President Mahama Declares War on Public Sector Financial Irregularities
President John Dramani Mahama has sent a clear message: the era of impunity for financial mismanagement in Ghana’s public sector is coming to an end. On Sunday, May 31, during a diaspora town hall meeting, President Mahama voiced his deep concern about the billions of cedis Ghana loses each year to financial irregularities—losses consistently detailed in the Auditor-General’s reports. “Every year, you hear the Auditor General’s report, Ghana loses 12 billion cedis from misappropriations and things,” he lamented, highlighting the persistent drain on the country’s resources and the longstanding weaknesses in public financial management. But this time, the president announced a historic shift. Thanks to the Chief Justice, Ghana now has specialised audit courts designed to handle cases of financial wrongdoing uncovered by the Auditor-General. No longer will those implicated merely appear before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee; they will stand trial in these new courts, facing real consequences. President Mahama was resolute: anyone found culpable in audit reports will be compelled to refund misappropriated funds or face imprisonment. He emphasized that the Attorney-General and the Auditor-General would collaborate closely to prosecute offenders and recover public money. “We’re putting them in front of those special courts to either refund our money or proceed to NSAWAM and go and catch some rest there,” he quipped, referencing Ghana’s most well-known prison. His vow comes at a time of renewed public scrutiny on financial accountability, following recent high-profile cases examined by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. Among them was a directive ordering officials of the Ho Municipal Assembly to refund GH¢138,000 within 60 days. With these new audit courts and a presidential commitment to enforcement, Ghana appears poised to turn a new page in its battle against public sector financial irregularities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana and South Korea Sign Historic Visa Waiver Agreement
Ghana and South Korea took a remarkable step forward. On the sidelines of the Africa-Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, met with a shared vision: to strengthen the ties binding their nations. With signatures exchanged and hands shaken, the two countries sealed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports. For nearly half a century, Ghana and South Korea had maintained formal relations, but never before had such an agreement been reached. Minister Ablakwa, elated by the breakthrough, announced the news on social media, calling it a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations. But the story does not end there. As the ink dried on this agreement, discussions were already underway to extend these privileges to holders of Ordinary Passports. Such a move, Ablakwa hinted, would open new doors for travel, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Ghana and South Korea. For now, the holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports in both countries can look forward to seamless journeys, free from visa barriers, a development expected to make official engagements more efficient and deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation. The world watched as Ghana and South Korea turned a new page in their shared story, with the promise of even closer ties on the horizon. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana and UK: A New Chapter of Economic Partnership
At the bustling Ghana-UK Investment Summit 2026, President John Dramani Mahama stood before a room of eager investors and dignitaries, his message clear: the economic partnership between Ghana and the United Kingdom is entering a new era. The President shared a milestone that brought pride to both nations: annual bilateral trade now surpasses £1.5 billion. Yet, he was quick to remind the audience that this achievement was just the beginning. “This only scratches the surface of what is possible,” Mahama asserted, his vision firmly fixed on the future. He painted a picture of a rapidly changing world, where global businesses are reevaluating their supply chains and searching for resilient, promising destinations for investment. In this landscape, Ghana, Mahama argued, stands out. Political stability, a strong democratic tradition, and a strategic location are just some of the qualities making the country an attractive choice for international investors. Ongoing reforms to strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals further sweeten the deal. “In that changing global landscape, Ghana offers something increasingly valuable: political stability, democratic maturity, strategic geographical access, improving macroeconomic fundamentals, and a government committed to creating a transparent and investor-friendly business environment,” the President told the summit. Mahama emphasized that the Ghana-UK partnership has grown far beyond its historical roots. Today, it is a multifaceted relationship spanning trade, innovation, education, and shared democratic values. Looking ahead, he called for collaboration in critical sectors such as manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, tourism, education, and the digital economy. “This Summit is therefore not simply a networking event. It is a platform for building long-term partnerships capable of delivering jobs, innovation, industrial growth and shared prosperity,” he declared. With these words, President Mahama invited both countries to seize the opportunity and forge an even stronger economic future together. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ngamegbulam Takes Anti-Drug Campaign to Zorkor Tarongo Primary School
