The Minister for Transport has announced that the Tema Shipyard, originally established by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to repair, maintain, and overhaul ships, has been restored to full operation after being non-functional for many years After years of inactivity, the historic Tema Shipyard has roared back to life, marking a significant milestone for Ghana’s maritime sector. The announcement came from the Minister for Transport, who revealed the restoration of the facility at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, September 17. The revival of the shipyard, which was originally established by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to repair, maintain, and overhaul ships, follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama. This strategic intervention has transformed the once-dormant facility into a hub of renewed activity and innovation. As part of the comprehensive rehabilitation, the Shipyard has undergone several key upgrades: Dock 1’s main pump has been redesigned and reconstructed to improve docking times, Dock 2 has been reactivated for full operations, and the office facilities have been fully rehabilitated. These improvements have not only enhanced operational efficiency but have also created new employment opportunities for Ghanaians. In a move to further support the government’s 24-hour economy policy, the Shipyard has introduced a three-shift system, ensuring continuous operations and maximizing productivity. With these advancements, the Tema Shipyard is once again poised to play a vital role in Ghana’s economic development and maritime industry. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghana took a bold step toward securing its energy future this week, as the government signed a Memorandum of Intent with ENI, Vitol, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for an ambitious $1.5 billion integrated strategic investment plan. The announcement, made during Africa Oil Week, signaled renewed confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector and the nation’s broader economic prospects. The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, highlighted that the new investment would do more than just increase oil and gas production. “This is not just a figure on paper; it is a commitment to job creation, infrastructure development, and the long-term stability of our energy sector,” he said, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the deal. President John Dramani Mahama has long championed policies that foster an investment-friendly business climate while ensuring Ghana’s interests are protected. In line with this vision, the government recently introduced the Gas-to-Power Policy, a strategic initiative to harness Ghana’s abundant natural gas resources for electricity generation. This policy aims to boost energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and pave the way for sustainable development. Minister Jinapor further stressed the government’s determination to “reset” the upstream petroleum sector, addressing the decline in oil production recorded in recent years. The $1.5 billion agreement is expected to drive infrastructure growth and serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s energy transition and industrialisation agenda. As the ink dries on this landmark deal, optimism runs high that Ghana’s energy sector is poised for a new era of growth and innovation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has issued a stern ultimatum to individuals, groups, and institutions with outstanding loan repayments, urging them to settle their debts by September 30, 2025. In a public notice released on September 15, MASLOC warned that it will publish the names of all defaulters in newspapers, on radio, and television if repayments are not made by the deadline. The Centre cautioned that failure to comply would result in strict enforcement actions, including legal recovery proceedings and restrictions on future access to financial support. “MASLOC funds are public resources meant to support the growth of small businesses across Ghana. Abuse or neglect of repayment obligations undermines this national effort and will be met with firm corrective measures,” the statement read. MASLOC management reiterated its commitment to accountability and the protection of state resources, urging all beneficiaries to act responsibly and fulfil their repayment obligations to sustain the programme’s impact. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled two sweeping policy initiatives aimed at reshaping Ghana’s diplomatic operations, eliminating waste, and strengthening accountability. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the reforms during the ministry’s performance report at the Government Accountability Series in Accra. STRIDE: Ending Rent Dependence Abroad The first initiative, STRIDE (Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development), targets Ghana’s costly reliance on renting office spaces for its diplomatic missions overseas. With the country currently spending an estimated US$15 million annually on rent, Minister Ablakwa described the practice as unsustainable, especially since Ghana owns donated lands in 23 countries. “Ghana cannot continue to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on rent while owning donated lands in 23 countries,” Ablakwa said. Under STRIDE, the government will embark on constructing permanent chancery and residential facilities for embassies and high commissions. An open architectural design competition for the new “Ghana House” has been launched, with the aim of ensuring future diplomatic buildings embody Ghanaian culture, meet green standards, and become iconic representations of national identity. ORAL: Recovering Looted State Assets The second flagship initiative is the reinforcement of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a key component of President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda. Ablakwa reported that the ministry, under ORAL, has already reclaimed lands at Airport Residential Area previously sold off, halted the illegal sale of diplomatic property in Lagos, Nigeria, cancelled a $3.5 million improperly awarded contract for the Abidjan Embassy, and created a comprehensive asset register to monitor all properties. Ablakwa emphasized that no contract under his leadership has been awarded through sole-sourcing, underscoring a commitment to competitive procurement processes. “Accountability and value for money are non-negotiable. Every cedi must serve the Ghanaian people,” he asserted. Resetting Ghana’s Diplomacy Together, STRIDE and ORAL represent what the Minister described as a “reset in Ghana’s diplomacy”—a bold shift toward fiscal prudence, anti-corruption measures, and projecting Ghana’s image with dignity on the global stage. “These policies will not only save Ghana millions but also restore confidence in the integrity of our foreign policy operations,” Ablakwa concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom and Ireland will soon be able to register for their Ghanacards at the Ghana Embassy in London, thanks to a new initiative announced by Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson. The announcement comes after Madam Benson’s recent working visit to the National Identification Authority (NIA) headquarters in Accra, where she met with the NIA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Yayra Koku, and his team. The purpose of the meeting was to finalize a partnership that would extend the Ghanacard registration process to the Ghanaian diaspora in the UK and Ireland. According to Madam Benson, the new process has been designed to be simple and accessible. Applicants will need to complete just three steps: Fill out an online application form. Attend an online interview with the NIA team to verify their Ghanaian nationality. Visit the Ghana Embassy in London to complete their biometric capture and receive their Ghanacard. In addition to the embassy-based registration, Madam Benson revealed that plans are underway to introduce mobile registration services. These mobile units will travel to other cities across the UK and Ireland, making it easier for Ghanaians living outside London to participate in the registration exercise. “Commencement date shall be announced soon once all arrangements are complete. Thank you, Yayra. I look forward to a successful collaboration between your Authority and our Mission,” Madam Benson expressed after the meeting. This new initiative is expected to significantly improve access to the Ghanacard, which serves as Ghana’s primary identification document, for Ghanaians living abroad. Source: Apexnewsgh.com