combined commercial and regulatory institution; the 97-kilometre Tema–Mpakadan line began commercial operations under GRDA in October 2025, and government has since introduced a phased support package covering salary arrears and critical infrastructure refurbishment.

Advancing Climate And Gender Commitments

Climate reporting continued to gain ground, with 42 of the 162 reporting Specified Entities — 25.9% of the total — disclosing climate-related projects, programmes or initiatives in FY2025, up from 27 entities the year before. The workforce across Specified Entities also expanded, growing 5.45% to 98,724 employees, an increase of 5,104 jobs, with SOEs accounting for the largest share of employment (48.62%), followed by OSEs (39.92%) and JVCs (11.47%). Women’s representation rose to 30.02% of the workforce, from 29.30% in FY2024, as female employment grew at nearly double the rate of male employment 8.02% against 4.39%.

From Recovery To Sustainable Value Creation

SIGA frames FY2025 as a turning point for Ghana’s state-owned sector. Stronger revenues, a return to profitability, improved fiscal discipline, deeper oversight and major institutional reforms all point in the same direction, yet persistent losses, negative equity, fiscal risk, governance gaps and uneven progress on climate and gender integration are a reminder that recovery alone is not enough.

The Authority’s call to action is direct: Specified Entities must move from recovery to resilience, from compliance to performance, and from state ownership to sustainable value creation. That will require stronger accountability, more disciplined capital allocation, decisive action on chronically underperforming entities, and the institutionalisation of performance-driven governance across the portfolio.

“The gains of FY2025 must not become a temporary rebound,” the report concludes. “They must become the foundation for a more efficient, competitive, inclusive and sustainable State-owned sector that creates value for the Ghanaian taxpayer and contributes meaningfully to national development.”

SIGA-Press-Release-2025-SOR-Publication-1Download
@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Ralph proudly describes himself as a “fine junky.” #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Basem khaled متخصص بشره

“When the die is cast, I am confident you will win” – Akufo-Addo endorses Miracles Aboagye

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“When the die is cast, I am confident you will win” – Akufo-Addo endorses Miracles Aboagye

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has endorsed Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who is aspiring to become the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Communications Officer.

According to Akufo-Addo, he is confident  Dennis Miracles Aboagye will become the next NPP National Communications Officer.

The former president also called on various factions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to put aside their differences and unite behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Akufo-Addo stressed that unity among the party’s rank and file would be crucial to the NPP’s efforts to return to government.

He urged those who emerge as national executives from the upcoming internal elections to work together and bring all factions on board.

Speaking when Dennis Miracles Aboagye paid a courtesy call on him, Akufo-Addo stated, “The elections breed competition; when the die is cast on October 1, and I am confident you will win, you have to bring everybody on board and unite all factions in this party behind our flagbearer to make sure he gets onto the seat in 2029”.

“To a large extent, whether we prevail or not will depend on the work that you are going to do”.

He urged the NPP to seize the opportunity in 2028 and work to return to office.

Meanwhile, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has said if elected as the party’s Director of Communications, he will exploit the complacency within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speaking after filing his nomination to contest the position, Miracles Aboagye pledged to strengthen the NPP’s communications machinery and position the party for the 2028 general elections.

According to Miracles Aboagye, the NDC’s confidence in its electoral prospects could create an opening for the NPP to regain ground.

“That complacency is what we need. We are going to take advantage of it,” he said.

“We are going to command the narratives,” he said.

Miracles Aboagye further disclosed that his experience serving the NPP for about 23 years will be an asset to the party’s communications efforts.

“For 23 years of my very young age, all I have done is to serve this party,” he said.

He disclosed that his approach would combine confidence, respect and passion, rather than unnecessary confrontation.

“We are going to do it with a lot of respect. We are going to do it with confidence,” he said.

“Most importantly, we are going to do what we are going to do to command every space,” he said.

Also, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said the party’s primary objective is to regain political power in the 2028 elections.

According to Dr Bawumia, the August 15 regional elections should not be viewed as the end of the party’s internal activities but rather as part of a broader process aimed at creating a stronger and more effective political organisation capable of winning back power in the 2028 election.

