The Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) Urge Support for Returning Ghanaians
In the wake of mounting xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) has sounded a clarion call for the Government of Ghana to prioritize Ghanaian businesses, especially in strategic sectors like mining, as part of a broader effort to support citizens returning home under distressing circumstances. The story began when news broke of yet another wave of violence targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. Many were forced to leave behind thriving businesses and livelihoods, journeying back to Ghana with uncertainty clouding their futures. In a heartfelt statement signed by Executive Director Nana Otu Darko, PAJAG expressed deep concern for the displaced Ghanaians and the challenges they now face. Despite the pain and frustration, PAJAG stood firm in cautioning against any acts of retaliation towards South Africans living or working in Ghana. “Let us uphold peace, diplomacy, and Pan-African unity,” the group urged, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation for hospitality and level-headedness in times of crisis. PAJAG took a moment to commend President John Dramani Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa Benjamin Quashie, and businessman Ibrahim Mahama for their swift support to affected compatriots. Their efforts, the group noted, exemplified true leadership in a time of need. Looking ahead, PAJAG advocated for a thorough audit of South African companies operating in Ghana. They recommended that, where lawful and necessary, expiring contracts should not be renewed. Instead, any opportunities arising from such transitions ought to be channeled toward capable Ghanaian entrepreneurs and investors, boosting local participation in vital sectors and opening new doors for those forced to return home. The group further championed the creation of a national reintegration programme, envisioning access to credit, skills training, and employment opportunities for returning Ghanaians. “Empowering local businesses and transitioning opportunities to Ghanaian companies will help create jobs, strengthen local industries, and reinforce our economic resilience,” PAJAG affirmed. Diplomatic engagement, they insisted, should be intensified with South African authorities to protect Ghanaian nationals and develop long-term strategies to combat xenophobia across Africa. Through it all, PAJAG maintained that Ghana’s response must be rooted in lawful economic empowerment and national development, without compromising the country’s commitment to peace, unity, and positive relations within the African family. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Urges Integrity as WASSCE Theory Papers Begin Tomorrow
In Ghana, anticipation and anxiety filled the air for over half a million students preparing for the start of the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) theory papers. In a pivotal press conference, Ghana Education Service (GES) Director-General, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, addressed the nation with a strong message: uphold honesty, shun malpractice, and let true learning shine. Prof. Davis, standing at the podium before a sea of reporters and cameras, did not mince words. “Examination malpractice undermines the very foundation of our education system,” he declared. “It distorts the assessment of students’ true abilities and compromises the credibility of our certificates.” His warning resonated with students, teachers, and parents alike, as he outlined the significant consequences of cheating, not only for individuals but for the nation’s reputation. This year, a record 509,862 candidates, 225,274 boys and 284,588 girls, will converge at 1,017 centers across the country. Prof. Davis acknowledged their hard work and sacrifices, urging them to rely on their preparation and integrity rather than shortcuts or external help. “Prepare well and do your best,” he encouraged, “for there are strict measures in place to prevent cheating.” To reinforce the message, the GES has partnered with security agencies to ensure a safe and orderly environment at all exam centers. Supervisors and invigilators were reminded of their duty to remain impartial and professional, with a stern warning: anyone found aiding malpractice will face severe sanctions. In a final act of vigilance, the GES published hotlines (020-136-0789 and 020-136-0786) for the public to report any instances of exam malpractice, reinforcing a collective responsibility to protect the integrity of the WASSCE. As thousands prepare themselves for the exams, the call from GES is clear: let honesty and hard work lead the way, for the future of Ghana depends on it. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
BoG and SEC Roll Out Bold Digital Finance Reforms to Position Ghana as Africa’s Fintech Leader
Ghana is taking decisive steps to strengthen its place in Africa’s growing digital economy, as the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled major reforms aimed at transforming the country into a leading digital finance hub on the continent. The announcements were made during the 3i Africa Summit, where policymakers and financial industry leaders outlined plans to improve instant payment systems, regulate virtual assets, and tighten controls within the fintech lending space. Delivering closing remarks at the summit, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, stressed that Africa’s next financial breakthrough will depend on how effectively countries connect their payment systems across borders. According to him, many African countries have already built successful mobile money and digital payment platforms, but the lack of integration between national systems continues to slow down the continent’s digital trade ambitions. Dr. Mumuni explained that the challenge facing Africa is no longer about creating new financial innovations, but rather scaling existing systems to work seamlessly together. He noted that harmonized standards and interconnected payment infrastructure would make it easier for money to move freely across African borders. He cautioned that without deliberate collaboration among African nations, the dream of a unified digital market could remain unattainable. He further urged leaders and regulators to focus on building interconnected systems instead of isolated financial structures. