“She Was Our Mother”: President Mahama’s Delegation Honors Late Hajia Habiba in Wa
High-powered officials join grieving family as First Family’s personal bond with deceased matriarch shines through The scorching Wednesday sun beat down on Jejeidayiri, Wa, but grief had already made the day heavy for the Kuri-teng family. As they gathered to bid farewell to their beloved matriarch, Hajia Habiba Yakubu Kuri-teng, affectionately known to all as Nnaa Biba, they received news that would underscore just how deeply their grandmother had touched lives far beyond her immediate circle. President John Dramani Mahama had not forgotten the woman he and his wife, Madam Lordina, called “mother.” A high-powered delegation, personally dispatched by the President himself, arrived at the funeral grounds to pay their final respects. Leading the entourage was Dr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, whose presence signaled the importance the First Family placed on this moment. But the delegation was far from small. NDC executives from across the Upper West Region had made the journey. Municipal and District Chief Executives stood alongside CEOs and their deputies. The Regional Chairman, Mr. Abdul-Nasir Sani, represented the party faithful, while Madam Shamima Muslim, Deputy Government Spokesperson, ensured the government’s voice was heard in the solemn gathering. The list of dignitaries read like a who’s who of the region’s leadership: Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Regional Minister; H.E. Kwame Mumuni, Member of the Council of State; and Hon. Alhaji Dr. Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister for Labour and MP for Wa Central Constituency, all standing shoulder to shoulder, united in mourning. To the grieving family, however, it was the personal connection that moved them most. The story of Hajia Habiba’s bond with the Mahamas was well-known in the household. Whenever the President and First Lady visited Wa, they would inevitably find their way to her residence, not as dignitaries, but as family. And when illness struck Hajia Habiba in February 2025, that bond never wavered. The First Family stood steadfast, offering support through every difficult moment. As the funeral rites drew to a close, the family gathered themselves to express their gratitude. In a gesture both humble and profound, they presented copies of the Holy Quran to President Mahama and Dr. Julius Debrah, a gift of prayer and blessings for the leaders who had honored their mother in her final journey. For the Kuri-teng family, the delegation’s presence was more than political protocol. It was a validation of their grandmother’s life and legacy, a testament to a woman who had opened her home and heart to the nation’s First Family, and in doing so, had woven her story into the fabric of Ghana’s leadership. As the mourners raised their hands in prayer, the words echoed across the funeral grounds: “May Allah grant our beloved Nnaa Biba Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.” And in that moment, surrounded by dignitaries and family alike, the legacy of a woman simply known as “mother” felt eternal. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Calls Intensify for Upgrade of Bolgatanga Municipal to Metropolitan Assembly and Creation of Bolgatanga West Constituency
Growing concerns over the rapid development of Bolgatanga have sparked calls for the elevation of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to a Metropolitan Assembly and the creation of a new Bolgatanga West Constituency to improve governance, representation, and development. Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region, has witnessed significant transformation over the years, with a rising population, expanding urban communities, increasing commercial activities, and its growing importance as the administrative and economic centre of the region. Proponents of the upgrade argue that granting the municipality metropolitan status would better reflect its current responsibilities and provide a stronger institutional framework for urban planning, infrastructure development, effective service delivery, and attracting investments. They believe that as the city continues to expand, a metropolitan structure would enhance the management of urban growth and create new opportunities for sustainable development. Meanwhile, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, leader of the Alagumgube Association, has renewed calls for the creation of a Bolgatanga West Constituency. According to him, the existing constituency has grown considerably and serves a large and diverse population, making it necessary to consider a new constituency to improve political representation. Mr. Agambila believes that dividing the current constituency would bring governance closer to residents, enhance access to government services, and ensure that communities receive greater attention in areas such as roads, education, healthcare, and other essential infrastructure. Supporters of the proposal argue that creating a Bolgatanga West Constituency would promote balanced development and give more communities a stronger voice in national decision-making processes. The calls come at a time when Ghana continues to pursue decentralisation and equitable development across the country. Stakeholders believe it is important for the country’s administrative and political structures to evolve alongside population growth and changing development needs. Government, Parliament, the Electoral Commission, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and development experts have been encouraged to engage residents of Bolgatanga in broad consultations on the proposals. As the heartbeat of the Upper East Region, Bolgatanga’s growing influence and expanding urban landscape have renewed discussions about the need to review its administrative status and political representation to meet the demands of a modern and developing city. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMF Approves Final Review of Ghana’s $3 Billion Bailout, Marks End of Credit Programme
