Transport Minister Confronts Artificial Scarcity in Ghana’s Commercial Transport Sector
On a brisk Wednesday morning in Accra, the city’s commuters were once again left stranded, facing long queues and rising fares along the busiest routes. The cause? A suspected artificial scarcity of commercial vehicles, orchestrated by some transport operators intent on driving up prices. The tension reached the corridors of power when Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Ghana’s Minister of Transport, took decisive action. Summoning leaders of the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport unions, he demanded answers about the troubling trends that had gripped the sector. The meeting, scheduled for the following day, was set to address mounting complaints about operators limiting vehicle availability in order to profit from desperate commuters, even as fuel prices and import duties on spare parts had recently dropped. At the Government Accountability Series, Deputy Minister Mr. Kwakye Ofosu voiced the frustrations of many Ghanaians. He revealed that some drivers were deliberately avoiding designated stations, choosing instead to roam the city in hopes of exploiting shortages and extracting higher fares. “They are creating scarcity to drive up prices so that they can engage in rent-seeking behaviour. It is an unlawful activity, and it must be looked into,” he declared. The situation has worsened since the 2025 yuletide, with commuters in places like Madina, Amasaman, Kasoa, and the famous Kwame Nkrumah Circle struggling to find rides during peak hours. Despite a 15% reduction in official transport fares due to lower fuel costs, many operators have continued to manipulate supply, leaving Accra’s residents facing inflated fares and long waits. Mr. Ofosu assured the public that the government, acknowledging the private-sector-led nature of transportation, was taking concrete steps to hold offenders accountable. “After the persistent reduction in fuel prices, some operators have decided to engage in undue practices by creating artificial shortages,” he explained. “It is an unlawful activity, and the government is looking at it to ensure those involved are dealt with.” As the capital’s rush hour challenges persist, the eyes of the nation will be on the outcomes of the minister’s meeting, a test of the government’s resolve to protect commuters and restore order to Ghana’s urban transport system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Customs Officers Foil Major Drug Smuggling Attempt at Takoradi Port
It began as a routine morning at the bustling Takoradi Port, but sharp-eyed customs officers were about to uncover one of Ghana’s largest drug interceptions in recent memory. The story unfolded at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited, where frontline officials noticed something odd, two shipping containers, declared as ceiling fan consignments, exhibited unusual packaging patterns. Trusting their instincts, the officers promptly reported their suspicions to customs management. Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, quickly took action, placing the containers under discreet surveillance. Once the all-clear was given, he ordered a full unstuffing of both 40-foot containers. What they discovered was staggering: hidden among stacks of ceiling fans and thousands of undeclared electrical appliances were an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs, believed to be Tapentadol and Timaking. The operation, powered by intelligence and executed with the support of the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, National Intelligence Bureau, and the Food and Drugs Authority, had paid off. With the contraband seized, samples were sent to the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis. The rest of the goods are now secured in the State Warehouse in Takoradi, as investigations intensify. Meanwhile, Maxwell Boateng, the declarant for the consignment, was detained and is assisting the Narcotics Control Commission in tracing those behind the containers. Authorities were quick to point out that the success of the operation underscored the critical role played by vigilant customs officers and the importance of strong interagency collaboration in protecting Ghana’s borders and safeguarding public health from the threat of illicit pharmaceutical trafficking. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
A King and a Governor Debate Ghana’s Cost of Money
The hallowed halls of the Bank of Ghana this week became the stage for a critical national dialogue, one that pit urgent economic revival against the specter of returning inflation. The occasion was a high-profile courtesy visit by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but the conversation swiftly turned from ceremony to substance. With the gravity of his office and the voice of a nation’s entrepreneurs, the revered monarch issued a direct and powerful plea to Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama: lower the cost of borrowing, and do it now. “The private sector is gasping for breath,” his message resonated, cutting to the heart of the nation’s economic tightrope. “Let me be as blunt as I can: no amount of investment by government can give us a sound economy. This moment calls for a private push.” He challenged the central bank to engineer a fundamental shift: “Move the economy from the crippling high interest rate regime to a level where it becomes a stimulant of business and job creation.” For the countless small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this was a long-awaited