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to formalize Ghana’s virtual asset industry with the introduction of a regulatory sandbox framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The SEC said the initiative, established under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154), will allow companies operating in the virtual asset space to test innovative products and services under regulatory supervision for a period of 12 months. The Commission explained that the sandbox arrangement is intended to promote responsible innovation while ensuring investor protection and maintaining market integrity. Companies that successfully meet the regulatory requirements during the testing phase may eventually receive full operational licenses. In another significant move, the Bank of Ghana also announced plans to strengthen credit risk management within the fintech sector through mandatory data sharing among financial technology companies. The central bank believes the initiative will help reduce the activities of habitual loan defaulters and lower lending risks by incorporating fintech borrowing data into Ghana’s credit reporting system. Dr. Mumuni emphasized the importance of building financial systems that not only expand access to credit but also promote responsible borrowing and lending practices. Participants at the summit agreed that Africa’s digital finance sector has reached a stage where action and implementation must now take precedence over experimentation and pilot projects. Closing the summit, Dr. Mumuni urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and commit to practical execution, insisting that the real success of the 3i Africa Summit would be determined by the concrete actions taken after the event. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Financial Revolution: Making Women’s Ventures ‘Investment-Ready’ for the World
In the bustling markets and roadside stalls across Ghana, millions of women work tirelessly, yet most remain invisible to the formal banking system. But a shift is coming. “Our goal is to ensure these ventures are ‘investment-ready’ for the global stage,” a spokesperson for Chartered recently declared, capturing a growing consensus among financial leaders. Still, the reality of the “unbanked” female entrepreneur is stark. Despite national economic gains, countless women in the informal sector find themselves locked out of traditional loans. Experts argue that until Ghana dismantles its deeply rooted “collateral culture”, which demands physical assets most women don’t possess, many will remain trapped, relying on high-interest informal lenders who circle like vultures. Enter Dr. Elizabeth Zormelo, a fierce advocate for female financial literacy. She doesn’t mince words. “Credit is the fuel, but financial literacy and market access are the engine,” Dr. Zormelo explains, her voice carrying the urgency of someone who has watched too many small businesses flicker and die. “The Women’s Development Bank must be paired with aggressive training to ensure these businesses don’t just survive, but dominate.” Her message arrives at a pivotal moment. The Bank of Ghana is preparing to release new guidelines on gender-disaggregated data reporting,a tool that will finally reveal, in stark numbers, who gets loans and who doesn’t. The message to the financial sector is unmistakable: the future of Ghana’s economic growth is female, and the cost of exclusion is a price this nation can no longer afford to pay. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator Commends President Mahama and Officials for MahamaCares Salary Contributions
In a heartfelt address during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Monday, May 11, the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adwoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, lauded President John Dramani Mahama and government appointees for their remarkable show of solidarity with the MahamaCares Initiative. The gesture, involving voluntary salary contributions, was described as a testament to the government’s dedication to improving access to specialised healthcare in Ghana. Mrs. Darko-Opoku revealed that President Mahama had set the tone for national giving by donating six months of his salary to the Fund, inspiring others to follow suit. “At this juncture, I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who led by example by donating six months of his salary to the Fund,” she remarked. She also thanked the government appointees who joined the cause by contributing portions of their salaries, which strengthened the initiative. The Administrator also acknowledged the vital support from Corporate Ghana, philanthropic organizations, and individuals whose financial contributions have bolstered the Trust Fund’s resources. She explained that a combination of sources sustains the Ghana Medical Trust Fund: 20 percent of the National Health Insurance Levy, government allocations, grants, voluntary contributions, investments, and donations. Established to provide financial relief and specialised care for Ghanaians living with chronic non-communicable diseases, the Fund stands as a beacon of hope, powered by the generosity and commitment of leaders and citizens alike. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Smash Armed Robbery Gang: Two Suspects Nabbed After Weeks of Manhunt
