President Mahama Embarks on State Visit to Belarus to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus, seeking to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, education, commerce, and industry. The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is poised to open new avenues for economic and technical collaboration between the two nations. According to a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, President Mahama’s itinerary features high-level meetings with Belarusian officials and tours of strategic institutions. A major highlight will be bilateral talks with President Lukashenko, followed by expanded discussions involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries. These engagements will focus on strengthening partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce, areas identified as vital to both nations’ development goals. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will pay tribute by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument, honoring Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought during World War II. Furthering Ghana’s industrialization and food security agenda, the President will travel to the western city of Brest to tour a major milk, cheese, and baby food processing facility, to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore partnerships in agro-processing, a sector crucial to adding value to Ghana’s agriculture. President Mahama’s programme also includes a visit to the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, commemorating the Soviet defense against Nazi forces in 1941, and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights both countries’ commitment to environmental conservation. The state visit is expected to culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements designed to promote mutual growth and strengthen institutional cooperation between Ghana and Belarus. President Mahama will return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, concluding a trip focused on forging new partnerships and advancing Ghana’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Arrest 80 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Sweep Across Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Police Command, backed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has apprehended 80 suspects in a sweeping, intelligence-led anti-crime operation across several hotspots in the Upper East Region. The operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted areas known for criminal activity, including Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. According to a police statement, the coordinated raids were aimed at dismantling networks involved in narcotics and other crimes. In Zuarungu, 12 individuals, eight males and four females (with three Nigerians and one Ghanaian among the women), were arrested. Bongo saw the largest number of arrests, with 34 suspects (32 males and two females) taken into custody. In Pelungu, Kongo, and Nangodi within the Nabdam District, 14 suspects were rounded up, while Bolgatanga accounted for 20 additional arrests. Preliminary investigations suggest that those apprehended were engaged in narcotics peddling, consumption, and a range of other criminal activities. The crackdown also resulted in significant seizures: in Tongo, police retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Bongo operations yielded three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes. The Nabdam District operation uncovered parcels and sacks of dried leaves believed to be narcotics, assorted drinks suspected of containing illicit substances, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes, and components of a casino jackpot machine. In Bolgatanga, further seizures included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, three motorbikes, two with registration numbers and one unregistered, and a casino jackpot machine. All 80 suspects remain in police custody and will be prosecuted in court. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying such operations to rid communities of crime and safeguard public safety across the region. Read the statement below: The Upper East Regional Police Command supported by the IGP’s Special Operations Team conducted an intelligence led swoop operation at Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and Nabdam District from 25th May to 3rd June, 2026. The team arrested twelve suspects comprising eight males and four females at Zuarungu. The female suspects comprised three Nigerians and a Ghanaian. In Bongo, a total of thirty-four (34) suspects comprising thirty-two (32) males and two (2) females were arrested. Subsequently, the operation at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi led to the arrest at fourteen (14) suspects comprising twelve males and two females in the Nabdam District. Twenty (20) suspects were also arrested in Bolgatanga. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling and consumption as well as other criminal related activities. The team also retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarette, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Tongo. In Bongo, three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes were retrieved and in Nabdam, parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Narcotic substances, assorted drinks suspected to contain narcotic content, one unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes and pieces of casino jackpot machine were retrieved. Suspects arrested in Bolgatanga were in possession of dried leaves substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarette, a Yamaha black Sirius motorbike with registration no. M-19-UE 2688, black Luojia motorbike with registration no. M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine. All suspects are in Police custody and will be put before court to face the full rigours of the law. Signed Chief Inspr. Abdul-Rahman Sumaila Public Relations Officer Upper East Region
Coalition Secretary Urges African Lawmakers to Reject LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy
Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has called on African legislators to firmly resist advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that claims linking such rights to international human rights law are misleading and unsubstantiated. Addressing participants at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. Foh-Amoaning urged lawmakers not to be swayed by the argument that LGBTQ+ rights are protected under international legal frameworks. “Don’t be fooled by the human rights argument. It is a lie from hell,” he warned, asserting that advocacy groups are pursuing a deliberate agenda built on what he described as deceptive narratives. “This is an agenda-seeking set of people who are clear on what they want and their hallmark is deception and that’s what I want to expose,” he told the conference. Mr. Foh-Amoaning further contended that references to sexual rights, constitutional rights, and human rights in support of LGBTQ+ issues lack grounding in international law. “So when you hear them talking about human rights, sexual rights, constitutional rights, it’s all false,” he declared. He reassured conference participants that standing against LGBTQ+ rights would not put them in violation of international legal obligations, suggesting such fears are unfounded. “I want this conference not be fooled by anybody and say okay we’re afraid because we’re going to be fighting or conflicting with some international law framework,” he said. According to Mr. Foh-Amoaning, LGBTQ+ rights have never been formally included in international legal instruments, but have rather been introduced through interpretation and external pressure. “My point is LGBTQ rights have never been part of the international legal framework. They were implied and they were forced into our laws,” he argued. The conference brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on family values, national sovereignty, and social policy in a rapidly changing world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Tightens Grip on Liquidity with GHS 11.28 Billion Bill Auction
The Bank of Ghana has extracted GHS 11.28 billion from the financial system through its latest 14-day bill auction, highlighting the central bank’s ongoing efforts to control liquidity and anchor macroeconomic stability. Tender 864, conducted on June 3, 2026, saw the central bank successfully selling GHS 11.28 billion in short-term bills to banks and market participants. The auction drew bids at annual rates between 10.40% and 11.00%, with every qualifying offer being fully allotted. The weighted average discount rate settled at 10.88%, while the corresponding interest rate stood at 10.93%. Unlike government-issued Treasury bills, which fund public spending, Bank of Ghana bills are specifically designed as monetary policy tools to absorb surplus liquidity and guide short-term money market trends. The size of this latest mop-up underscores the central bank’s determination to keep inflation in check and preserve recent macroeconomic gains, especially as inflation has ticked up for two straight months, reaching 3.7% in May from 3.4% in April. For market watchers, the 10.93% average interest rate offers insight into current liquidity conditions and signals the central bank’s cautious monetary stance. This operation follows the Monetary Policy Committee’s recent decision to hold the policy rate steady at 14%. The Bank of Ghana’s active use of its bills underscores its commitment to maintaining orderly money markets and aligning liquidity with broader policy objectives. For banks, these short-term bills provide a valuable investment option, while for the central bank, they remain a vital lever for managing money supply and supporting economic recovery. As government spending, forex inflows, and shifting market expectations continue to shape liquidity across the banking sector, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the central bank maintains this robust pace of liquidity absorption in upcoming auctions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Warns: Foreign Digital Content Threatening African Values Among Children
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has voiced growing concern over the rising influence of foreign digital content on African children, cautioning that it is eroding traditional values such as respect for parents and elders. Addressing the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. George cited data showing that one in three African parents believes their children have lost the traditional value of respecting their parents. He highlighted that 78% of content consumed by African children on digital platforms originates from foreign sources. “So your kids, your grandkids are spending time and 78 per cent of the content that they listen to is from a foreign platform,” Mr. George noted, emphasizing the prevalence of non-African influences in children’s online consumption. According to the minister, digital platforms have become dominant in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young people, often supplanting the traditional institutions and community structures that once guided socialization. “One in three African parents reports that their children have gone wayward. They’ve lost the African value of respect for parents, and that’s coming from online platforms,” he warned. Mr. George urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the digital content their children engage with, arguing that much of it promotes values and behaviors at odds with established family structures and cultural norms. “You just need to take your time and listen to what our kids are watching, your grandchildren are watching online, and you’ll be shocked at what they are being told is the new norm for dealing with parents,” he said. The minister lamented that respect for elders, communal living, and family-centered decision-making, central pillars of African identity, are increasingly under threat. “For millennia, the African identity has been a respect for the elderly and our communal living. Today, the new generation of Africans has no respect for the elderly and family councils, and elders and community ceremonies are now a thing of folklore and a distant past,” Mr. George observed. He concluded by pointing out that digital platforms have become the primary source of socialization for many young people across the continent, a shift that has sparked ongoing debate among policymakers, educators, and cultural leaders about the broader impact of technology and social media on African family life and values. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Excluded From $500 Million Feeder Roads Project– Alagumgube laments