royal endorsement of their daily struggle. Governor Asiama, custodian of the nation’s price stability, received the call with measured understanding. He stood on a platform of hard-won gains, a historic drop in inflation to 5.4%, robust international reserves soaring above $13.8 billion, and money market yields in retreat. The 91-day Treasury bill rate had already fallen from 13.4% to 10.3% in a single month. “My prayer and wish,” the Governor shared, revealing a personal ambition aligned with the nation’s need, “is that by the end of my four-year tenure, lending rates will not be more than 10 per cent.” Yet, between that wish and the Asantehene’s demand lies a perilous path. The cautionary voice of global consultancy Deloitte echoed in the background of their discussion. While acknowledging the BoG’s successful 10-percentage-point rate cut in 2025, which stabilized the cedi and contained prices, Deloitte warned that excessive easing in 2026 could undo that very progress. “Excessive easing could risk reversing the progress made in controlling inflation,” their analysis stated, a stark reminder of the balancing act. Early signs in 2026 offer a glimmer of hope. The key Ghana Reference Rate has dipped slightly, and average bank lending rates have begun a slow descent from 26.6% to 24.2%. They are movements in the right direction, but for the Asantehene and the business community, they are mere footsteps on a journey that requires leaps. As the meeting concluded, the central challenge for 2026 was crystallized. The Bank of Ghana must now choreograph a delicate dance: unlocking the credit needed to fuel a private-sector-led recovery, without missing a step and reigniting the inflationary fires it just spent a year extinguishing. The trajectory of interest rates is no longer just a monetary policy metric; it is the defining economic story for the year ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Unveils Framework for Ethical Banking
The landscape of Ghana’s financial sector is on the cusp of a transformative shift. In a landmark move, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially unveiled the operational guidelines for Non-Interest Banking (NIB), opening the door to a new era of ethical finance and deeper financial inclusion. This culmination of years of strategic planning is widely credited to the steadfast efforts of BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, and the Advisor on Non-Interest Banking and Finance, Professor John Gatsi. The finalized guidelines provide a clear and robust regulatory roadmap, building upon an earlier exposure draft to ensure operators function within strict prudential standards. The excitement within financial circles is palpable. Rumors are swirling of at least five existing conventional banks preparing to apply for dedicated NIB “windows” by the end of January, while several large new investors are lining up to establish full-fledged non-interest banks. This dual-application system is a core feature of the framework, designed to encourage both innovation and stability. The comprehensive guidelines establish a solid foundation for this new banking model: Governance & Expertise: Licensed NIB Institutions (NIBIs) must form a Non-Interest Banking Advisory Committee (NIBAC) of experts in banking, law, and NIB principles to ensure all products are ethically sound and risks are managed. Integrity of Operations: For conventional banks offering NIB through a “window,” a strict separation is mandated. They must operate a separate Non-Interest Finance Fund (NIFF), ensuring these ethical funds are never mixed with conventional banking funds. Inclusive & Voluntary: The BoG emphasizes that NIB is open to all Ghanaians, irrespective of religious belief, and participation is entirely voluntary. Capital & Compliance: Capital requirements align with existing standards, while NIBIs must maintain liquidity through Shari’ah-compliant instruments, steering clear of interest-bearing securities. Tax Clarity Pending: The guidelines acknowledge the crucial issue of tax neutrality, with a resolution expected from a joint team coordinated by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The implications stretch far beyond bank branches. The BoG is collaborating with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to develop a harmonized framework for non-interest capital market instruments. This paves the way for the future introduction of Sukuk (ethical investment certificates), which promise to unlock new, shari’ah-compliant capital for Ghana’s critical infrastructure projects. By integrating Ghana with the global non-interest finance industry, this initiative promises to diversify the financial sector, promote resilience, and revolutionize how finance serves the real economy. Welcome to the new, inclusive chapter of banking in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Twelve-Month Miracle: How Discipline and Policy Tamed Ghana’s Inflation Beast
