MP Sosu Urges Protection of Ghana’s Image Amid Major Cocaine Seizure
It was a week of concern and reflection for Ghana as news broke that French customs had intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, worth about $260 million, from a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana to the port of Dunkirk. The staggering seizure sent shockwaves through international media, and at home, it led to a firm call for action from the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu. In a recent media interview, Sosu emphasized that Ghana’s hard-earned international reputation must not be tarnished by the misdeeds of a few. “Our nation’s global standing is a precious asset,” he stressed, “and we cannot allow the actions of individuals seeking to enrich themselves illegally to undermine our collective integrity.” Sosu urged authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the shipment and to ensure that anyone found responsible is swiftly brought to justice. He pointed out that under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana had worked tirelessly to position itself as a respected leader in global diplomacy. He further commended the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his ongoing efforts to project Ghana as a beacon of integrity and democracy in Africa. The MP’s remarks highlighted a deep concern: that the actions of a few must never be allowed to overshadow the honesty and diligence of the many. “We must stand united in transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of the law,” Sosu concluded, “to protect the international reputation that Ghana has worked so hard to build.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Workers Are Receiving Salaries for No Work’ — Sumaila Abubakari Demands BOST Depot Reactivation
A well-known and active member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Sumaila Abubakari, has intensified calls on the government to urgently restore full operations at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) depot in Bolgatanga. According to him, the prolonged inactivity of the facility is denying the Upper East Region a major economic opportunity while government continues to spend taxpayers’ money on workers who, he claims, have little or no work to do. The Bolgatanga BOST Depot was established as a strategic petroleum storage and distribution facility, with the potential to serve northern Ghana and provide an important supply route to landlocked Sahelian countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The facility also has the potential to reduce the dependence on long-distance fuel transportation by tankers to northern Ghana, thereby easing pressure on major roads while supporting economic activities within the region. In July 2026, Apexnewsgh contacted the BOST headquarters in Accra for clarification on the status of the Bolgatanga depot. The company indicated that the facility had been undergoing an upgrade. However, Mr. Sumaila says the continued delay has become a source of concern, particularly among residents who believe the facility should have resumed operations by now. Speaking on the matter, he appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama and all 15 Members of Parliament in the Upper East Region to take urgent steps to ensure that the depot becomes operational. “The President and his team, and all the 15 MPs in the Upper East Region, this is the only company we have in Bolga and they stopped work almost two years now.” He said residents had repeatedly raised the issue but were yet to see the desired action. “We fight, fight, fight but nothing is happening. We are begging the President. He should quickly, as possible, let the depot start work.” Mr. Sumaila further expressed concern about workers and other personnel stationed at the facility, including security personnel, customs officers and fire officers. According to him, these workers report to the facility but have limited activities to engage in because the depot remains inactive. “All are coming, sitting, looking at the quota and the tanks. We are working almost two years. So we are appealing to the government. You should quickly stand up and then open the depot to start work.” He argued that reopening the depot would have significant economic benefits for the region, particularly by creating a more efficient fuel distribution system for communities in northern Ghana. Mr. Sumaila also raised concerns about what he described as vested interests surrounding the transportation of petroleum products. He suggested that some stakeholders within the tanker transportation business could be benefiting from the current arrangement because fuel has to be transported over long distances. “I know the connection between the tanker drivers, tanker owners. They are doing that thing. Because if here is working, they can’t get the long journey.” He maintained that an operational Bolgatanga depot could supply petroleum products to areas including Navrongo, Bolgatanga, Wa and Bawku, potentially reducing the need for some long-distance tanker movements. Mr. Sumaila therefore called on all 15 MPs in the Upper East Region to speak collectively on the issue and push for the speedy completion of the depot’s upgrade and its return to full operation. “All the MPs in this region, they should wake up and talk about the company.” He said the people of the Upper East Region voted massively for the governing NDC and therefore expected their representatives to champion issues that directly affect the region’s economic development. For Mr. Sumaila, the immediate reopening of the Bolgatanga BOST Depot is not merely about the facility itself but about employment, local economic activity and creating better opportunities for families and young people in the region. He concluded that the government and the region’s 15 MPs must act decisively to ensure that the facility resumes operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC’s Hon. Atiah David aka “The General” declares intent to contest Bolgatanga East Communication officer position
