Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case, Accra High Court Told
The Accra High Court has been formally informed that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a plea bargain in a high-profile criminal case involving alleged multi-million cedi fraud against the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The update came to light on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Attorney-General notified the court that Wontumi, the first accused, had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, made the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was communicated to the Attorney-General in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The case lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, his brother Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited as accused parties. Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the duo fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank using false pretences and the business entity as a front. The charge sheet further accuses Chairman Wontumi of presenting a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility and knowingly benefiting from the alleged fraudulent funds, which forms the basis of a money laundering charge. According to the prosecution, the transactions in question resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank. The notification of the plea bargain, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the presiding judge’s attention. As the case progresses, the court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification and oversee further negotiations between the parties under the applicable legal framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Institutional Suppliers Picket Ministry of Education Over Unpaid Free SHS Debts
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) staged a peaceful picket at the Ministry of Education, demanding urgent payment of debts owed to its members under the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme. According to the association, the government owes suppliers approximately GH¢50 million for uniforms, house dresses, and school clothing delivered to senior high schools across the country since 2023. The mounting arrears have left many suppliers in a precarious financial situation. NAIS National President, Emmanuel Ayivor, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in payments, noting that many members relied on bank loans to fulfil government contracts. As cash flow worsens, some suppliers are now struggling to keep their businesses afloat and retain their workers. “Most of us are working with loans and currently the banks are taking over our properties because we are unable to pay,” Ayivor said during the picket. The association is demanding the settlement of two years’ arrears and has called on the government to release all outstanding funds without further delay. NAIS emphasized that the picketing was meant to highlight the hardship faced by suppliers and to press for immediate action from authorities. The demonstration underscores the growing financial strain on businesses providing essential goods and services to the education sector, as suppliers await a government response to their demands. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington Awaits World Cup Ticket Allocation for Diaspora Supporters
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., has announced that it is yet to receive tickets allocated for Ghanaian supporters in the United States ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. The update comes amid growing anticipation among Ghanaians living in the US who are eager to cheer on the Black Stars at the tournament. Interest in ticket availability has surged following recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama during his official visit to the US. The President stated that, rather than flying supporters from Ghana to North America, the government would secure World Cup tickets from FIFA for distribution to Ghanaians already residing in the US, Mexico, and Canada. In a public notice issued to the Ghanaian diaspora community on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the embassy clarified that it was still awaiting both the tickets and information on the allocation process. “The Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. wishes to inform the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States that Mission is yet to receive tickets for the World Cup games,” the statement said. The embassy assured the diaspora community that details regarding ticket allocation and distribution procedures would be promptly communicated as soon as the tickets arrive. “As soon as mission receives the allocated tickets and modalities on how to distribute them, it will be communicated to the diaspora community accordingly,” the notice added. The embassy’s announcement aims to keep supporters informed and manage expectations as the country prepares to rally behind the Black Stars on the world stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Imam Raises Alarm Over Youth Drug Abuse in Ghana
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has voiced deep worry about the escalating problem of drug abuse among young people in Ghana, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the nation’s future. Sheikh Sharubutu raised these concerns during a courtesy call by the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and members of the commission’s management team. The visit, which took place ahead of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, formed part of NACOC’s preparations for World Drug Day, slated for June 26, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. The Chief Imam lamented that the indiscriminate use of illicit substances is destroying the potential of many young Ghanaians and called for urgent, collective action from all stakeholders. He commended NACOC for its sustained efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, describing the commission’s work as critical to safeguarding the well-being of young people and society as a whole. For his part, Brigadier General Obuba Mantey thanked the Chief Imam for receiving the delegation and emphasized the pressing need for a united front to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse. He noted that the problem continues to shatter lives and undermine the future of the nation’s youth, stressing that NACOC cannot win the fight alone. The NACOC delegation included the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, along with other senior members of the management team. The visit also served to officially invite the Chief Imam to participate in the upcoming national event dedicated to intensifying advocacy against drug abuse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Injured in Gas Tanker Accident at Nkawkaw Apesika
A road traffic accident involving a gas tanker at Nkawkaw Apesika in the Eastern Region left two people injured on the morning of Thursday, June 11. The incident triggered an immediate emergency response from the Mpraeso Fire Station after a distress call was received around 9:08 am. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, a five-member crew led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Effah was swiftly dispatched to the scene to provide emergency assistance and ensure public safety. Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered a gas tanker that had been involved in the accident, posing significant risks due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. Understanding the potential dangers, the crew promptly launched rescue and safety operations to secure the area and protect both road users and nearby residents. The firefighters managed to rescue two male victims who were either trapped or directly affected by the incident. Both casualties were handed over to emergency medical personnel and transported by ambulance to the Nkawkaw Roman Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Fire officials reported that the rescue operation was conducted efficiently, with the situation being brought under control to prevent further danger. No fatalities were recorded, and the condition of the injured victims is yet to be confirmed. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the accident, and investigations are expected to be carried out to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Citizens Petition President Over Ashanti Regional Minister’s Alleged Misogynistic Remarks