The year 2024 had ended with a heavy, familiar weight on the shoulders of Ghanaians. Prices seemed to climb an endless ladder, with the inflation rate perched at a daunting 23.8%. In marketplaces and homes, the conversation was the same: the relentless squeeze of shrunken purchasing power. But a quiet, determined battle was being waged. At the Bank of Ghana, Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama and his team held firm to a course of monetary discipline, a tight rein on policy that many hoped would steer the nation toward calmer waters. Month by month, throughout 2025, a fragile hope began to bloom. The numbers started to tell a new story. Each passing month saw the inflation rate dip, a slow but steady retreat from the peaks of pressure. By November, it had fallen to 6.3%, and as the year drew to a close, all eyes turned to the Ghana Statistical Service for the final tally of December. The data, when it came, was not just good news—it was historic. The annual inflation rate for December 2025 had plummeted to 5.4%, marking the twelfth consecutive month of decline. On a month-to-month basis, prices had barely crept up by 0.9%. The most significant relief came from the food basket, where inflation softened dramatically to 4.9%, a testament to improved harvests and smoother supply chains. The contrast was staggering. From 23.8% to 5.4% in just one year. The beast of inflation had been tamed, not by chance, but by design. During a courtesy call by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Governor Asiama stood before the gathering, his voice carrying the weight of vindication and deliberate effort. “This trend reflected the broad-based disinflation process across both food and non-food,” he explained. “Certainly, this has not happened by accident but is the result of sustained monetary discipline we brought on board, improved food supply, and others.” He painted a clear picture: the central bank’s firm hand on monetary policy, working in concert with better conditions for farmers and traders, had systematically eased the pressures that had burdened the economy. It was a victory of strategy over circumstance. As the announcement spread, a palpable sense of relief began to replace anxiety. Households, long navigating a landscape of elevated prices, could finally foresee a period of stability. The sustained decline promised a stronger foundation for the national economy and a restoration of consumer confidence as Ghana stepped into 2026. The Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to guard this hard-won stability, knowing it was the cornerstone for sustainable growth. The twelve-month miracle was complete, a testament to the power of policy and perseverance, offering a powerful new chapter for Ghana’s economic story. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Airports Company Clarifies Firearm Rules for Air Travelers After Spike in Seizures
In the wake of alarming revelations from the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, showing that more than 2,000 illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition were seized at airports, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has moved to clarify its firearms policy for air travelers. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, GACL Managing Director Yvonne Opare addressed concerns about how firearms are handled at the country’s airports. She explained that the company, working under new directives from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, has put in place a fortified weapons declaration policy designed to boost safety and security for all passengers. “Anyone who wants to travel with a firearm must have the correct license and must formally declare the weapon to airport security before boarding,” Opare stated. “If you do not have the proper authorization, or you fail to declare your firearm, even if it is licensed, the weapon will be confiscated and handed over to the National Investigation Bureau.” Opare pointed out that, in previous years, there was no clear legal framework regulating the carriage of firearms through Ghana’s airports. Now, however, the rules are strict: only legally registered firearms that have been properly declared are permitted on flights. Any weapon discovered without proper paperwork or declaration is seized immediately. The strengthened procedures, she emphasized, are part of ongoing efforts to keep Ghana’s airports safe and to ensure that all firearms are accounted for before any passenger takes to the skies. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Breaks Free from Energy Debt Shackles: The Story of a Sector Reborn
When President John Dramani Mahama took office in January 2025, Ghana’s energy sector teetered on the edge of disaster. Years of unpaid bills for gas supplied from the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) field had brought the sector to its knees, and the crucial $500 million World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG), once a bulwark for investor confidence, had been completely depleted. The stakes were high. The PRG, established back in 2015, had been the foundation for nearly $8 billion in private investment, guaranteeing partners like ENI and Vitol that they would be paid even if Ghana defaulted. Without it, faith in Ghana’s energy landscape was crumbling, and the threat of blackouts and business closures loomed large. But 2025 would prove to be a turning point. In a statement released on January 12, the Ministry of Finance revealed how the Mahama administration, acting with urgency and resolve, set out to rescue the sector. By the close of the year, the government had repaid a staggering $1.47 billion to reset the industry’s fortunes. First, the government moved swiftly to restore Ghana’s credibility on the global stage: it repaid $597.15 million (including interest) drawn from the World Bank guarantee, fully replenishing the facility and signalling to international partners that Ghana meant business. Next, it addressed the mountain of unpaid bills to key gas suppliers. By December 2025, all outstanding invoices to ENI and Vitol—amounting to roughly $480 million—had been settled in full. The government also tackled legacy debts