A prominent advocacy group in the Upper East Region, Alagumgube, has expressed deep concern over the exclusion of the region from a major $500 million feeder roads development project approved for various parts of the country. According to the group, the government has secured a loan facility of $500 million to undertake feeder road projects across Ghana. However, while 13 regions have reportedly been selected to benefit from the initiative, the Upper East and North East regions have been left out. Greater Accra was also excluded because it is largely covered by urban road infrastructure. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, a leader of Alagumgube, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to reconsider the decision and include the Upper East Region in the project. Mr. Agambila argued that the exclusion of the region is unfair, particularly given the strong political support the region has consistently shown over the years. He stressed that the development needs of the Upper East Region should not be overlooked, especially when significant infrastructure investments are being distributed across the country. He further called on all 15 Members of Parliament from the region to unite and actively advocate for the interests of their constituents. “We sent our MPs to Parliament to fight for the development of the Upper East Region. While MPs in other regions are securing projects and development initiatives for their people, our MPs appear to be engaged in internal disagreements. It is time for them to stand together and fight for the development of the region,” he stated. The group also expressed disappointment that the Upper East Region was not included in the government’s flagship infrastructure agenda, popularly referred to as the “Big Push.” Alagumgube questioned why a region that has consistently demonstrated strong political support would be overlooked when major development projects are being allocated. “If we are not considered for the feeder roads project, then when will a region that has consistently delivered overwhelming electoral support be considered for such critical infrastructure investments?” the group asked. The group is urging government authorities to review the allocation of the feeder roads project and ensure that the Upper East Region benefits from the initiative to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and support rural communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Strategic Leadership and Electoral Reclamation: The Necessary Calling for the NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) stands at a critical historical junction. Navigating a highly competitive political landscape requires recognising that traditional partisan rhetoric and legacy campaigning are no longer sufficient to guarantee victory. The contemporary Ghanaian electorate is younger, more discerning, digitally connected, and increasingly impatient with standard political promises. For the NPP, “Electoral Reclamation” is not merely about winning the next election cycle; it is about reclaiming the party’s core identity as the pioneer of property-owning democracy, economic competence, and institutional development. To achieve this, the party must treat strategic leadership not as an abstract ideal, but as an immediate operational necessity. To reclaim lost ground, the NPP must first objectively diagnose its recent electoral vulnerabilities. A clinical look at recent voting patterns reveals three distinct challenges: The Squeezed Centre and Floating Voters: The party has faced significant pushback from middle-class, urban, and independent voters who historically favoured the NPP’s technocratic appeal but have grown weary of macroeconomic pressures. The Youth Demography: Ghana’s demographic tilt means first-time and young voters hold the balance of power. This cohort is less moved by historical party loyalty and highly motivated by immediate economic survival, job creation, and digital governance. Grassroots Apathy: Internal friction, perceived elitism, and communication gaps between leadership and local party faithful have occasionally dampened the enthusiasm of the party’s most vital asset: its grassroots mobilisers. Strategic leadership begins from within. If the NPP is to present itself as the fit instrument to lead Ghana forward, it must demonstrate peerless organisational discipline internally. – Institutionalising Unity and Healing Factions: Political transition and internal primaries invariably leave bruises. Strategic leadership demands a deliberate, structured reconciliation mechanism that integrates aggrieved factions into the mainstream campaign machinery. – Merit-Based Party Administration: Transitioning party operations from ad-hoc electioneering to a continuous, data-driven corporate structure. Constituency and regional executives must be equipped with modern management tools, KPIs, and resource flows that do not dry up between election cycles. – Balancing the Technocrat and the Politician: The NPP’s greatest strength has often been its policy depth. However, policy must be translatable. Leadership must ensure that complex socio-economic interventions are coupled with empathetic, grassroots-friendly political marketing. Reclamation requires a proactive strategy to dominate the national narrative and re-secure critical voting blocs. – Message Discipline and Narrative Control: The party must move away from defensive politics. The narrative must aggressively focus on forward-looking solutions, contrasting the party’s structural development achievements with the alternatives. Every party communicator must speak from a unified, fact-checked script. – Aggressive Digital and Youth Mobilisation: The battle for the minds of the youth is happening online. The party must deploy sophisticated, decentralised digital campaign structures-utilising micro-influencers, localised content, and interactive platforms- to meet young voters where they live. – Grassroots Empowerment: Reclaiming lost constituencies requires decentralising resources directly to the polling station level. When local foot soldiers feel valued, adequately resourced, and respected, their capacity for door-to-door mobilisation remains unmatched. The NPP has historically been the party that rises to meet national challenges with intellectual rigour and democratic resilience. The current political climate does not favour the complacent. By embracing a renewed framework of disciplined leadership, internal unity, and modernised voter engagement, the NPP can successfully answer this calling, not just to win an election, but to secure its legacy as the definitive architect of Ghana’s progress. Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) Member, National Council (NPP) Former Upper West/East Regional Minister Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Reassures: Win-Win Mining Partnerships Not Nationalisation