In a determined effort to combat youth drug and alcohol abuse, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief of ApexNewsGH, has extended his advocacy to the Zorkor Tarongo Primary School in the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region. Mr. Ngamegbulam’s visit forms part of his broader mission to reach young people early and steer them away from the dangers of substance abuse. The award-winning journalist is no stranger to this cause. In 2025, he produced a powerful documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs,” which highlighted the harsh realities and struggles faced by youths ensnared by addiction. Drawing from his research and experience, he addressed students, teachers, community leaders, and parents at Zorkor Tarongo Primary School, raising awareness about the escalating problem of drug and alcohol abuse among young people in the area. During the engagement, Mr. Ngamegbulam urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, emphasizing the rising trend of youth involvement in substance abuse within the Bongo District. He warned that early exposure to drugs such as tramadol, cannabis, Red Red, and other substances could derail the ambitions of children, jeopardizing their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, journalists, or teachers. He appealed to students to look up to successful role models within their community, pointing out that these individuals achieved their positions through hard work and discipline, not through substance abuse. “If they had indulged in drugs or alcohol, they wouldn’t be where they are today,” he asserted. The sensitization event was well received by both the school authority and the community leadership. Naba Abelizire Ayeta II, the Chief of the area, expressed gratitude for Mr. Ngamegbulam’s initiative, describing the campaign as essential for every parent in Tarongo. Hon. Akelinyana Peter, Assemblyman for Tarongo/Atiabiise Electoral Area, also lauded Mr. Ngamegbulam as a dedicated youth ambassador who is using his media platform to change lives. He urged parents to heed his advice to guide their children towards responsible adulthood. The Headmistress of Zorkor Tarongo Primary School, Madam Azeko Mary Ngoomah, echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of regular educational outreach on drug and alcohol abuse, which she said is becoming increasingly prevalent in schools. Mr. Ngamegbulam’s visit underscores the urgent need for collective community action to protect the dreams and futures of young people from the devastating impact of substance abuse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School—A Legacy in Need of Revival
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Bongo District, stood Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School, a proud institution established in 1956. As the oldest school in the district, it has long served as the foundation for many prominent personalities, not just within the region, but across all of Ghana. Over the decades, its classrooms have nurtured future leaders, respected professionals, and notable figures such as regional ministers, MPs, and District Chief Executives, all of whom once walked its humble corridors. Yet, despite this rich legacy, the school’s current state tells a different story. The passage of time has not been kind. Years of neglect have left the buildings dilapidated. The infrastructure is crumbling, and the proud walls that once echoed with the laughter and dreams of children now bear the scars of time and relentless rainstorms. Roofs have been torn away, and doors and windows that were once broken have only recently been replaced. Furniture is scarce, and the needs remain many. During an exclusive engagement with Apexnewsgh, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre, the Tarongo/Atiabiise Electoral Area assembly member, voiced his deep concern. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Bongo MP and the Naidvar Trust NGO, whose support has helped replace some doors and windows. “I am aware that many dignitaries passed through this school. Today, they are successful members of society, including the Upper East Regional Minister. I appeal to Hon. Donatus Akamugri, Professor Atintono, Awinsira Wilbert Nam-katoti, and other notable alumni, including a former DCE, to come to the aid of Zorkor Tarongo Primary School.” He continued, emphasizing that as the oldest school in the Bongo District, much has broken down and urgently needs replacement. “Rainstorms have damaged the roof, but with the help of our MP and Naidvar Trust, we have made some progress. Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) also contributed by providing a borehole for the school. Still, the school remains neglected by the very people it once shaped.” Hon. Akugre made a heartfelt plea to former students, including Gaaga Akayeri Azitariga, Bongo’s first MP under the Fourth Republic, and many others. “Please, visit your old school and see its current condition. If you can help us renovate it, I would be deeply grateful. I know you will listen, as you always have.” And so, the story of Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School continues, a legacy waiting to be revived, calling on its sons and daughters to breathe new life into its aging walls. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” Launches at Zorkor Tarongo Primary School
A dream takes root as a new book, written by Cristiane Tavares and illustrated by the school’s own children, promises to nurture both young minds and the environment. Under the shade of hope and the watchful eyes of chiefs, assembly members, and proud community elders, a quiet revolution began at the Zorkor Tarongo Primary School. The occasion was the launch of a very special book: “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees.” But this was no ordinary book launch. The author, Cristiane Tavares, had penned the tale, yet the true magic came from the children themselves, for it was their bright, imaginative illustrations that brought the story to life. The book follows two local children, Anapoka and Anaba, on a mission to heal their world by planting trees, one seedling at a time. As the crowd gathered, the Executive Director of Naidvar Trust, Augustine Akugre, rose to speak. His voice carried a quiet determination. “My vision,” he said, “is to see Zorkor Tarongo Primary become the best school in the entire Bongo District.” He then revealed something extraordinary: the book is being sold across the world, and every bit of profit flows back directly to the school. The headmistress, Madam Azeko Mary Ngoomah, could barely contain her joy. For six years, Naidvar Trust had