When Eric Adjei ESQ. stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in January 2025, he brought with him more than just a new title; he brought a wave of optimism and resolve that has reverberated across the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. From his first day, Mr. Adjei made it clear that entrepreneurship in Ghana would no longer be treated as a buzzword or a distant dream. “We must move beyond rhetoric,” he declared at his inaugural staff meeting. “Our young people deserve real opportunities, measurable, visible, and life-changing.” With these words, NEIP began a transformation from a policy-driven institution to a results-oriented engine of job creation and innovation. At the heart of Adjei’s approach lies a simple but powerful conviction: Ghana’s future depends on the ingenuity and energy of its young people. Under his stewardship, NEIP has redirected its focus toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by the youth. Practical support, accountability, and measurable outcomes have become the guiding principles. This renewed direction soon found its flagship in the Edwumawura Programme, a nationwide intervention that quickly became the talk of the entrepreneurial community. Edwumawura, meaning “Job Creator,” is more than just a catchphrase. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation, regardless of where they live. From the busy streets of Accra to the most remote villages, the programme has reached Ghanaians who might otherwise have been left behind. The Edwumawura Programme was launched with fanfare but backed by substance. Its aim: to provide startup capital, business development services, and mentoring for individuals with promising ideas—especially at the grassroots. The process is inclusive and decentralized, ensuring that opportunity is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all with drive and determination. One young participant, Amina, from Tamale, recalls how the programme changed her life: “I always had ideas but no way to make them real. Edwumawura gave me training, a small grant, and the confidence to begin my poultry business. Now, I employ three people from my community.” Stories like Amina’s are becoming increasingly common. Across Ghana, young entrepreneurs are starting businesses, creating jobs, and building hope, thanks in large part to NEIP’s revitalized approach under Adjei’s guidance. But Adjei’s vision extends beyond traditional business models. Recognising the explosive growth of the digital economy, he championed a bold new initiative: NEIP would support content creators as legitimate entrepreneurs. In a country where millions of youth consume and create digital content daily, this was a game-changer. Workshops and mentorship sessions sprang up in cities and towns, focusing on skills from video editing to digital marketing. For the first time, Ghanaian content creators were given training, access to funding opportunities, and help in building digital brands with global reach. Kwame, a young YouTuber from Kumasi, shares his experience: “Before NEIP’s support, I struggled to monetise my channel. Now, I understand branding, and I’ve tripled my income. NEIP treated me like any other entrepreneur.” This push into the digital space reflects a broader understanding of modern entrepreneurship—one that values creativity, technological savvy, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy. Observers note that Eric Adjei’s background as a lawyer blends seamlessly with his entrepreneurial drive. He insists on accountability and transparency, regularly engaging with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. His collaborative style has fostered partnerships that multiply the impact of NEIP’s programmes, drawing in investment and expertise from across the spectrum. Through it all, Adjei has maintained a relentless focus on innovation-driven growth. He is often seen visiting project sites, speaking with beneficiaries, and seeking feedback on how programmes can be improved. “Real impact,” he often says, “comes from listening to those we serve.” As NEIP continues to roll out new initiatives, expectations are soaring. The Edwumawura Programme and the content creation support scheme stand out as two pillars of a new era, one in which entrepreneurship is accessible, rewarding, and central to Ghana’s economic development. For Ghana’s youth, Eric Adjei’s leadership marks a turning point. No longer is entrepreneurship reserved for the privileged or the well-connected. Today, ideas are nurtured, innovation is celebrated, and young people are empowered to become the job creators of tomorrow. In the words of one beneficiary, “With NEIP and Mr. Adjei, we know our dreams are possible. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