He also reminded the executives that their election should be viewed as a responsibility rather than merely a political achievement.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The goal for all of us is to win the 2028 election. This is just a stepping stone towards winning 2028. As a party, we have been engaged in an exercise of reorganisation. We have had our polling station elections, our electoral area elections, we have had our constituency elections, and we have now had our regional elections.

“We will culminate that process on October 10 with the national elections and therefore, at the end of that, the party will be in a good position to have that vehicle that drives us to victory in 2028. So there is a lot of work ahead of us.”

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Ralph proudly describes himself as a “fine junky.” #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Basem khaled متخصص بشره

“Only a fool thinks any politician is different” – Netizens react to MPs’ salary hike from GH¢30k to GH¢60k

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“Only a fool thinks any politician is different” – Netizens react to MPs’ salary hike from GH¢30k to GH¢60k

Ghanaians on social media platform X have reacted to Caleb Ziblim, a JoyNews Research and Data Analyst, who disclosed that Members of Parliament (MPs) currently earn about GH¢60,000 a month as basic salary, excluding allowances.

According to Caleb Ziblim, the projected amount is derived from the new salary structure that took effect in 2025, following an adjustment in the salaries of MPs, ministers and other public officials under the Mahama government.

He disclosed that MPs previously received about GH¢30,000 a month up to 2024 before the adjustment was made.

Caleb Ziblim further stressed that the GH¢60,000 figure does not include the allowances MPs receive.

In a video shared on X, Caleb Ziblim, Research and Data Analyst at JoyNews, disclosed, saying, “So, we know that for the past four years, the MPs, ministers and all of that were making about GH¢30,000 a month, but then from 2025 going, they are now making GH¢60,000 a month, so that’s about the problem”.

“About GH¢30,000 four years ago up to 2024. So, after 2024, there’s an adjustment in our salaries, and now the new salary structure will mean that the basic salary is about GH¢60,000 every month,” he stated.

“That’s without the allowances. So, that’s about double,” he added.

“So, we are assuming that the jump from 100 million to now 248 million is because the president is now using the new and approved salary structure by Parliament, so this could explain why the jump from 100 million to 248 million,” he explained.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the revelations stated, “Only a fool thinks any politician is “different “. We thought Mahama was going to do great because he had nothing to lose, forgetting that he could be worse for the same reason”.

“So it was a SHAM when the vice president eloquently proclaimed that the presidency will no more discuss salaries with workers this year.

These politicians must be made…”, a netizen added.

A netizen detailed, “Monthly Allowances include

Siting allowance (parliamentary committees)

Office stationery

Accommodation

Utilities

Healthcare

Staff

Transport/  fuel

No duty payment when importing vehicles

In addition to the 60k, allowances could take it up to about 500k, all paid by the taxpayer”.

“Honestly, it’s not their salary that feeds them. To be an MP, you need to know how to raise or mobilise funds to facilitate development.  For instance, people who know how to run or manage NGOs thrive in politics or people who are filthy rich”, one X user added.

One more netizen added, “Waoooo, reasons why every tomdick and Harry wants to be an MP in Ghana. In fact, democracy is bringing this country to its knees. Hmmmm, 60,000 cedis basic pay with no allowances earned yet. Meanwhile, the poor workers’ pay is a forgotten thing by the same politicians”.

Additionally, one last Ghanaian added, “And you have people defending and thanking the president for just 9% salary increment. Nymae betua ɔmo ka paaaa”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

Photos – Dr Bawumia commissions Catholic Church he helped build in New Weija

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Photos – Dr Bawumia commissions Catholic Church he helped build in New Weija

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has commissioned the St Jude’s Catholic Church at New Weija in Accra, a project he personally supported to completion.

Reports support the beautiful edifice, which includes modern washroom facilities and also serves cured lepers at the Weija Leprosarium.

 The NPP flagbearer built the Catholic Church in fulfilment of a promise he made to his long-time friend, Rev Fr Andrew Campbell, the renowned Catholic priest and founder of the Lepers Aid Centre.

Dr Bawumia, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, visited the church for the commissioning.

He expressed his profound joy at seeing the project completed and further promised to add a drainage system to help improve sanitation.

Dr Bawumia also commended the contractor and artisans for their excellent workmanship, describing the church as a beautiful sight to behold.