stood by her school like a faithful friend. But today, the gratitude spilled over. “If not because of Naidvar Trust,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion, “we would never have had the opportunity to sit on these dual desks.” She gestured to the furniture around her, a simple gift that had changed their daily reality. The event drew a constellation of dignitaries: the revered chief of Zorkor Tarongo, Naba Abelizire Ayeta II; the Tarongo Assembly member, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre; an old student, Nyaaba Awine Ibrahim; and countless community members who filled the grounds. As the sun climbed higher over the primary school, “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” was officially launched, not just as a book, but as a promise. A promise that with every page turned and every tree planted, a little school in Zorkor Tarongo would grow stronger, greener, and full of possibility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Hundreds of Homes Submerged in Weija as Dam Spillage Forces Mass Evacuation
Chaos and uncertainty gripped communities in Weija, Accra, after a controlled spillage from the Weija Dam left hundreds of homes underwater and thousands of residents stranded. The sudden flooding, which began after Ghana Water Limited (GWL) opened all spill gates, forced many families to flee for safety, abandoning homes and treasured belongings. The crisis unfolded after GWL announced on May 27, 2026, that water levels in the dam had surged above 48 feet, well beyond safe operating limits, due to persistent heavy rainfall. In an official statement, the utility company explained that the decision to release excess water was a necessary precaution to protect the dam’s structural integrity and prevent a catastrophic overflow. According to GWL, controlled spillage is a standard safety measure activated when intense inflows threaten to overwhelm the dam’s capacity. However, the move has come at a high cost for the surrounding communities, which have been inundated by floodwaters. Streets have turned into rivers, homes have been engulfed, and residents could be seen wading through chest-high water, clutching whatever items they could salvage. With the scale of devastation still unfolding, emergency response teams are mobilizing to assess the damage and bring relief to those affected. Authorities have pledged to intensify rescue and support operations in the coming days as Weija’s residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after the flood. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Volta Regional Minister Launches Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme to Tackle Poverty and Boost Food Security
Regional Minister James Gunu officially launched the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme, a flagship intervention under the Government of Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme. The lively event marked the start of a major initiative designed to reduce poverty, create jobs, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security throughout the region. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the launch, Mr. Gunu emphasized that Nkoko Nkitinkiti is more than a poultry farming project, it is a practical tool for economic empowerment aimed at households, young people, and aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs. “This initiative goes beyond rearing chickens,” Mr. Gunu said. “It is about empowering families, stimulating local economies, and setting the foundation for agribusiness success stories across Volta.” At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: poultry farming as a catalyst for grassroots economic development. As part of the rollout, the region will receive 180,000 day-old chicks, allocated to beneficiaries—especially households and enterprising youth, looking to build sustainable livelihoods. The Minister expressed confidence that this intervention would provide long-term economic relief for families, promote self-employment, and foster the growth of agribusiness throughout the region. Mr. Gunu also drew on the region’s rich history, recalling how, for generations, families relied on the sale of a few chickens to pay school fees, cover healthcare costs, and meet urgent household needs. “Nkoko Nkitinkiti is a revival of an age-old poverty reduction strategy that empowered families at the grassroots level,” he remarked. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural programmes that directly benefit rural communities and bolster food security. He applauded the stakeholders and partners behind the initiative and called on beneficiaries to make the most of the support provided, ensuring the programme’s sustainability and lasting impact. The Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme forms a key component of the broader Feed Ghana vision, which seeks to boost domestic agricultural productivity, improve food availability, and create economic opportunities nationwide. By distributing three million birds to 60,000 households across all 276 constituencies, the government aims to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported frozen chicken. This practice has cost the country over $350 million annually. Under the Household/Backyard Poultry Initiative, each participating household will receive 50 chicks, feed support, and technical guidance to help them transition from subsistence farming to self-sustaining poultry enterprises. The programme also includes support for 50 commercial anchor farmers, each set to receive up to 80,000 chicks and the resources needed to produce poultry at scale, thus strengthening the supply chain from farm to market. Local leaders echoed the optimism. The Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, Stephen Adom, assured residents that the programme would open up job opportunities for the youth and help reduce poverty and unemployment. He reiterated the John Mahama administration’s commitment to supporting Ghanaians through additional interventions, urging beneficiaries to use the chicks wisely to realize the initiative’s full potential. As the first batch of chicks arrives and households prepare their coops, the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is poised to transform lives, foster food sovereignty, and build a more resilient agricultural future for the Volta Region and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Employee Volunteers To Equip Health Centers As Part Of Its 2026 21 Days Of Y’ello Care Campaign