A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Hon. Atiah David , has declared his intention to contest for the communication officer position. Hon. Atiah David have served in several positions in the National Democratic Congress for over twelve (12) years ranging from Constituency Youth secretary, Constituency deputy secretary, Constituency treasurer, campaign team member, director of party orientation and research, member of Constituency elections committee, TEIN Member, Regional PRO for proforum( teachers front upper East region) and a member of Constituency and regional communications team etc. In student leadership, Hon. Atiah David has served as the SRC financial secretary in Gbewaa training college in 2012 and also as the SRC General Secretary at Valley View University in the year 2016. In a declaration issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Hon. David said the decision follows months of broad and intense consultations with stakeholders and party elders in the constituency and the region. “After months of broad and intense consultation to contest the Bolga East communication officer position, on this day 15th September 2026 I, Hon. Atiah David therefore declare my intention to go ahead with my long-time ambition to assist with the communication strategy and commanding the narrative through simplifying the policies of the party in the Region,” he stated. Hon.Atiah David said his leadership will be rooted in honesty, transparency and accountability. According to him, political communication requires someone with a clear strategy that will help deciminate the policies and programs of the party to the average voter and citizen. He stated that his experience, competency and leadership capacity makes him the right candidate to lead the party’s communication machinery. He pledged to bring on board all communicators within the branches and resource them for prudent and effective communication ahead of the 2028 general elections. The communication officer position is a key role in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for decimination of the party’s ideology, policies and programs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Importers and Exporters Warn of Business Exodus Amid Port Congestion Crisis
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has sounded the alarm over worsening congestion at the nation’s ports, urging the government to take swift action or risk losing vital import business to neighbouring countries, most notably Côte d’Ivoire. At a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 14, 2026, IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit painted a stark picture of delays and uncertainties in cargo clearance, warning that Ghana’s trade competitiveness hangs in the balance. He revealed that some importers are already exploring alternative routes through the Port of Abidjan due to the persistent challenges at Ghanaian ports. “IEAG is already receiving indications that some importers are exploring the possibility of routing their cargo through the Port of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire because of the delays and uncertainties associated with clearing cargo through Ghana’s ports,” Awingobit stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He cautioned that once importers and exporters establish reliable alternative supply chains, reclaiming that business for Ghana could prove difficult, with long-term consequences for the country’s economy. To avert a crisis, IEAG is calling on the Chief of Staff at the Presidency to urgently convene a high-level meeting with key ministers, including Finance, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and Transport, as well as port authorities and regulatory agencies. The Association insists that an immediate action plan is needed to decongest the ports and streamline cargo clearance processes. IEAG also highlighted several factors exacerbating the congestion, such as excessive routing of containers for physical examination, breakdowns in coordinated inspections, increasing regulatory fees and charges, and lengthy truck turnaround times. To address these systemic issues, the Association proposed introducing measurable performance targets for port operations, setting maximum turnaround times for examinations, valuation disputes, regulatory inspections, truck processing, and cargo release. With the December peak trading season approaching, IEAG warned that without decisive intervention, Ghana could face even more severe congestion and the lasting challenge of winning back importers who have shifted their business to competing ports in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Finance Minister Pledges Full Funding for Accra-Kumasi Expressway by December 2026
At a pivotal ceremony marking the handover of the 175.6-kilometre right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson delivered welcome news: the full amount required for the ambitious expressway project will be ready by December 2026. Addressing officials and stakeholders on Monday, September 14, Dr. Ato Forson underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to securing all necessary resources. He revealed that the government had made significant arrangements to mobilise funding domestically, ensuring the project would proceed smoothly without financial roadblocks. Crucially, Dr. Forson assured the nation that the government would not resort to external borrowing to finance the expressway. “This handover clears the way for an expressway that will cut travel time and transport cost, improve road safety and set a new standard for our infrastructure delivery. As your Minister for Finance, I want to use this opportunity to assure the nation that the entire amount needed for the construction of this expressway will be ready by December 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, we will not borrow a Pesewa for this construction,” he declared. The announcement sets the stage for the next phase of the 198.7-kilometre expressway, a transformative road project expected to bolster connectivity between Ghana’s southern and central regions. The expressway promises to improve the flow of people and goods between Accra and Kumasi, reduce travel times and costs, and alleviate pressure on existing roads. Equipped with modern infrastructure, the project is also expected to significantly enhance road safety and meet rising traffic demands along one of the nation’s most important transport corridors. Dr. Ato Forson’s assurance of full domestic funding signals a new era in Ghana’s approach to infrastructure—one focused on sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama to Honour 48 Engineers Regiment for Early Completion of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Clearing