Dr Bawumia expressed gratitude to God for making it possible, saying, “By the Grace of God, I was privileged to help build this church together with its washrooms. It was a promise I made to my good friend Father Campbell, and I am happy that God has made it possible”.

The resident priest at St Jude’s Church, Father Andrew Campbell, showered praises on Dr Bawumia for his consistent generosity and compassion.

He revealed that Dr Bawumia has over the years been a pillar of support for his charity works.

Meanwhile, Dr Bawumia, in a post on X, wrote, “Earlier today, I had the honour of visiting St. Jude’s Catholic Church at New Weija, a church I was privileged, by God’s grace, to help build in fulfilment of a promise to my good friend and resident priest, Father Andrew Campbell, the resident priest.

Seeing the beautiful edifice today was deeply moving.

To God be the glory”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

TrustGH records more than 6,000 ‘scam’ numbers as TikTok emerges as a major fraud channel

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TrustGH records more than 6,000 ‘scam’ numbers as TikTok emerges as a major fraud channel

TrustGH, a scam verification and reporting platform, has identified more than 6,000 telephone numbers associated with suspected fraudulent activity through community reporting and open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations conducted by its team of certified cybersecurity professionals.

The findings highlight the evolving digital fraud threat landscape in Ghana, with threat actors increasingly exploiting social media platforms, messaging applications, online business directories, telecommunications channels and fraudulent websites to target individuals and businesses.

TrustGH’s analysis shows that approximately 50 per cent of reported scam numbers are linked to TikTok, making it the largest identified source of reported scam activity within the platform’s database. SMS and WhatsApp also account for a significant proportion of reported cases, while other indicators have been traced to Facebook, Google Business Profiles, telephone calls and fake websites.

Social engineering driving digital fraud

TrustGH’s investigations indicate that many of the identified schemes rely heavily on social engineering techniques rather than sophisticated technical exploitation.

Threat actors often impersonate trusted individuals or organisations to establish credibility and manipulate victims into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information.

Fraudsters may pose as bank officials, government representatives, company executives, police officers, financial agents, recruitment officers or legitimate business owners.

Once trust has been established, victims may be pressured to make payments, disclose onetime passwords (OTPs), provide Mobile Money credentials or reveal other sensitive information.

These tactics can lead to financial loss or account compromise without the attacker necessarily gaining direct technical access to the victim’s device.

Mobile Money remains the primary target

More than 90 per cent of reported scam cases analysed by TrustGH involved attempts to obtain Mobile Money payments or gain unauthorised access to victims’ Mobile Money accounts.

The platform has identified several recurring threat categories, including Mobile Money fraud, financial impersonation, fake online sellers, fraudulent Google Business Profiles, fake recruitment schemes, prize and lottery scams, social-media fraud, suspicious callers and phishing-related account takeover attempts.

In phishing and account-takeover schemes, threat actors attempt to harvest authentication credentials, OTPs, passwords or other information that could enable unauthorised access to victims’ accounts.

TrustGH considers the high proportion of Mobile Money-related incidents a significant cybersecurity concern given the widespread use of mobile financial services in Ghana.

Fake business profiles used as attack infrastructure

TrustGH has also identified a growing pattern involving the abuse of legitimate business identities.

Threat actors create fraudulent social-media accounts, advertisements and Google Business Profiles that closely imitate genuine companies.

These fraudulent profiles may reproduce legitimate business names, logos, locations and other publicly available information to create an appearance of authenticity.

TikTok a major source of reported scam indicators

The finding that approximately half of the reported numbers are associated with TikTok highlights the increasing role of social media in the fraud ecosystem.

Threat actors can use social platforms to establish fraudulent identities, advertise fake products or services and reach large numbers of potential victims.

Communication may subsequently move to WhatsApp, SMS or telephone calls, where social-engineering techniques are used to complete the fraud.

This creates a multi-channel attack chain in which several platforms may be used during different stages of the same scam.

Collaboration with cybersecurity and law-enforcement authorities

TrustGH is a licensed platform and works closely with the Cybersecurity Authority and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana Police Service to combat scam activity and support investigations involving reported numbers.