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has given the green light to the final review of Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, setting the stage for a final disbursement of about $371 million to the country. The Ministry of Finance announced the development on Monday, describing it as the successful conclusion of a three-year partnership aimed at restoring Ghana’s economic stability after the 2022 economic crisis. Launched in May 2023, the ECF programme was designed to help Ghana address severe fiscal and external imbalances. With this final approval, total disbursements to Ghana under the programme now amount to approximately $3 billion, providing critical support to the nation’s balance of payments. In its statement, the Ministry of Finance highlighted the government’s achievements under the programme, pointing to significant progress in fiscal discipline, reduced inflation, stronger external reserves, and the implementation of key structural reforms. “The successful completion of the programme reflects the significant progress Ghana has made in ensuring economic stability,” the ministry said. Looking ahead, the government announced it would embark on a new phase of collaboration with the IMF through a 36-month, non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). This new arrangement is intended to further underpin Ghana’s reform agenda and reinforce confidence in the country’s economic policies. The government expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their resilience and support throughout the reform process. It also acknowledged the contributions of the IMF Executive Board, management and staff, development partners, civil society, and the private sector. Reaffirming its commitment to reform, the government pledged to protect the gains achieved under the ECF programme and to continue building “a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous economy for all Ghanaians.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IEAG Calls on Ghana Shippers’ Authority to Crack Down on Shipping Lines Over Excessive Container Charges
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has renewed its calls for urgent action by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to rein in shipping lines accused of ignoring a government-imposed cap on the Container Administrative Charge (CAC). In a strongly-worded statement released by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the IEAG alleged that some shipping lines are openly violating a legally binding directive that sets the CAC at a maximum of GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU). The Association described the continued imposition of charges well above this cap as a direct affront to Ghana’s legal and regulatory system, especially after a recent High Court ruling confirmed the GSA’s authority. “Regrettably, evidence available to the Association, including invoices from major shipping lines such as PIL and MSC, indicates that some operators continue to impose excessive and unjustifiable charges in blatant disregard of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s directive,” the statement read. The Association cited cases where Pacific International Lines (PIL) charged an importer GH¢4,000 for a Container Release Order on a single 40-foot container, and MSC Ghana Limited billed GH¢3,870.46 as an Administrative Import Fee for a single 40HC container. These fees, the Association noted, are more than five times the approved charge of GH¢720 per TEU, representing a clear violation of the GSA’s directive and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122). The IEAG did not mince words, calling the actions of the shipping lines “economic sabotage” that not only undermine the GSA’s authority but also challenge the credibility of the country’s judicial system. The Association argued that such practices are the result of years of weak enforcement and a “kid gloves” approach by previous regulators, which have allowed shipping lines to levy arbitrary fees and force importers, exporters, and consumers to bear the financial burden. According to the IEAG, Parliament’s passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, was meant to strengthen regulatory oversight and protect the interests of businesses and consumers. The Association is now demanding a series of urgent measures, including: Immediate enforcement against shipping lines charging above the approved cap. Legal action under Section 47 of Act 1122 to compel compliance. Imposition of all available regulatory sanctions. Refunds of all excess charges collected since the cap was introduced. Public disclosure of defaulting shipping lines for transparency. “The Authority cannot afford to remain silent while regulated entities openly defy its directives,” the statement warned, adding that inaction would embolden further disregard for regulatory decisions. This renewed pressure from the IEAG comes in the wake of a July 10, 2026, High Court ruling that dismissed efforts by the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) and others to halt the GSA’s regulatory directive, thereby affirming the regulator’s mandate to enforce its rules. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Auditor-General Uncovers Massive Unapproved Spending at ECG in 2023
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is under intense scrutiny following revelations by the Auditor-General that the company’s management spent hundreds of millions of cedis without the approval of its Board of Directors during the 2023 financial year. The findings, detailed in the Auditor-General’s report on ECG’s 2023 accounts, were brought to the fore at a recent sitting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The committee’s Ranking Member, Samuel Atta Mills, expressed grave concern over the scale of the overspending, noting that several expenditure items exceeded their approved budgets by tens of millions of cedis. Among the most striking overruns, foreign training was budgeted at GH¢31 million, but actual spending reached GH¢91 million, an excess of GH¢60 million. Cleaning expenses ballooned from a budgeted GH¢2.8 million to GH¢10.4 million, while stakeholder expenses skyrocketed from GH¢3.1 million to GH¢49 million. Other significant overruns included consultancy (budgeted at GH¢40 million, actual spending GH¢58.6 million), publicity (budgeted at GH¢5.7 million, actual spending GH¢21.8 million), and industrial relations (budgeted at GH¢2 million, actual spending GH¢13 million). In total, the 11 flagged expenditure items had a combined approved budget of GH¢105.431 million. However, ECG management ended up spending GH¢273.6 million, an overrun of GH¢168.169 million. According to the Auditor-General’s report, these expenditures were made without the necessary approval from ECG’s Board of Directors, in contravention of established financial governance protocols. The issue was a focal point during the PAC’s examination of the company’s audited accounts, raising concerns about accountability and oversight at the state power distributor. The revelations have sparked calls for further investigation and a review of ECG’s internal controls to prevent a recurrence of such financial irregularities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Announces GH¢5,500 Support Package for Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa
In a heartfelt move to ensure the dignified return and successful reintegration of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, the government has unveiled a comprehensive support package for each returnee. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared details of the government’s commitment to its citizens. According to Minister Ablakwa, every Ghanaian evacuated will receive a total of GH¢5,500. This sum is made up of a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 travel and transport allowance. In addition, the returnees will be provided with relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and enrolled for free under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The minister explained that the evacuation, which is being carried out in two phases, will cover nearly 2,000 Ghanaians, 926 in the first phase and an estimated 1,000 in the second. He emphasised that the government would present a full account of the evacuation exercise upon its completion. Corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals, including businessman Ibrahim Mahama, have also contributed generously to the initiative. But the government’s efforts do not end with the return flights. Minister Ablakwa described a range of reintegration programmes being rolled out to support the returnees. These initiatives include job placements, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and the creation of a special national database to connect returnees with employment and start-up opportunities. Already, about 200 jobs have been secured through partnerships with the private sector. Notably, Engineers and Planners Limited has committed 100 positions, while Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo, and other companies have also opened their doors to the returnees. “Government believes strongly that no Ghanaian returning home under distressing circumstances should feel abandoned or excluded from national support systems,” the minister stated. To safeguard the well-being of returnees, social workers will conduct follow-up visits for six months, providing mental health support, and a dedicated helpline has been established. Additionally, a public awareness campaign will be launched to combat any stigmatisation faced by returnees. Minister Ablakwa further revealed that the government is compiling a register of claims to pursue legal and diplomatic action for compensation for those who lost businesses and property during the xenophobic attacks. On the diplomatic front, Ghana has petitioned the African Union (AU) to urgently address the recurring xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals. Although the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was postponed, Ghana has maintained its petition and secured ECOWAS Heads of State endorsement to raise the issue at the next AU meeting. The minister stressed that the petition is not meant to single out South Africa, but rather to encourage a united continental response to protect the rights and dignity of all African citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyer Accuses Judiciary of Rushing Political Cases to Satisfy Government
Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that judges handling politically sensitive cases are expediting proceedings in a way that suggests they are catering to the expectations of Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile monitored by this platform, the former Abuakwa South MP claimed there is an unusual urgency in the prosecution of political cases compared to other matters before the courts. “There seems to be an indecent haste to prosecute what I call political cases,” Atta Akyea remarked. He argued that, typically, judges allow cases to progress at a measured pace, often granting lengthy adjournments in both civil and criminal matters. However, he said politically related cases are increasingly being treated as exceptions, with courts prioritizing continuous hearings and accelerated proceedings. Atta Akyea contrasted this with civil disputes such as land cases, where litigants often endure prolonged delays before their matters are resolved. He questioned why the judiciary appears to devote greater attention and urgency to political criminal cases than to other matters on its docket, stating this has created a perception of “ambulance trials” for politically exposed persons. “There is a good grounding for the position that I think the judges are in an ambulance mood to jail people,” he asserted. Atta Akyea cautioned that the administration of justice should not be influenced by political expectations or electoral timelines, emphasizing that the courts must remain impartial and independent. He also criticized the handling of constitutional issues raised in proceedings involving his client, alleging that the trial judge failed to give adequate consideration to an application seeking to refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court before continuing with the trial. According to Atta Akyea, the court seemed determined to proceed without allowing the constitutional issues to be fully addressed, raising concerns about fairness and due process. “A court of competent jurisdiction wouldn’t want to care about the fact that, ‘How many people can we jail so they will say that we are politically consequential?’ No, that is not justice delivery,” he stressed. Atta Akyea maintained that the judiciary must ensure all cases, regardless of their political nature, are handled fairly and without any perception of external influence. The judiciary has not publicly responded to the allegations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Dismisses Viral Video, Says President Mahama’s Remarks Misrepresented for Partisan Gain
