New Drug Detection Systems Set for Accra International Airport as Ghana Steps Up Anti-Narcotics Efforts
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has unveiled plans to roll out advanced drug detection systems, featuring state-of-the-art mobile drug detection scanners, at Accra International Airport beginning August 2026. This initiative, jointly supported by the governments of Ghana and the Netherlands, marks a significant step in the country’s intensified efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking. The announcement comes on the heels of a major operation that saw the arrest of an alleged drug kingpin linked to the seizure of approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a charcoal shipment from Ghana and intercepted in Australia. Speaking at a durbar to commemorate the 2026 World Drug Day in Accra on Friday, June 26, NACOC Director-General Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey expressed concern about Ghana’s growing role as both a transit and distribution hub for illicit drugs. “The Government of Ghana has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC just yesterday [June 25]. In collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we are undertaking a full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years,” Brigadier General Mantey announced. He also revealed a major expansion of NACOC’s operational footprint, with district operational commands increasing from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, now covering all 16 regions. The commission has received 27 new operational vehicles to support field deployments. In a move to build capacity for future anti-narcotics professionals, Mantey shared that a 100-acre parcel of land has been secured at the Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NACOC training school. “This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotics professionals, and that is why I am interested in my students,” he noted. With these measures, the NACOC aims to strengthen its ability to detect, deter, and disrupt narcotics trafficking at Ghana’s borders and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry Unveils PharmaVax Programme to Transform Ghana’s Pharmaceutical Sector
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has announced a bold new initiative to revolutionize Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector through the launch of the PharmaVax Programme. The programme, which was outlined at a meeting in Accra on Thursday, 25th June 2026, aims to strengthen governance, attract investment, and expand market opportunities for local manufacturers. According to the ministry, the PharmaVax Programme is anchored on four key pillars: strengthening governance institutions within the pharmaceutical sector; enhancing public-private dialogue between government and industry; improving the environment for foreign direct investment and trade; and promoting greater transparency in investment conditions and authorization processes. Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Director of Administration, Mr. Yaw Sakyi, emphasized the government’s commitment to making Ghana the pharmaceutical manufacturing hub of the sub-region. He noted that the new Pharmaceutical Policy would provide the necessary implementation systems to ensure the sector’s growth. Mr. Sakyi also expressed gratitude to the European Union and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for their financial support of €415,437.78. As part of the initiative, Mr. Godfred Gobah, Head of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Development Unit, stated that the Ministry would actively engage the private sector and participate in both local and international events. These efforts are designed to boost the visibility of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry and create new market access opportunities. The Ministry expects the PharmaVax Programme to lay a solid foundation for achieving several strategic objectives by 2030. These include doubling the export value of pharmaceutical products within the ECOWAS market and increasing the market share of locally produced pharmaceuticals from 30 percent to 60 percent. Working in partnership with GIZ Ghana, the European Union, and other key stakeholders, the Trade Ministry is focused on building a robust ecosystem to drive the growth and global competitiveness of Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Unveils Plans for State Assets Protection Bill
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Cabinet has instructed the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, to prepare new legislation aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s state assets. The forthcoming State Assets Protection Bill was announced during the Ghana Civil Society Forum 2026, held under the theme “Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development.” Addressing participants at the forum, President Mahama emphasized the need to shield public property from arbitrary disposal by any government. He explained that the bill will cover a broad range of state assets, including lands, buildings, factories, and industries. “The bill is intended to prevent any government from the arbitrary disposal of state assets,” President Mahama stated. He further noted that the State Assets Protection Bill will establish clear and transparent guidelines for the disposal of public property, ensuring that no administration can unilaterally sell or transfer national assets at its discretion. According to the President, this legislative move is part of ongoing efforts to promote good governance, accountability, and the responsible management of the country’s resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Dead, Four Injured in Tragic Head-On Collision on Elubo–Takoradi Highway
Tragedy struck along the Elubo–Takoradi Highway on Friday when a head-on collision between a tipper truck and a Nigerian passenger bus left two people dead and four others injured. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported that the crash involved a Sinotruck (Howo) tipper truck with registration number GS 3789-24 and a Nigerian-registered passenger bus, AAA 449 YN, traveling from Lagos. The devastating accident occurred near Abease, prompting an urgent emergency response. According to the GNFS, personnel from the Elubo Fire Station were alerted to the incident at 11:53 a.m. A five-member rescue team, led by Assistant Divisional Officer II Clement Arthur and supported by Assistant Divisional Officer I Issifu Dauda Kaku, arrived at the scene within six minutes of the distress call. Upon arrival, firefighters found that three victims had already been rescued by bystanders. However, five more individuals—including passengers from the bus and the mate of the tipper truck—remained trapped in the wreckage. The rescue team acted swiftly to extricate the remaining victims, providing emergency care before conveying four injured persons to the Elubo Government Hospital. Tragically, the driver of the passenger bus was pronounced dead at the scene. The tipper truck’s mate, who was among the injured, later died at the hospital. Both bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue as investigations continue. Preliminary findings by the Ghana National Fire Service indicate the accident was likely caused when the bus driver, in an attempt to avoid a pothole, veered into the path of the oncoming tipper truck, resulting in the fatal collision. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Bongo District Director of Health Assures Public: “Everything is Under Control” After Watermelon Incident