A new controversy has erupted in Ghanaian politics as two citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations of making sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks towards a former government official. In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted to the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, the petitioners allege that Dr. Amoakohene posted a sexually explicit and gender-demeaning comment on Facebook directed at Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, the former Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority. The petition quotes the offending post as: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?” Twum and Owusu describe the comment as “sexually explicit, vulgar, and gender-demeaning,” arguing that it constitutes sexual harassment and a grave breach of ministerial standards. They further contend that such language is incompatible with the dignity required of public officials and creates an environment of fear and degradation for women. The petitioners invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025), calling on the President to investigate the incident and consider sanctions, including a formal written reprimand or outright dismissal of Dr. Amoakohene. They argue that the minister’s conduct violates not only ethical codes, such as requirements for civility, dignity, and professionalism, but also constitutional guarantees of gender equality and the state’s obligation to promote women’s participation in national development. “The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State… is fundamentally incompatible with this constitutional guarantee,” the petition asserts. As the petition lands on the President’s desk, calls are growing for accountability and a renewed commitment to upholding standards of respect and equality in public office. The outcome of this petition could have significant implications for government ethics and the fight against sexual harassment in Ghana’s public sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Create convenience for customers and they will cover cost – Young Agripreneurs in Bolgatanga urged
Beneficiaries of the Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP) have received intensive training in agribusiness management strategies aimed at strengthening their knowledge and participation across the agricultural value chain. The training, held in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, forms part of efforts to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial competencies needed to succeed in modern agriculture and agribusiness. The participants were taken through various opportunities available to value chain actors and value chain enablers within the agribusiness sector. The sessions focused on helping young people identify profitable opportunities in production, processing, aggregation, marketing, and service provision within the agricultural ecosystem. The programme seeks to transform youth from job seekers into job creators by positioning them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture. Facilitating the training, the Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me (GAFM), Mr. Albert Shiebila Mali, urged participants to take advantage of interventions and support systems being provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other agriculture-focused institutions. According to him, numerous government and development partner programmes exist to support young agripreneurs, but many young people fail to access these opportunities due to lack of information and preparedness. Mr. Mali advised participants interested in primary agricultural production to conduct thorough market assessments before investing in any commodity. He emphasized that successful agribusiness begins with understanding market demand, warning that production without a ready market often results in post-harvest losses and low returns on investment. He encouraged the youth to adopt a market-oriented approach that prioritizes consumer needs and profitability. For participants interested in agribusiness trading and agro-processing, Mr. Mali stressed the importance of creating convenience and value for customers. He explained that consumers are often willing to pay more for products that save them time, improve quality, or provide easier access. He therefore encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on innovation, quality packaging, and customer satisfaction as key drivers of business success. Addressing participants interested in aggregation, Mr. Mali highlighted the importance of quality control in agricultural commodities. He recommended that aggregators build strong relationships with smallholder farmers and invest in their capacity development. According to him, training farmers on good agronomic practices will help ensure consistency, quality, and reliability in the supply of agricultural products, thereby improving competitiveness and profitability. The training also emphasized the importance of organizing smallholder farmers into groups, cooperatives, and associations, particularly women-led groups. Participants were encouraged to facilitate the formation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) to improve access to financial services and strengthen the economic resilience of farming communities. Such structures, facilitators noted, can serve as effective platforms for knowledge sharing, collective marketing, and access to credit. The Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme is a transformative initiative developed by GrowAfrica For Me to empower young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in Bolgatanga and surrounding communities. Through a one-month intensive training programme, participants receive practical exposure to modern agricultural practices as well as essential business development skills that prepare them for sustainable careers in agribusiness. The programme was designed in response to growing concerns about youth unemployment in Ghana. Statistics indicate that more than 1.9 million young people are classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), highlighting the urgent need for interventions that can create sustainable livelihoods. While agriculture remains a key pillar of Ghana’s economy, many young people have traditionally viewed the sector as unattractive due to limited opportunities, inadequate support systems, and negative perceptions. Organizers noted that barriers such as limited access to practical skills, lack of entrepreneurial knowledge, poor market access, insufficient financing, and inadequate mentorship have prevented many young people from pursuing careers in agriculture. These challenges have contributed to rising unemployment, increased rural-urban migration, and underutilization of the country’s agricultural potential. YAEP seeks to reverse this trend by positioning agriculture as a viable and profitable career pathway. The programme’s training component covers a broad range of agribusiness topics designed to provide participants with a strong foundation for success. Areas covered include Foundations of Agribusiness, Agribusiness Model Canvas, Marketing Management, Production and Operations Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, and Risk Management in Agribusiness. These modules provide participants with practical tools to establish and manage successful enterprises. Beyond classroom training, the programme incorporates coaching and mentorship, enterprise