Members of the public can verify and report suspicious numbers through TrustGH.com. Visit: TrustGH.com

Issued by:

TrustGH

Public Scam Verification & Reporting Platform Accra, Ghana

Valco-Kpone road turns nightmare as motorists fume, tanker drivers threaten fresh strike

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Valco-Kpone road turns nightmare as motorists fume, tanker drivers threaten fresh strike

The deplorable condition of the 7.2-kilometre Valco Roundabout-Kpone Junction road in Tema has worsened significantly, with residents, motorists and petroleum tanker drivers expressing growing frustration over the failure to complete the long-promised rehabilitation of the critical industrial corridor.

As of August 30, 2026, there is little visible evidence of ongoing construction on the stretch, despite repeated assurances from authorities that the road would be fixed.

The deteriorating road has become a major nightmare for motorists, particularly tanker and truck drivers who depend on the route to transport petroleum products and other cargo from the Tema industrial enclave to different parts of the country.

Motorists say a journey that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes can now take more than three hours, particularly during periods of heavy congestion.

The situation has also resulted in frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased maintenance costs and growing concerns about road safety.

Tanker drivers threaten strike

The latest development has heightened fears of another sit-down strike by members of the Ghana Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union.

The drivers have previously taken industrial action over the condition of the road and are warning that they could be forced to do so again if authorities fail to address their concerns.

National Chairman of the Ghana Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, George Nyaunu, has expressed concern about the prolonged deterioration of the road and questioned how long authorities expect contractors to take to complete the project.

The drivers argue that their concerns go beyond inconvenience because they transport highly inflammable petroleum products along the route.

They say the poor road increases the risk of accidents involving tankers, with potentially devastating consequences for motorists, residents and businesses in the area.

According to the drivers, roads used to transport petroleum products from Tema to destinations including Takoradi, Kumasi and Buipe are also in poor condition.

Three-hour journey

The Valco-Kpone road is heavily used by tankers, container trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Its deteriorating condition has severely affected traffic flow, with vehicles forced to manoeuvre around deep potholes and damaged sections.

Some trucks frequently break down along the stretch, further reducing the already limited road space.

Motorists say the resulting congestion has become unbearable.

A journey that should take less than 30 minutes can now take more than three hours when traffic builds up.

Drivers also complain that the condition of the road is damaging vehicles and increasing the frequency with which they have to replace tyres, suspension components and other spare parts.

The situation becomes particularly difficult after rainfall, when water collects in potholes and makes it difficult for motorists to determine their depth.

Major industrial corridor

The road is not an ordinary residential route. It serves one of Ghana’s most important industrial and petroleum corridors.

Major companies and facilities located along the stretch include the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), Tema Tank Farm, Quantum Oil, Chase Petroleum, Olam, Aluworks, Sunon Asogli Power Plant and the Kpone Thermal Power Station, as well as several warehouses and other industrial establishments.

The corridor is therefore critical to the movement of petroleum products, industrial materials and commercial cargo.

Thousands of litres of petroleum products are transported through the area, making the road particularly important to Ghana’s fuel distribution network.

A prolonged disruption to the route could consequently affect businesses and the movement of petroleum products to other parts of the country.

Safety fears

For tanker drivers, one of the biggest concerns is the possibility of a serious accident involving a loaded fuel tanker.

The road’s poor condition forces heavy vehicles to negotiate potholes and damaged sections while sharing the road with other trucks, cars and motorcycles.

Drivers fear that a tanker could overturn or collide with another vehicle, potentially resulting in a fire or explosion.

They say such an incident could have serious consequences given the concentration of industrial and petroleum facilities along the corridor.

Previous complaints from drivers have also highlighted incidents involving trucks breaking down and containers falling from trailers.

The drivers argue that authorities should treat the rehabilitation of the road as an urgent safety matter rather than simply another infrastructure project.

Economic impact

The deteriorating road is also having a wider economic impact.

Businesses operating along the corridor rely heavily on the movement of trucks and tankers to receive and distribute goods.

Long delays increase fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs and delivery times while reducing the number of trips commercial vehicles can make each day.

For petroleum distributors, delays can affect the movement of fuel from Tema to other regions.

The road is also strategically important for the movement of cargo from the Tema industrial and port area, making its poor condition a concern for the wider logistics and supply chain.

Business operators have therefore called for urgent intervention to prevent the road from becoming an even greater obstacle to economic activity.