On Friday, the Bongo District Director of Health, Estella Abazesi, reassured the public that the situation was under control after 12 individuals were hospitalized at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo following the consumption of watermelon. Speaking to Apexnewsgh, Director Abazesi recounted how her team responded swiftly to the incident. “So, it’s last night that we also had the information. This morning, our team went to the facility to get some detailed information about what happened. We met about 12 clients at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo, and they are all doing well now,” she said. According to the Director, all the affected individuals shared a common history: they had eaten watermelon on the 24th of the month. Shortly after, they experienced vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in their admission to the hospital. Interestingly, two members of the same household who did not consume the watermelon remained healthy and showed no symptoms. Further inquiries revealed that the patients had eaten different meals that evening before consuming the watermelon. Unfortunately, Abazesi noted, “There is no leftover of the watermelon whatsoever, so we can’t really take a sample for testing. We just have to keep our ears on the ground to see what happens further.” Director Abazesi assured that, as of now, all patients are stable and recovering. “No one has the symptoms now. They are all pending for discharge, except one who will be referred due to a pre-existing condition.” The origin of the watermelon was also traced. “The watermelon was bought from the northeast, in Walewale,” she explained. “We need to keep our ears on the ground to see whether this is a larger issue. If it’s related to the watermelon, we’ll find out, but for now, all the clients are doing well.” Health officials plan to continue monitoring the situation, even after the patients are discharged. “We still do follow-ups to ensure they remain healthy,” Abazesi said. When asked about efforts to trace the source of the watermelon, Abazesi acknowledged that they were yet to meet the man who purchased it. “We will stay in touch with the assemblyman to gather more information about exactly where the watermelon was bought. Once we reach him, we can further our investigation.” Director Abazesi concluded on a reassuring note, emphasizing that the health team remained vigilant and would keep the public informed as they continued to investigate the incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GJA Monitors Conviction of Herald Editor, Calls for Calm and Due Process
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) found itself in the midst of a challenging moment when news broke that Mr. Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper and theheraldghana.com, had been convicted and sentenced by an Accra High Court. Justice Isaac Addo presided over the case, which resulted in Mr. Dogbey receiving a seven-day imprisonment for contempt of court. The conviction stemmed from a publication related to a legal battle involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA. Upon learning of the court’s decision, the GJA described the situation as unfortunate. Determined to uphold its core mission of protecting press freedom and advocating for the welfare of journalists, the association immediately began consulting its legal team. The goal: to determine the best course of action in response to the unfolding events. In a statement to the public, the GJA urged both media practitioners and the general public to remain calm and exercise restraint when discussing the matter. The association called on all stakeholders to be measured in their commentary and to allow the legal process to run its natural course. While the GJA continues to monitor the developments closely and awaits advice from its legal experts, it has pledged to update the public on its considered position and any further steps in due time. Meanwhile, the association has expressed its solidarity with Mr. Dogbey, acknowledging the difficulties he faces during this period. Reaffirming its unwavering commitment, the GJA emphasized its dedication to defending media freedom, promoting responsible journalism, and safeguarding the rights of journalists across Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gender Minister Details Government’s Efforts to Tackle Child Hawking and Streetism
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has outlined a series of government interventions aimed at addressing the rising issue of child hawking and the growing number of children living on the streets. Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Lartey, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Krowor, expressed deep concern about the plight of vulnerable children and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their protection. “As the lead coordinating institution for the welfare of children in Ghana, my Ministry is very concerned about this issue,” she told the House. Dr. Lartey reminded Parliament that Section 16(1) of the Children’s Act, 1998, places responsibility on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take all necessary steps to remove children from street situations and ensure their welfare. She revealed that her ministry is working closely with MMDAs, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Police Service, civil society organizations, and development partners to identify, rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children found living and working on the streets. She also highlighted the government’s focus on tackling the root causes of child hawking and streetism by strengthening poverty alleviation programmes. Key among these are the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative and the Ghana School Feeding Programme, both designed to reduce the economic vulnerabilities that often push children into street life and hazardous labour. In addition, Dr. Lartey announced plans to intensify public education and awareness campaigns on child exploitation. She emphasized that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to protect the rights and welfare of children nationwide. The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s resolve to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ghana is given the opportunity for a safe and dignified childhood. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyers Ask High Court to Postpone Judgment in Akonta Mining Case