matching, and start-up support. Through these components, participants are connected to experienced industry professionals, potential business opportunities, and networks that can help them launch and sustain agribusiness ventures. The holistic design ensures that participants receive continuous support even after completing the training phase. The overall objective of YAEP is to empower youth with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills that enhance employability and promote self-employment. Specific goals include building capacity in modern agricultural practices, developing entrepreneurial competencies, promoting agriculture as a profitable career option, and supporting participants to create sustainable agribusiness models capable of generating long-term income. Participants are expected to benefit from enhanced technical knowledge, increased confidence, business development support, and access to mentorship and industry insights. Communities, on the other hand, stand to gain from increased youth participation in agriculture, improved food production and security, job creation, and stronger local economies driven by agribusiness activities. In the medium and long term, the programme aims to contribute to sustainable youth employment, growth of local agribusiness ecosystems, and reduction in rural-urban migration. Source: Apexnewsgh/Prosper Adankai/Contributor
Government Champions Expansion of West African Gas Pipeline to Drive Regional Growth
At the opening of the West African Gas Summit (WAGS) 2026 in Accra, the government renewed its call for the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline and other cross-border gas infrastructure projects, underscoring their importance in deepening energy integration and supporting economic growth across the region. Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, delivering remarks on behalf of the sector minister, highlighted the pipeline’s success as a testament to the benefits of regional cooperation. However, he stressed that further investments are necessary to unlock West Africa’s abundant gas resources and fully realise the potential of interconnection and cross-border trade. “The West African Gas Pipeline shows what is achievable, but there is still significant potential to expand interconnection and cross-border trade. The more integrated our markets are, the more resilient and appealing they become,” he told participants. Describing natural gas as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, and improved living standards, Gyan-Mensah noted that resources alone are not enough. He emphasised the need for robust infrastructure, sound policies, and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development. “For West Africa, gas must be central, not just as an end in itself, but as a tool for industrialisation, economic transformation, and improved living standards,” he remarked. He revealed that Ghana’s domestic gas fields currently supply about 80 percent of the natural gas used in power generation and industry, helping to lower electricity costs and bolster energy security. Any disruption in gas supply, he warned, forces reliance on more expensive liquid fuels, a burden on both power generation and the broader economy. Gyan-Mensah also called for greater private sector participation to finance the region’s ambitious gas infrastructure projects, pointing out that governments alone cannot shoulder the immense investment required for transformation. The summit, organised by the Gas Consortium and the West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority, brought together policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to chart a course for accelerated gas sector development and deeper regional energy integration throughout West Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Roads Minister Seeks 1,000 New Staff to Boost Sector Capacity
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced a major push to strengthen the country’s road sector workforce, revealing that his ministry has formally requested the recruitment of about 1,000 additional staff. The move is aimed at addressing critical personnel shortages across road agencies and boosting the capacity to manage Ghana’s expanding infrastructure needs. Appearing before Parliament’s Select Committee on Economy and Development, Agbodza explained that the request was submitted by the Ministry’s Chief Director as a response to mounting staffing pressures. He highlighted that the recent creation of new administrative regions had not been matched with an increase in personnel for key agencies, leaving technical departments such as engineering and quality assurance overstretched. “The staffing level of the agencies is far less than what it should be. If you consider the fact that we are investing heavily on these projects, part of the reason some of the projects suffer quality assurance is simply because we don’t have enough people to monitor these projects,” Agbodza told the committee. He noted that while 137 staff were recently approved for various roles within the highways division, this was insufficient, particularly given the demands in the six newly created regions where institutional capacity remains weak. The minister stressed that recruiting more staff is essential for improving project supervision, ensuring quality assurance, and strengthening service delivery across the sector. Agbodza assured Parliament that the Ministry is committed to resolving the staffing challenge and enhancing operational effectiveness as Ghana continues to invest in road infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Somali Referee Omar Artan Receives Hero’s Welcome After US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan was greeted with a rousing welcome as he returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following a high-profile incident in which he was denied entry into the United States. Crowds of supporters, government officials, and football authorities gathered at Aden Adde International Airport to celebrate the return of the 34-year-old, who had recently been named Africa’s Referee of the Year for 2025. Artan’s homecoming came just two days after he was stopped at Miami International Airport, despite possessing both a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa. US immigration authorities have yet to publicly explain the reasons for his repatriation, a decision that dashed hopes of seeing Artan become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals. Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions first introduced during former US President Donald Trump’s administration. This backdrop added to the sense of injustice and national pride that marked Artan’s return. The reception at the airport was led by senior government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and members of the public, all eager to show their support. Visibly moved by the show of solidarity, Artan addressed the crowd, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who had stood by him. “I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs, and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support,” he said, as translated by the BBC. “The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport].” Artan also revealed that FIFA had been in regular contact with him throughout the ordeal, offering support until he returned safely to Mogadishu. “Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and was in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu,” he shared. Despite the disappointment, Artan’s resolve remains unshaken. He is set to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium, where he will watch a domestic league match between Heegan and Dekadaha, and has vowed to continue pursuing his international refereeing ambitions. Looking ahead, he boldly declared his intention to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, insisting that his journey at the highest level of football is far from over. Source: Apexnewsgh.com