Years of promises

The current situation has renewed questions about the repeated promises to rehabilitate the road.

In August 2020, the Ministry of Roads and Highways cut sod for the reconstruction of the stretch, but significant and sustained progress has not been seen.

Government also gave assurances in 2023 that the road would be fixed.

There have been periods when contractors reportedly carried out grading and levelling works, but the road remains largely in poor condition.

Tema Mayor Yohane Amarh Ashitey previously acknowledged the problem, saying a contractor had undertaken some levelling and grading but would need funding to return and complete the project.

However, as of August 30, 2026, residents and motorists say the road has continued to deteriorate, with no visible construction activity providing confidence that the long-awaited rehabilitation will be completed soon.

Pressure mounting on authorities

Residents and drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated by what they describe as years of neglect.

For tanker drivers, the prospect of another strike is becoming increasingly likely if the road remains unattended.

Such an industrial action could have consequences beyond Tema because the drivers play a critical role in transporting petroleum products to various parts of Ghana.

A prolonged disruption could therefore affect fuel distribution, commercial transportation and other economic activities.

The Valco-Kpone road has consequently become more than a local infrastructure concern.

Its condition affects road safety, petroleum distribution, industrial operations and the wider economy.

With motorists spending hours on a journey that should take minutes, trucks regularly breaking down and tanker drivers threatening renewed industrial action, residents and businesses are demanding urgent action from the authorities.

For road users, the message is increasingly clear: after years of promises, what is needed now is not another assurance but visible construction and the completion of the road.

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Ralph laments the poor state of Terminal 2, saying the facility has been left to deteriorate. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

How MPs’ salaries increased from GH¢30,000 to GH¢60,000 under the Mahama gov’t

Makay
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How MPs’ salaries increased from GH¢30,000 to GH¢60,000 under the Mahama gov’t

Caleb Ziblim, a JoyNews Research and Data Analyst, has disclosed that Members of Parliament (MPs) currently earn about GH¢60,000 a month as basic salary, excluding allowances under the John Mahama government.

According to Caleb Ziblim, the projected amount is derived from the new salary structure that took effect in 2025, following an adjustment in the salaries of MPs, ministers and other public officials under the Mahama government.

He disclosed that MPs previously received about GH¢30,000 a month up to 2024 before the adjustment was made.

Caleb Ziblim further stressed that the GH¢60,000 figure does not include the allowances MPs receive.

In a video shared on X, Caleb Ziblim, Research and Data Analyst at JoyNews, disclosed, saying, “So, we know that for the past four years, the MPs, ministers and all of that were making about GH¢30,000 a month, but then from 2025 going, they are now making GH¢60,000 a month, so that’s about the problem”.

“About GH¢30,000 four years ago up to 2024. So, after 2024, there’s an adjustment in our salaries, and now the new salary structure will mean that the basic salary is about GH¢60,000 every month,” he stated.

“That’s without the allowances. So, that’s about double,” he added.

“So, we are assuming that the jump from 100 million to now 248 million is because the president is now using the new and approved salary structure by Parliament, so this could explain why the jump from 100 million to 248 million,” he explained.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the revelations stated, “So it was a SHAM when the vice president eloquently proclaimed that the presidency will no more discuss salaries with workers this year.

These politicians must be made…”.

A netizen detailed, “Monthly Allowances include

Siting allowance (parliamentary committees)

Office stationery

Accommodation

Utilities

Healthcare

Staff

Transport/  fuel

No duty payment when importing vehicles

In addition to the 60k, allowances could take it up to about 500k, all paid by the taxpayer”.

“Honestly, it’s not their salary that feeds them. To be an MP, you need to know how to raise or mobilise funds to facilitate development.  For instance, people who know how to run or manage NGOs thrive in politics or people who are filthy rich”, one X user added.

A netizen added, “Only a fool thinks any politician is “different “. we thought Mahama was going to do great because he had nothing to lose, forgetting that he could be worse for the same reason”.

One more netizen added, “Waoooo, reasons why every tomdick and Harry wants to be an MP in Ghana. In fact, democracy is bringing this country to its knees. Hmmmm, 60,000 cedis basic pay with no allowances earned yet. Meanwhile, the poor workers’ pay is a forgotten thing by same politicians”.