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to confer a prestigious national honour on the 48 Engineers Regiment for their exemplary work in clearing the route for the much-anticipated Accra-Kumasi Expressway, ahead of schedule. On Monday, September 14, 2026, the government officially received the 175.6-kilometre cleared route from the military, marking a crucial milestone in preparations for the expressway’s construction. Addressing the handover ceremony, President Mahama lauded the regiment for completing the ambitious clearing exercise in just 19 weeks, a full week earlier than the 20 weeks originally planned. “In 20 weeks, I’m pleased to announce to the whole country Ghana that our armed forces have accomplished this mission. One week ahead of schedule, they did it in 19 weeks,” President Mahama told the gathering, his voice filled with admiration. The newly cleared path stretches from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region, carving through dense forests and traversing rivers and streams. President Mahama highlighted the scale of the achievement: “From Ablekuma in Greater Accra to Sewua in Ashanti Region, within 19 weeks, 175.6 kilometres of road passing through virgin forests, crossing rivers and streams, our Ghana Armed Forces can today announce to all of us as they say in military jargon, mission accomplished.” As a mark of recognition, the President announced, “I have given instructions that at the next national honours, which we shall do to mark the 70th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Ghana, the engineers regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces shall receive an Order of the Companion of the Volta.” The early completion of the clearing phase paves the way for the next stage of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project. The planned expressway will eventually span 198.7 kilometres, providing a modern six-lane connection between Ghana’s capital and its second-largest city, an upgrade expected to boost economic activity and ease movement between the regions. With this recognition, the 48 Engineers Regiment stands as a symbol of dedication and efficiency, setting the tone for the transformative infrastructure project that lies ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Surge in Support: Dr. Ato Forson Overtakes Rivals in NDC’s 2028 Flagbearer Poll
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has surged ahead in the race to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2028 presidential election. According to the latest poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, Dr. Ato Forson has experienced a remarkable 10-percentage-point leap in delegate support, rising from 22% in July to 32% in September. The story of this political momentum began to unfold when the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, took to Facebook on Monday, September 14, 2026, to share the newest polling figures. The data revealed a significant shift in the NDC’s internal dynamics, with Dr. Forson now holding a commanding nine-point lead over his closest rival, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia. In stark contrast to Dr. Forson’s rise, Asiedu Nketia’s support has slipped from 27% in July to 23% in September, a four-point drop that has altered the landscape of the contest. Despite Dr. Forson’s impressive gains, the poll highlighted that the race is far from settled. A substantial 28% of delegates remain undecided, though this is a slight decrease from the 30% recorded two months prior. The uncertainty among delegates suggests that while Dr. Forson enjoys new momentum, the outcome could still be swayed in the coming months. Further down the list, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, saw his support dip by a point to 5%. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah each garnered 4%, reflecting modest declines from 7% and 5% respectively. Professor Joshua Alabi improved slightly to 2%, while Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, remained steady at 1%. The poll, which surveyed 3,615 NDC delegates between September 11 and 13, 2026, boasted a 99% confidence level and a margin of error of ±2.17 percentage points. Analysts say these numbers reveal more than just a shift in percentages, they point to a changing tide within the NDC. Dr. Ato Forson stands out as the only leading contender to record a double-digit increase in support, signaling a potential realignment of power as the party looks ahead to 2028. As the dust settles on these latest figures, the focus now turns to how each contender will work to consolidate their support among the still-undecided delegates. With the race for the NDC’s flagbearer wide open, the coming months promise to be pivotal in shaping the party’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Roads Minister Calls for Innovative Funding and Private Sector Role to Bridge Ghana’s Transport Gap