Amid renewed public debate over the renewal of mining leases and the future of resource ownership in Ghana, the government has reiterated its stance that fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with investors should not be mistaken for nationalisation of the country’s mines. Speaking at the 19th West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) on Wednesday, June 3, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah addressed concerns about Ghana’s mining policy and the investment climate. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, assuring stakeholders that Ghana remains open for business. “To our partners and our investors, I wish to reaffirm that Ghana remains committed to providing a stable, predictable, fiscal, legal certainty, and transparent environment for investors. So, forget about all the noise you’re hearing. You are hearing it from me. That is what we are focused on,” the Minister declared. Buah clarified that a partnership model where investors earn competitive returns while contributing to local empowerment, value addition, and skills transfer is not the same as nationalising the mining sector. “A win-win partnership where investors get a good return on their investment and, in return, leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, value addition, and expertise cannot be nationalism of mines. It cannot,” he stated. The Minister also called on investors to strengthen collaborations that foster value addition and urged policymakers and regional institutions to align development frameworks for accelerated progress. “So, let me conclude by reemphasising Ghana’s commitment to building a mining sector that is modern, responsible, resilient, and globally competitive. The opportunity before us is very important. Therefore, if we act with vision, discipline, and partnership, we can turn West Africa’s natural wealth into jobs, industries that guarantee security and lasting prosperity for our people,” Buah urged. The government’s message comes at a pivotal moment for Ghana’s mining sector, as it seeks to balance investor interests with sustainable development and local empowerment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Disinflation Trend Shows Signs of Reversal as Inflation Rises to 3.7% in May
Ghana’s prolonged period of disinflation may be losing momentum, with headline inflation rising for the second month in a row to 3.7% in May 2026. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service on June 3, inflation ticked up by 0.3 percentage points from April’s 3.4%. Every month, price growth also edged higher to 1.1%, compared to 1.0% in the previous month, hinting at a gradual but persistent build-up in price pressures. The consecutive increases mark a notable shift after a stretch of steady disinflation, though the current inflation level is still well below the 18.4% seen in May 2025. Driving this renewed upward movement is a surge in food prices. Inflation for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages jumped to 3.3% in May from 2.2% in April. Food inflation every month nearly doubled, rising to 2.0% from 0.8%, pointing to fresh strains on household budgets. In contrast, non-food inflation eased slightly to 4.1% from 4.2%, suggesting that while overall inflation remains contained, food has become the main engine behind the latest increases. Locally produced items continued to exert the greatest inflationary pressure, with an annual rate of 5.0%, up from 4.7% in April, and accounting for more than 92% of the overall inflation outcome. Imported inflation also inched up but remained muted at 0.9%. Breaking it down by classification, services saw the highest inflation rate at 9.9%, compared to just 1.4% for goods, reflecting persistent price pressures in service-related costs. Regionally, the North East Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 10.1%, while the Savannah Region experienced deflation at -3.0%. Despite the recent uptick, the Ghana Statistical Service emphasized that inflation has dropped sharply from 18.4% in May 2025 to 3.7% in May 2026, signaling a broad improvement in macroeconomic stability. However, the agency cautioned that the emerging pressure from food prices now warrants closer monitoring. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Court Clarifies Presidential Powers Over Security Appointments
The Court has drawn a clear distinction between the appointments of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of Prisons, and those of other high-ranking security officials, clarifying the extent of presidential authority under Ghana’s Constitution. The case, brought before the Court in 2024 by IMANI Africa and security analyst Professor Kwesi Aning, sought a declaration that the President does not possess unfettered power to terminate or remove the heads of specific security agencies. The plaintiffs argued that Article 191 of the Constitution provides certain protections for public office holders, which should extend to these agencies. However, the Court’s decision stated that the offices of the IGP and Director-General of Prisons do not fall within the categories protected by Article 191. Instead, the Court found that the appointments of the Chief Fire Officer and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service are governed by statutory provisions. These positions, the Court held, remain within the President’s discretion, as the Constitution mandates the President to constitute and oversee the country’s security architecture. The ruling provides clarity on the constitutional and statutory frameworks governing key security appointments in Ghana, reinforcing the President’s role while also affirming the limits set by the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com