to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), disbursing about $393 million after renegotiating contracts for better value. Among the IPPs paid were: * Karpowership Ghana: $120 million * Cenpower Generation: $59.4 million * Sunon Asogli: $54 million * Early Power: $42 million * Twin City Energy (Amandi): $38 million * AKSA Energy: $30 million * Cenit Energy: $30 million * BXC Company: $10.56 million * Meinergy Technology: $8.82 million No stone was left unturned. The government also opened discussions with upstream partners like Tullow Oil and Jubilee Field partners, agreeing on a roadmap to ensure prompt payment for gas supplies and secure a stable electricity supply to power Ghana’s industries. Already, these efforts have begun to bear fruit. Increased gas production is reducing the country’s dependence on costly liquid fuels, and the Ministry announced that the dark days of runaway energy sector debt are gone for good. With robust budgetary provisions in place, Ghana’s energy sector now stands on a foundation of timely payments, restored confidence, and renewed hope for the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CSPF Voices Discontent Over 2026 Pension Increment
On a brisk morning in Accra, members of the Concerned SSNIT Pensioners Forum (CSPF) gathered, their faces etched with concern. News had just broken that the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) would increase pensions by 10 percent in 2026. For many, this announcement was far from the relief they had hoped for. “We expected more,” said one forum member, echoing the collective sentiment. The CSPF argued that the increment fell short, failing to counter the steady erosion of pension values brought on by persistent inflation. Every year, pensioners watched as their incomes lagged behind the national minimum wage, and this latest adjustment, they felt, would do little to bridge that widening gap. Months before, the forum had formally proposed a more ambitious plan: a minimum monthly pension of GH¢600 and a general increase of 15 to 20 percent to help restore real value to their payments. Their hopes were dashed when SSNIT’s announcement came in at just half their suggested rate. To make matters worse, CSPF members questioned what they saw as inconsistencies in SSNIT’s communication. A statement issued on January 6, 2025, had pegged the minimum monthly pension for the year at GH¢396.58. This, CSPF argued, highlighted a lack of clarity in how the figures were calculated and communicated to pensioners. Amidst the frustration, the forum called for unity and action. They urged a national dialogue to establish a sustainable pension framework, one that would guarantee retirees a life of dignity and security in their later years. Until such changes come, the CSPF remains steadfast, their voices raised in hope for a fairer future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Empowers Nabdam Farmers with New Cooperatives, Seed Funding, and Fertilizer Support
The Nabdam constituency was alive with excitement as Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Member of Parliament, inaugurated 19 newly formed cooperative farmers groups. The event marked a fresh chapter for local agriculture, promising unity, resources, and a renewed sense of purpose for farmers across the district. Before gathering the farmers for the main engagement, Dr. Nawaane took a significant step by facilitating the opening of a group bank account for the cooperatives. Demonstrating his commitment, he deposited GHC 50,000 as seed money into the account and further promised to support the groups with 190 bags of fertilizer, ensuring each cooperative had a solid foundation to launch their activities. During the inauguration, Dr. Nawaane addressed the farmers with a heartfelt speech that underscored the importance of collaboration. He explained that, while he had previously assisted individual farmers, the new approach under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama’s government emphasized group organization for greater impact. “In the past, many small and scattered farmers’ groups made it difficult to distribute support fairly and efficiently,” Dr. Nawaane recounted. “This time, we decided to form area-based groups, neighbors working with neighbors, making it easier to share information and coordinate activities.” He encouraged the cooperatives to embrace this new structure, assuring them that a coordinator and temporary leaders would help guide their efforts. With the groups now formally registered, Dr. Nawaane stressed that the extent of assistance they would receive depended on their own initiative and collaboration. “You have your seed money in the Rural Bank in Nabdam. The kind of support you get will depend on your discussions, your ideas, and your willingness to work together,” he said. Dr. Nawaane advised the groups to hold regular meetings, register new members, and keep their operations open and inclusive. He suggested modest contributions from members to supplement the seed funding and reminded everyone that lasting progress is built on collective effort rather than waiting for large, infrequent handouts. “Always remember that God helps those who help themselves,” he reminded the crowd. The MP also touched on the economic realities of the district, citing a study by the Ghana Statistical Service that placed Nabdam at the highest poverty level in the region with a 68.6% multidimensional poverty index. “Should we continue to sit down and say that because we are poor, we do nothing? No. That is why I’ve identified farming as the area where, if we work hard and support each