Additionally, one last Ghanaian added, “And you have people defending and thanking the president for just 9% salary increment. Nymae betua ɔmo ka paaaa”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Afenyo ask Hon. Ayariga to recites the pledge during his vetting #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

Petrol, Diesel and LPG prices to rise again from September 1 – COPEC

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Petrol, Diesel and LPG prices to rise again from September 1 – COPEC

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) has announced that fuel prices at the pumps are expected to rise marginally from Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to COPEC, the projected increases are expected to affect petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

They detailed that the adjustments are largely driven by movements in international petroleum product prices, despite a recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

COPEC, in its analysis, disclosed that global crude oil prices fell marginally from $90.41 to $89.30 per barrel during the current pricing window.

“The cedi also strengthened against the dollar, with the average interbank rate improving from GH¢11.800 to GH¢11.5166 per dollar.

That represents an appreciation of about 2.39%.

Despite these developments, COPEC says changes in the Free-On-Board (FOB) prices of refined petroleum products are expected to push pump prices higher.

Petrol is projected to sell at about GH¢16.21 per litre, representing an estimated 5% increase from the current mean pump price of GH¢15.43.

Diesel is also expected to rise to approximately GH¢17.61 per litre.

That would represent an estimated 2.58% increase over the current mean price of GH¢17.17 per litre.

LPG is similarly projected to record a marginal increase, with COPEC estimating a price of approximately GH¢14.19 per kilogramme”, a JoyNews report stated.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Mahama government that its recent fuel subsidy could damage Ghana’s fiscal gains.

According to the IMF, the recent fuel subsidy measures must remain temporary and carefully targeted not to undermine Ghana’s fiscal gains.

The IMF warning was contained in its Staff Report submitted to the Fund’s Executive Board on July 27 ahead of Ghana’s Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

The IMF Staff Report acknowledged Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook but warned that fuel subsidies should not become a permanent policy tool.

Parts of the report stated, “The recent fuel subsidy measures must be temporary and well targeted.”

“Ghana’s near-term growth and inflation outlook is favourable but subject to elevated downside risks.”

In related news, the prices of fuel in Ghana have risen by over  33% since the start of January 2026.

In early January 2026, petrol (super/regular) was around GH¢9.99–GH¢11 per litre in January 2026 (with some stations/promotions near or below GH¢10), while diesel was typically GH¢10.97–GH¢12 per litre.

However, as of mid-August 2026, average pump prices were roughly GH¢15.98 per litre for petrol and GH¢17.30 per litre for diesel.

The continuous hikes in petrol and diesel prices have been piling pressure on Ghanaian households and businesses.

According to reports, two main forces have driven the surge. The cedi has weakened by more than 10% against the U.S. dollar since the start of the year due to Ghana importing refined petroleum products priced in dollars; a weaker currency feeds almost directly into pump prices.

The second is driven by the Middle East crisis. The month-long conflict has pushed crude prices sharply higher earlier in the year, and prices have remained elevated amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Ghana’s Authorities had cut industry margins to soften an earlier crude spike; however, such steps come at a cost to revenue.

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ Hon. Afenyo ask Hon. Ayariga to recites the pledge during his vetting #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Former agric minister Ibrahim Adam is dead

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Former agric minister Ibrahim Adam is dead

Ibrahim Adam, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, has reportedly passed away.

Atta Issah, the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, in a Facebook post on August 30, 2026, announced the death of Ibrahim Adam.

The late Ibrahim Adam, who also served as the Member of Parliament for the former Choggu/Tishigu Constituency.

Atta Issah, in a Facebook post, wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hon. Ibrahim Adam. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of the Northern Region, and the entire NDC.

From near and afar, I learned much from his wisdom, dedication, and service. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him mercy, and receive him into Jannah. Ameen,” he wrote.

Reports disclosed that the late Ibrahim Adam was an animal scientist and veteran politician.

 Ibrahim Adam served as Agriculture Secretary and later as Minister for Food and Agriculture under the administration of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

He also represented the Choggu/Tishigu Constituency in Parliament from 1997 to 2001.

Outside his ministerial and parliamentary service, Ibrahim Adam also served as Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank.

In other sad news, Grace Nortey, a Celebrated Ghanaian veteran actress, has reportedly passed away at the age of 89.