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the High Court seeking a postponement of the judgment in his ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. The request, submitted by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, asks the court to defer the scheduled July 3 verdict in order to allow the defence more time to obtain the certified record of proceedings and prepare written submissions. This development follows the recent withdrawal of Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who stepped down shortly after the defence concluded its case. While the court rejected an application for leave to withdraw, it clarified that, in criminal cases, a lawyer does not require the court’s permission to cease representing a client, making the matter one for the client and lawyer to resolve. In his supporting affidavit, Atta Akyea explained that he was only appointed on June 19, after the prior counsel’s withdrawal. Since then, he has requested certified copies of proceedings and relevant documents from the court registry, but has yet to receive them. Without access to the complete record, Atta Akyea argues, he cannot adequately review the case or effectively represent his clients. He further emphasized that, given the gravity of the criminal charges and their potential consequences, Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial. Granting the adjournment, Atta Akyea contends, would not prejudice the prosecution, but would uphold the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial and bolster public confidence in the justice system. The High Court had originally set July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused face allegations related to illegal mining activities, charges they have consistently denied. Atta Akyea insists that the application is not meant to delay justice, but rather to ensure proper legal preparation before a final judgment is delivered. The court is expected to rule on the adjournment request in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Launches Ambitious Drive to Train 1,000 Specialised Nurses Annually
Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has unveiled a bold new initiative to train at least 1,000 specialised nursing students each year, aiming to close persistent gaps in the nation’s healthcare workforce. Addressing attendees at the joint matriculation ceremony for the Specialised Nursing Programme on Thursday, June 25, the Minister emphasised the urgent need to build advanced skills among nurses and broaden professional opportunities in the health sector. He explained that, while Ghana boasts over 100,000 trained health professionals, there are significant shortages in specialised fields, shortcomings that become especially pronounced when negotiating international health agreements. “These deficiencies in specialised skills are often highlighted by our international partners, who require expertise that we currently lack in sufficient numbers,” Akandoh observed. “I inherited a sector with a large workforce, but the specialised competencies were simply missing.” The Specialised Nursing Programme, which will soon expand to training institutions nationwide, is part of the government’s broader strategy to address these critical gaps. Despite initial scepticism and criticism, the initiative has gained momentum and support, paving the way for further growth. “We are determined to train no fewer than 1,000 students every year,” the Minister declared. “This is just the beginning, and the programme will be replicated in other institutions across the country.” Akandoh urged health sector leaders to focus on practical solutions and to prioritise expanding training opportunities to meet both domestic healthcare needs and international standards. The government’s commitment signals a new chapter for Ghana’s nursing profession, with the potential to strengthen the health system and enhance the country’s reputation on the global stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Ministry Urges Vigilance as Drug Networks Infiltrate Ghanaian Schools
The Ministry of Education has issued a strong call to action for teachers and school authorities nationwide to intensify monitoring of students in response to alarming signs that drug networks are making inroads into Ghana’s basic and secondary schools. The warning comes on the heels of intelligence gathered by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), which revealed that drug-related activities are increasingly shifting from the streets into educational environments. Recent enforcement operations have uncovered a rise in the use of opioids and tramadol among young people, sparking concern among educators and policymakers. Speaking to the media on June 25, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, described the trend as part of a broader drug abuse crisis confronting both Ghana and the world. He emphasized the urgent need for intervention and outlined ongoing collaboration between the Ministry, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and support systems in schools. “Teachers are at the frontline of this fight, they are the first to notice changes in students’ behaviour and can help prevent drug-related activities from gaining ground in our schools,” Dr. Apaak explained. He called on teachers and school administrators to be proactive in searching students’ bags and personal belongings as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure campus safety. “We have empowered school managers to conduct thorough checks of luggage, trunks, and chop boxes brought into dormitories,” he added, noting that these measures are a continuation of government efforts to restore discipline in the education sector. Dr. Apaak stressed that tackling the rising threat of drug abuse and trafficking in schools will require coordinated action from teachers, parents, school leaders, and security agencies alike. The Ministry’s latest appeal highlights the urgent need for vigilance to protect students and maintain safe learning environments across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com