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called for fresh approaches to financing and delivering Ghana’s transport infrastructure, urging a greater role for the private sector to help close the country’s widening infrastructure gap. Speaking at the 2026 Transport Sector Review Conference in Ho, Volta Region, Mr. Agbodza argued that traditional public financing was no longer sufficient to develop and maintain the roads, bridges, and other critical transport links Ghana needs. The conference, held under the theme “Financing and Delivery of Resilient Transport Infrastructure and Services: A Big Push for Sustainable Economic Transformation,” gathered policymakers, development partners, private-sector representatives, transport unions, academia, and industry experts to chart the sector’s future. According to the minister, Ghana must mobilise additional resources, improve spending efficiency, strengthen asset management, and build an environment that attracts private capital. “The government would explore innovative and predictable financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable funding for infrastructure development and maintenance,” he said. Mr. Agbodza stressed that transport infrastructure should be seen as vital economic connectors, not just physical assets—enabling people, businesses, farmers, and communities to play their part in national growth. “This is why the government has placed the Big Push infrastructure programme at the centre of its development agenda,” he said. Launched in September 2025, the Big Push programme represents a bold national investment drive aimed at plugging infrastructure gaps and supporting economic transformation. Achieving its goals, Mr. Agbodza noted, will require effective financing, efficient project execution, and responsible asset management. The Minister also urged engineers and technical professionals to devise simpler, more cost-effective designs that do not sacrifice quality, durability, or safety. “Engineering solutions should take into consideration Ghana’s financial realities while ensuring that infrastructure remained fit for purpose and capable of serving the needs of communities over the long term,” he emphasised. Mr. Agbodza further called for managers of major transport facilities to prioritise safety and accessibility. He advocated for clear emergency exit signage and proper lighting, especially to aid travellers with visual impairments, stating, “Improving accessibility and safety should form an integral part of infrastructure planning rather than being treated as an afterthought.” He concluded by highlighting the necessity of strong collaboration among government, technical institutions, private-sector actors, and other stakeholders to mobilise the resources and expertise needed to transform Ghana’s transport sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Challenges Minority Leader on Claims of Crisis in School Placements
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has pushed back against claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin that Ghana’s education sector is facing a crisis over school placements. Speaking on TV3’s “New Day” morning programme, as monitored by Gordon Sackitey, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that the government is indeed under significant pressure to respond to the concerns of students and parents, particularly in relation to the placement process. However, he cautioned against labelling the situation as a crisis, arguing that similar challenges have persisted under previous administrations. “Inadequate, for example, I’m struggling with placements. I am. As Minister, I would accept that we have come under overwhelming pressure to respond and be responsive to the needs of Ghanaian students and parents. But it does not mean we should exaggerate it as a crisis,” Mr. Iddrisu stated. A former Minority Leader himself, Mr. Iddrisu also addressed the current Minority leadership, emphasizing that the office carries significant responsibility and requires careful communication and consultation. He commended Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s performance but urged him to consult more widely and work collaboratively with his team. “The Honourable Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin is doing well but on a few enterprises of the Minority leadership, he needs to be doing more consultation and work with a team,” he said. Mr. Iddrisu further questioned whether the challenges being described as a crisis were new to Ghana’s education system, asking, “So when the Honourable Afenyo says crisis, did the crisis start one and a half years ago or…? He should provide answers.” Defending Ghana’s democratic credentials, the Minister described the country as a beacon of hope in Africa and stressed the importance of protecting its democratic ethos. He reiterated that the Office of the Minority Leader should be guided by facts and truth, stating, “The Office of the Minority Leader is a very important office. So when you are not sure, don’t speak.” The exchange comes amid renewed political debate over ongoing challenges in the education sector, especially the placement of students into Senior High Schools. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Seven Dead, 21 Injured in Tragic Accident on Hwideim-Acherensua Highway
A devastating road crash on the Hwideim-Acherensua Highway in the Ahafo Region has claimed the lives of seven people and left 21 others injured. The accident occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, involving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus (registration GT-9931-09) and a Kia Picanto (registration BA-731-20). According to a statement from the Ghana National Fire Service shared on Facebook, preliminary investigations revealed that the Sprinter bus suffered a tyre burst while traveling along the highway. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to somersault and collide with the oncoming Kia Picanto. Firefighters from the Hwideim District Fire Station responded swiftly to the scene, rescuing the victims from the wreckage of both vehicles. The injured were immediately transported to the St Elizabeth Hospital in Hwideim for urgent medical attention. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com