At the Bank of Ghana’s annual media engagement in Accra, the spotlight shone on the crucial relationship between financial stability and responsible journalism. Governor Johnson Pandit Asiamah, addressing journalists on Friday, emphasised the influential role of the media in shaping economic expectations as the nation locks in recent gains in macroeconomic stability. Governor Asiamah highlighted that while Ghana had weathered a challenging 2025, disciplined policy choices had restored order to the economy. Inflation, he noted, had plummeted from 23.8 percent a year earlier to just 5.4 percent in December 2025, thanks to tight monetary policy, sound liquidity management, and clearer communication. As Ghana enters 2026, the central bank’s focus, according to Asiamah, would shift to consolidation and embedding reforms rather than implementing swift policy changes. Emphasising the complexity of monetary and financial policy, Asiamah cautioned that misreporting or a lack of context could heighten uncertainty during sensitive periods of adjustment. “Our expectation is not compliance but responsibility, accuracy, balance and context,” he said, pledging continued openness and engagement with the press. The governor outlined several initiatives, including a rules-based auction framework for the foreign exchange market, tighter oversight, and a domestic gold purchase programme, all of which had bolstered confidence and pushed Ghana’s international reserves to over US$13.8 billion, equivalent to 5.7 months of import cover. On the other side of the conversation, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) welcomed the central bank’s openness but stressed the need for sustained capacity building. He argued that as economic reporting becomes more technical, amid inflation control, debt restructuring, and financial sector reforms, journalists must be equipped with the right skills. “It’s impossible to expect journalists to explain complex monetary and financial policies to the public without proper training,” the GJA president said, calling for regular workshops and briefings for media professionals nationwide, not just those in Accra. In response, Governor Asiamah announced plans for enhanced media training and a dedicated forum for economic reporters. He also unveiled a new “Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year” award, with the winner set to attend the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, an initiative aimed at encouraging accurate and insightful economic journalism. As Ghana continues its economic recovery, both central bank officials and journalists agree that collaboration and communication will be key in ensuring that the public remains well-informed and confident in the nation’s economic direction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

As traffic snarls tighten their grip on Accra and the number of available commercial vehicles dwindles, frustration among commuters has reached a boiling point. Complaints about skyrocketing fares during peak hours are now commonplace, prompting the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to take decisive action against what it describes as exploitation by some commercial drivers. On Sunday, January 18, the General Secretary of the GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, spoke to Citi News, announcing a forthcoming crackdown on drivers who charge passengers above the approved rates. The Union’s enforcement exercise is set to begin on Monday, January 19, 2026, with GPRTU personnel stationed at known hotspots across the city to catch offenders in the act. “What the drivers fear is banning them from loading,” Abulbire revealed, emphasizing that the Union’s internal task force would be out in full force to ensure compliance. “From what we have discussed, we have decided that on Monday, we will deploy most of our guys to all the vantage points where these exploitations take place to check if indeed these are our cars or not.” To further tighten oversight, GPRTU plans to roll out a new branding system, marking all vehicles under its authority with the Union’s insignia. “We will begin to brand our cars with GPRTU on them. If we see that you then go out to exploit people, we will fish you out and then take you out of the union,” Abulbire warned, signaling that repeat offenders risk losing their membership entirely. The Union’s intervention comes at a time when commuters are increasingly burdened by unpredictable fares, especially as congestion and vehicle shortages worsen during rush hours. GPRTU’s leadership hopes the crackdown will not only deter overcharging but also restore public trust in the city’s commercial transport system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a landmark move to strengthen its air fleet and emergency response capabilities, Ghana has placed its inaugural order for multi-mission Airbus helicopters. The Ministry of Defence, according to an Airbus press release dated January 15, 2026, has contracted Airbus Helicopters to deliver four advanced aircraft: two H175Ms, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The two H175M helicopters are set to serve a range of vital functions, including transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster relief. Meanwhile, the ACH175 and ACH160 models will primarily support transport operations, enhancing both the nation’s security and logistical infrastructure. Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Africa and the Middle East, Arnaud Montalvo, welcomed the deal as a significant return to Ghana, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ongoing customer support and a strategic partnership. Montalvo highlighted that Ghana’s selection of the versatile H175M underscores the country’s growing defence and security ambitions, while its acquisition of the ACH160 and ACH175 cements Ghana’s reputation as a leading Airbus customer in West Africa. The H175, in service since 2014, is part of the super-medium helicopter class, prized for its combination of long-range capability, high payload, and exceptionally smooth flight performance. Its versatility enables it to tackle a wide array of missions, from disaster relief and search-and-rescue to public service, military, and business aviation. The ACH160, Airbus’ latest corporate helicopter, is hailed as the most technologically advanced in its class, boasting 68 patented technologies, a spacious and luminous cabin, and innovative design features that set a new standard for passenger comfort. With this acquisition, Ghana is poised to greatly enhance its operational readiness across security, humanitarian, and transport domains, while forging deeper ties with Airbus Helicopters for long-term growth and cooperation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

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

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