The government has called on the public to disregard a viral video making the rounds on social media, asserting that President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks have been deliberately misrepresented for partisan purposes. Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, issued a statement on Facebook on Monday, July 27, clarifying the context of the President’s comments after the video attracted widespread attention. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the video was manipulated by what he described as “misguided elements” intent on distorting the President’s words to serve narrow political interests. “Some misguided elements have sought to distort the President’s words in this video to achieve narrow partisan ends,” he stated. He explained that President Mahama was specifically referring to the release of GH¢150 million for post-flood mitigation works during a conversation with the National Security Coordinator, and not to any other issue as suggested by the video’s circulation. “The President clearly speaks of the ‘release’ of GHS 150 million, which was in direct reference to funds for post-flood mitigation works. That is what he was discussing with the National Security Coordinator and nothing more,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified. He urged the public to disregard the “mischievous lies” being spread and not to be misled by the viral claims. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Samson Lardi Anyenini Criticizes Government’s Stance on Offensive Speech, Calls Out Political Double Standards
Legal practitioner and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini has raised concerns over the government’s recent crackdown on offensive speech, questioning what he describes as a sudden surge of outrage from President John Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. Reacting to the arrests and prosecution of social media users over their political commentary, Anyenini argued that the current outcry from government officials is misplaced. “I don’t know why they are shocked. Shocked over this growing trend. Really? It begs the question. Why the sudden outrage?” he remarked. Anyenini, who also hosts a television program, pointed out that the NDC and current government leaders were among the primary beneficiaries of misinformation, insults, and vilification during the last two election campaigns. “Never once did they express revulsion or publicly rebuke their serial callers and social media activists who insulted, vilified, and maligned almost every prominent politician in the NPP, as well as disrespected traditional chiefs and elders across this country,” he said. He argued that political actors who encourage or tolerate offensive speech for electoral gain cannot turn around and condemn it after coming to power. “You cannot nurture a monster for political expediency during elections and then feign horror when it begins to bite everyone around you,” Anyenini stated. His comments come amid growing debate about freedom of expression, responsible speech, and political accountability in Ghana, following the government’s renewed efforts to curb offensive content on social media platforms. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
91,000 Victims of Modern Slavery Identified in Ghana Since 2021, Says Global Freedom Network
A civil society organisation, Global Freedom Network (GFN), has revealed that 91,000 victims of modern slavery have been identified in Ghana since 2021, contributing to a staggering global total of 50 million. The alarming figures were shared by GFN’s Programme Coordinator, Madam Elizabeth Poku, during an interview on the CruzFM Morning Show in Akumadan. According to Madam Poku, the statistics are based on the organisation’s internal research and highlight the persistent challenge of modern slavery despite decades-old international prohibitions. She noted that, even though the 1926 and 1934 Slavery Conventions outlawed slavery under international law, practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, child marriage, and debt bondage remain prevalent and are even on the rise. “Modern slavery is far from being eradicated. Our research shows that thousands in Ghana alone remain affected by various forms of exploitation,” Madam Poku stated. She explained that GFN, since its inception in 2014, has targeted the eradication of modern slavery through awareness creation, advocacy, and the forging of global partnerships. One of GFN’s core strategies involves organising signing ceremonies across the world, where religious leaders unite to make public declarations against slavery. Between 2014 and 2018, such declarations were made in cities including the Vatican, Delhi, Canberra, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Auckland, and Medellín. On 5 August 2021, Ghana hosted Africa’s first declaration ceremony, with 14 religious leaders from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria pledging their commitment to the fight against modern slavery. The recent disclosure comes in the wake of intensified anti-trafficking operations by Ghanaian security agencies. At a press briefing on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Ghana Police Service announced the rescue of 33 human trafficking victims and the arrest of 28 suspects. According to Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the operation was part of intelligence-led efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, human trafficking, and illicit arms trafficking in Accra, Tema, and the Ashanti Region. DCOP Donkor further revealed that earlier this year, security agencies had intercepted several trafficking cases, most notably involving victims trafficked from Nigeria into Ghana. These ongoing operations underscore the complex and evolving nature of modern slavery in the region. Madam Poku emphasized that understanding the root causes of modern slavery, such as poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws, remains essential to tackling the issue. She reiterated GFN’s commitment to addressing these challenges through ongoing public education, community engagement, and collaboration with government and international partners. GFN continues to call on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against modern slavery, urging for increased vigilance, reporting of suspected cases, and stronger support systems for survivors. As Ghana and the world grapple with the realities of modern slavery, the organisation stresses that only a coordinated and compassionate approach can bring lasting change. Source: Apexnewsgh.com