Reports disclosed that Grace Nortey, who was commonly known as ‘Maame Gyata’ died on August 26, 2026, at the UGMC in the early hours of Wednesday.

Reports disclosed that Grace Nortey, who was commonly known as ‘Maame Gyata’ died on August 26, 2026, at the UGMC in the early hours of Wednesday.

Grace Nortey was a prominent figure in Ghanaian theatre, television and film for more than five decades, featuring in Ghana’s golden era of television and theatre.

She featured in Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata and Thursday Theatre.

The late Grace Nortey also featured in several notable films, like Nana Akoto, Matters of the Heart, Ties That Bind, Sinking Sands, Amakye and Dede, as well as ‘Beasts of No Nation’.

In April 2025, Grace Nortey was among veteran actors honoured at AshantiFest for their contribution to the development of the Ghanaian film industry.

Also, on February 1, 2026, Grace Nortey celebrated her 89th birthday, making a rare public appearance during the occasion.

Grace Nortey’s death marks another major loss to Ghana’s entertainment industry, following her long career that spanned generations.

She is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed her mother’s footsteps into acting.

@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has officially cut the sod to mark the commissioning of the newly completed Astroturf project at Dansoman. ⚽️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks

Ghana Immigration Service removes 1,055 migrant beggars from the streets of Accra and Kumasi

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Ghana Immigration Service removes 1,055 migrant beggars from the streets of Accra and Kumasi

The Ghana Immigration Service has removed 1,055 migrant beggars from the streets of Accra and Kumasi.

According to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the operation followed a directive from the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, who ordered a fresh push against undocumented migrants working as street beggars in the country’s two largest cities.

The individuals, described as illegal immigrants, are currently being transported to their home countries as part of a broader enforcement exercise.

Reports suggest that 662 of those arrested were children.

In related news, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed has disclosed that Ghana has removed 2,281 migrant beggars and 774 other illegal immigrants involved in transnational organised crime in 2025.

According to the Interior Minister, the Ghana Immigration Service had continued to remove foreign nationals found to be engaging in irregular migration and unlawful activities.

He disclosed that the enforcement exercise had continued into 2026, with the Ghana Immigration Service removing 960 migrant beggars from the streets of Accra and Kumasi and another 186 illegal immigrants by July this year.

Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed argued that Ghana was pursuing the removals while remaining mindful of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and the country’s longstanding diplomatic relations with other countries.

Speaking to the public at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24, 2026, the Interior Minister stated, “Before I sequentially account for the work of the Ministry for the Interior thus far, I want to address an issue that has understandably attracted public attention in recent times: the presence of beggars on our streets, especially migrant beggars and others involved in illegal activities.

As Minister, I acknowledge the concerns and anxieties of citizens and wish to assure the public that this is not an issue that has been ignored by the Government or the security services.

Ghana occupies a unique position in our subregion. We are an oasis of peace and stability in a region that has, in recent years, faced significant security and economic challenges. This explains the urge of people from countries experiencing difficulties in the subregion to look to Ghana for refuge. But we also have a duty to protect our borders, maintain public order and safeguard our national security and economic interests.

By the end of 2025, 2,281 migrant beggars and 774 other illegal immigrants involved in transnational organised crimes had been removed from Ghana. By July 2026, a further 960 migrant beggars and 186 other illegal Immigrants had been removed.

We are pursuing these removals fully conscious of Ghana’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as well as our diplomatic relations and longstanding ties with other countries.

Our objective is to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it to the barest minimum, while ensuring that enforcement action is lawful, undertaken by the appropriate authorities, and carried out in a manner that is respectful of human dignity.

Let me be clear: the challenge before us is not a lack of political will, security intelligence, or leadership. It is, principally, a question of scale. I can assure the public that there is a high-level consensus, with earmarked logistical support to increase the scale of the removals and strengthen our borders. Evidence of that will soon be apparent.

We will continue to protect Ghana’s tradition of hospitality, but we will do so alongside a firm commitment to the rule of law, national security and public order”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_

Tricycle rides into a car on the Agbogba road

♬ Scorch Ring – Pigeon Tracks
@ghnow_ The MP for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has officially cut the sod to mark the commissioning of the newly completed Astroturf project at Dansoman. ⚽️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
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