MTN Ghana will officially launch the 2026 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, its flagship employee volunteerism campaign, from June 1 to 21, 2026. This year’s campaign aims to equip various health centres with hospital beds to help address critical healthcare challenges in Ghana. Now in its 19th year, Y’ello Care continues to demonstrate the impact of employee-led action in driving meaningful and sustainable change across the communities we serve. Since its inception, the campaign has mobilised thousands of MTN employees to support initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and economic empowerment. Over the past six years, the campaign has reached more people through the efforts of MTN employee volunteers, contributing significant hours to community engagement, evolving each year to respond to the most pressing needs in our communities, guided by MTN’s purpose of leading digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress. This year’s theme, “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community,” addresses persistent healthcare access challenges in many parts of Ghana. Despite significant progress, large segments of the population, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas, continue to face barriers to essential health services due to distance, cost, limited infrastructure, and shortages of skilled health workers. These gaps disproportionately affect women, children, youth, and vulnerable populations. Y’ello Care 2026 will see MTN staff implement practical, community-led health initiatives aimed at improving access to preventative, primary, and responsive care. These interventions will leverage MTN’s connectivity, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships to help scale healthcare access to underserved communities and strengthen long-term health resilience. Planned activities include the repair of hospital beds, and donation of new beds, community health outreach programmes (WASH), digital health education campaigns, telemedicine-enabled services, public health screening to support the campaign against the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, and the use of data and digital tools to strengthen the delivery of health services. By focusing on prevention, early detection, digitally enabled healthcare solutions, and community-based care, the campaign aims to expand access to services, strengthen healthcare resilience, and improve health outcomes at scale. Commenting on the upcoming Y’ello Care, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer said, “Y’ello Care reflects our belief that meaningful progress begins with meeting communities where they are. We are focusing our efforts on expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in communities where it remains out of reach for many”. “MTN is uniquely positioned to help scale equitable healthcare access across Ghana through the power of connectivity, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Through Y’ello Care 2026, we are leveraging these capabilities to help communities access healthcare services that are more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable,” she concluded. In line with MTN’s values, the campaign prioritises collaboration, responsible delivery, and community-led implementation. Through trusted partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders, the campaign aims to deliver solutions that are responsive to real needs, respectful of local contexts, and designed for lasting impact. Through Y’ello Care, MTN reaffirms its commitment to enabling inclusive development and strengthening the communities we serve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tema Oil Refinery Welcomes One Million Barrels of Bonga Crude in Major Step Toward Revitalization
A new wave of optimism swept through Ghana’s energy sector this week as Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) announced the safe arrival of approximately one million barrels of Bonga Crude Oil aboard the MT Cap Felix. The delivery marks a significant milestone in the refinery’s ongoing campaign to rejuvenate its operations and fortify the nation’s petroleum supply chain. The management of TOR revealed that the high-quality crude cargo, purchased from global energy giant Shell, was supplied via TOR’s tolling partner, Triangle Commodities Trading. This strategic arrangement, officials explained, is part of a broader plan to restore TOR’s operational capacity and guarantee a secure, stable flow of petroleum products to consumers across Ghana. For TOR, the delivery of Bonga Crude represents more than just a shipment; it is a signal of renewed momentum in the refinery’s push to restore reliable refining activities, strengthen national energy security, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuels. Management highlighted that Bonga Crude is valued in the industry for its low-sulphur content and excellent refining yields, promising substantial output of premium products such as LPG, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), and fuel oil. These products are expected to serve both domestic needs and regional markets. Expressing gratitude, TOR’s leadership thanked the Government of Ghana, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and other partners for their steadfast support during the refinery’s resurgence. They emphasized that collaborative efforts have been crucial to reaching this new phase of operational recovery. Looking ahead, TOR reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship. The refinery reiterated its long-term vision to transform itself into a commercially sustainable energy hub, not just for Ghana, but for the entire West African sub-region. As the first barrels of Bonga Crude are prepared for processing, hopes are high that this latest development will pave the way for a new era of stability and growth in Ghana’s energy landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com