For weeks, residents of Bolgatanga and travelers along the Bolgatanga-Walewale highway had lived in fear. Armed men, wielding AK47 rifles and pistols, struck repeatedly, snatching cash, motorbikes, and mobile phones. Some victims never made it home alive. But on the evening of 9th May 2026, the nightmare began to unravel. An elite team from the CID Headquarters Operations Unit, acting on weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance in Bolgatanga and Walewale, closed in on two men in Kumasi. The suspects, Moses Akungoe, known on the streets as “Mosbee,” and Jacob Akugri, alias “Weezy”, were arrested without incident. According to police sources, the two are believed to be key members of a robbery gang that has been terrorising the Upper East and North East Regions. Armed with two AK47 rifles and pistols, the gang allegedly targeted both highways and streets, robbing victims of their belongings and, in several cases, causing deaths. Under interrogation, Mosbee and Weezy reportedly confessed to their roles in multiple robberies. They also named the alleged gang leader, a man called Issaka, and another accomplice, Araafat, both still on the run. Police say they are now pursuing strong leads to capture the remaining suspects, including individuals suspected of supplying the gang with weapons. The two arrested men remain in police custody, assisting with investigations. Authorities are also working to recover stolen items and identify other accomplices linked to the deadly robbery spree. Read full statement: POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTED ROBBERS WANTED FOR HIGHWAY AND STREET ROBBERIES IN BOLGATANGA 1. The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspected robbers believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies within the Bolgatanga metropolis and along the Bolgatanga-Walewale highway. 2. The suspects, identified as Moses Akungoe, also known as “Mosbee,”, and Jacob Akugri, also known as “Weezy,”, were arrested on 9th May 2026 in Kumasi by a team from the CID Headquarters Operations Unit following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance operations in Bolgatanga and Walewale. 3. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were part of a robbery gang armed with two AK47 rifles and pistols, operating within the Upper East and North East Regions. The gang is believed to have robbed several persons of cash, motorbikes, and mobile phones on streets and highways, with some of the incidents resulting in deaths. 4. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to their involvement in several robbery activities and identified the alleged gang leader as Issaka, with another accomplice named Araafat, both currently at large. 5. Police are currently pursuing leads to arrest the remaining suspects, including some persons believed to be supplying the gang with weapons for their criminal activities. 6. The two suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations, while efforts continue to retrieve stolen items and identify other accomplices linked to the robberies. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Journalist Calls for Routine Drug Testing in Schools to Curb Student Indiscipline
In a compelling opinion shared with the public, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, is sounding the alarm on the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among students in Ghana’s educational institutions. According to Mr. Ngamegbulam, this troubling trend is not only fueling riots and widespread property damage but is also undermining discipline in junior high, senior high, and tertiary schools across the country. Citing a 2025 study that revealed over 60% of senior high school students in certain regions have used drugs or alcohol, often starting between the ages of 16 and 18, Mr. Ngamegbulam is urging the government to take action. His proposal: mandatory drug and alcohol testing for all students seeking admission into junior high, senior high, and tertiary institutions in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES). He believes this testing should be a regular, periodic exercise, not just a one-time event, to ensure sustained accountability and to act as a deterrent against substance abuse. Mr. Ngamegbulam references the recent turmoil at Bolgatanga Technical Institute (BOTECH), which faced repeated closures due to student riots and planned attacks, as a stark warning of the consequences of unchecked substance abuse in schools. “If students know they will be tested regularly, it will serve as a deterrent,” he argues. Furthermore, he suggests that any student who tests positive for drugs or alcohol three consecutive times should face suspension, a policy he believes would restore discipline. He advocates for this approach to be implemented collaboratively by the GES and the Narcotic Control Commission, ensuring a robust and effective drug and alcohol testing regime nationwide. The ultimate aim, in Mr. Ngamegbulam’s view, is to prevent students from becoming liabilities to themselves and their communities, and instead foster environments where learning and personal growth can flourish. For Mr. Ngamegbulam, the message is clear: unless bold and coordinated action is taken against drug and alcohol abuse, Ghana’s schools face further disruption and the risk of losing a generation’s potential. Regular drug and alcohol testing, along with strict disciplinary measures, could be the solution to restoring order and safeguarding the future of Ghana’s youth. This, he insists, is a conversation the nation can no longer afford to postpone. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Retrieve 1,400 Rounds of Ammunition at Workshop in Bolgatanga