other, we can change our destiny.” Dr. Nawaane concluded by encouraging the groups to bring forward their concerns and ideas, assuring them of his ongoing support and the potential for greater assistance from banks and government programs. He praised the achievements of local farmers, noting that some were already among the best in the district, and expressed confidence that with unity and determination, Nabdam’s farmers could transform their fortunes. With the official inauguration complete and resources in place, the 19 cooperative groups are set to begin a new journey, one fueled by teamwork, practical support, and the shared vision of a more prosperous farming community. During the inauguration of the new farmers’ cooperative groups in the Nabdam District, the District Director of Agriculture, Mr. Rasheed Imoro, delivered an insightful address that highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities facing local agriculture. Drawing from recent surveys and development strategies, Mr. Imoro emphasized that poverty and hunger in the district were not just matters of food scarcity, but also linked to how communities approached development. He urged everyone to adopt a “SWORD analysis,” to examine their strengths and weaknesses and build upon them. “Our strength in Nabdam is agriculture,” Mr. Imoro noted, “yet, despite the majority of our people being involved in farming, we remain poor. The reason is simple: we have been working as individuals, each in our own corner.” Mr. Imoro praised Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Member of Parliament, for his hands-on efforts to support farmers. He shared that Dr. Nawaane’s willingness to make his tractor available for plowing, often at great personal effort, was a rare and commendable gesture in the region. “Our soil here is hard, and without tractors, it’s nearly impossible to prepare the land after the rains. The MP’s support means a lot to our community,” he said. Turning to the future, Mr. Imoro explained that government policies, such as the Feed Ghana program introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, were designed to transform agriculture with subsidies, mechanization, and new markets. However, he stressed that these benefits were most accessible to those organized in groups. “If you are in a group, you can access loans, set market prices for your produce, and have your voice heard, not just in Nabdam, but across the whole country,” he explained. He outlined how small farmer-based organizations (FBOs) could combine to form even stronger cooperatives, echoing Dr. Nawaane’s vision for area-based groups. “A group should have a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 40 members,” he advised, “with clear leadership and an active, workable bank account.” Mr. Imoro applauded Dr. Nawaane for providing seed money to register the cooperatives and open their accounts. He explained the importance of these accounts, not just for receiving funds, but also to show potential supporters, such as those who might drill boreholes for dry-season farming, that the group is financially responsible and sustainable. He encouraged members to make regular contributions, even as little as five cedis a week, to grow their collective resources. “I’ve seen groups elsewhere with as much as GHC 200,000 in their accounts. This is the way forward,” he said. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Imoro expressed gratitude for the focused efforts of both the MP and the district executive on uplifting agriculture in Nabdam. “I am 100% in support of these initiatives,” he declared. “My doors are always open. If you need anything related to agriculture, come to our office. We are here to help.” With his practical advice and endorsement, Mr. Imoro’s speech reinforced the message that cooperation and collective action are
BoG Governor Announces Policy Workshop to Strengthen Domestic Gold Purchase Programme
At the 77th Annual New Year School held at the University of Ghana on Tuesday, January 6, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, outlined a forward-looking strategy to enhance the country’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). Addressing a diverse audience of experts, policymakers, and practitioners, Dr. Asiama revealed that the Central Bank, in collaboration with GoldBod and the Ministry of Finance, will soon organise a targeted policy workshop. The aim is to assess and refine the DGPP, drawing on global best practices to ensure the programme’s continued relevance and effectiveness. Dr. Asiama explained that the DGPP was launched at a time of considerable economic strain, but has since played a pivotal role in restoring confidence in Ghana’s economic outlook. “Arguably, the institutional role of the GoldBod has strengthened coordination across the value chain, while the introduction of a gold FX auction mechanism has enabled more structured and transparent intermediation of gold-related foreign exchange flows,” he noted. Looking ahead, Dr. Asiama called for the G4R programme to be firmly anchored within the broader framework of the Government of Ghana, emphasizing that responsibility for its sustainability should be shared across various institutions. He urged for informed debate, evidence-based analysis, and diverse perspectives on the DGPP, highlighting its status as a national priority. The planned workshop is set to bring together leading minds to chart a sustainable path for Ghana’s gold sector, ensuring that the DGPP continues to serve the country’s economic needs in line with international standards. Source: Apexnewsgh.com