In the quiet confines of a mechanic workshop near the Assemblies of God Church in Bolgatanga, an ordinary sweeping task took an extraordinary turn. It was the 9th of May 2026 when an apprentice, while cleaning the workshop floor, stumbled upon something deeply unsettling. The young worker quickly alerted his boss, the auto mechanic, who without hesitation reported the discovery to the Upper East Regional Police Command. Officers were dispatched immediately, arriving at the scene with cautious urgency. What they found hidden inside a humble hen coop was anything but ordinary. Tucked away in fertilizer sacks were two sealed packets, each containing 700 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition. In total, 1,400 live rounds were retrieved from the makeshift hiding spot. The ammunition is now secured in police custody, preserved as key evidence. As investigations press on, authorities are determined to trace the source and uncover who owned the deadly cache. Below is the full Police statement POLICE RETRIEVE 1,400 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION AT WORKSHOP IN BOLGATANGA The Upper East Regional Police Command has retrieved a large quantity of ammunition at a mechanic workshop near the Assemblies of God Church in Bolgatanga. The retrieval followed a report made to the Police on 9th May 2026 by an auto mechanic, who stated that his apprentice discovered suspicious items while sweeping the workshop premises. A team of Police officers moved swiftly to the scene and recovered two sealed packets hidden in fertilizer sacks inside a hen coop. The packets contained a total of 1,400 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, with each packet containing 700 rounds. The exhibits are in Police custody for evidential purposes, while investigations continue to establish the source and ownership of the ammunition. Source: Ghana Police Service
24hr Market: Prioritize Protection; Hajia Charity’s Call to President Mahama, Interior, and Defense Ministers
Former Upper East Regional Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hajia Charity Chariyam, has issued a passionate call for enhanced security measures as the government rolls out its 24-hour market initiative across the country. While the initiative has been welcomed by many, Hajia Charity, known for her courage and candid opinions, has raised an alarm over a looming danger: armed robbery. In an interview with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, she warned that women who work late into the night face daily threats, and without proper protection, the new policy could do more harm than good. “Imagine a woman selling pepper or salt all day, only to be attacked on her way home and lose her hard-earned money,” she said. “Many of these women rely on small loans from banks or groups such as MASLOC. If robbed, they are left with nothing but debt. Their capital is already small; losing it means they cannot sustain their families or businesses.” President John Dramani Mahama has described the 24-hour market policy as a major campaign promise aimed at creating wealth in beneficiary communities. Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for a model market in Bimbilla in the Northern Region, he explained that the modern multipurpose markets would depart from traditional designs, offering banking services, storage, fire and security protection, restaurants, crèches, and clinics to handle traders’ emergency health needs. He assured that all 261 districts of Ghana would eventually benefit. Hajia Charity endorses the president’s vision but insists that a well-structured, round-the-clock security system must accompany it. She proposed that security personnel work in three shifts, morning, afternoon, and night, to ensure markets remain protected at all hours. Without this, she warned, the fear of robbery would only increase, discouraging traders from participating. Beyond immediate protection, she called for long-term solutions to address the root causes of crime. “It’s not just men; even women are involved in robbery out of desperation,” she noted. She urged the government and community leaders to empower the youth with jobs and skills training in trades such as welding, tailoring, and more, so that young people can earn an honest living. Offering a message of hope, Hajia Charity shared the story of some local businessmen who started small and became billionaires through perseverance and honest work. She appealed to President Mahama, the Interior Minister, and the Defense Minister to prioritize both security and empowerment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Assumes Office as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister
The halls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs buzzed with anticipation as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially took up her post. Her elevation, announced by President Bola Tinubu, was met with warm applause from staff and dignitaries alike. In a statement, Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa highlighted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s appointment was a testament to the Federal Government’s confidence in her leadership and diplomatic acumen. During a reception held in her honor, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed extended his heartfelt congratulations. He described her appointment as a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering dedication and professionalism in service to the nation. Ambassador Ahmed expressed optimism that the new minister would further strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and forge deeper diplomatic partnerships worldwide. He pledged the ministry’s full support as she works to advance the administration’s foreign policy priorities. Reiterating the ministry’s commitment, Ahmed emphasized the drive to promote Nigeria’s national interests, protect its citizens abroad, attract foreign investment, and nurture both bilateral and multilateral relationships. In her remarks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu graciously thanked the ministry’s management and staff for their warm welcome. She reaffirmed her resolve to build upon the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and to push forward Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda. She reiterated her dedication to the Federal Government’s 4D Foreign Policy agenda, Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. Emphasizing citizen diplomacy, strategic autonomy, professionalism, and institutional efficiency, Odumegwu-Ojukwu underlined the importance of these values in confronting global challenges and safeguarding Nigeria’s interests on the world stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com