The quiet streets of Bawku, once a symbol of resilience, now bear the scars of renewed violence that threaten to undermine years of peace-building efforts. Apexnewsgh reports In a decisive move to address this escalating crisis, the Government of Ghana has announced a significant shift in its approach to security in the region, transitioning from peacekeeping to peace enforcement. In a press release that resonated with the weight of urgency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, outlined the government’s strategy, which includes the deployment of the Ghana Armed Forces to the areas most affected by conflict. These soldiers are charged with the vital mission of restoring law and order while ensuring the safety of both lives and property. This strategic pivot comes in response to a troubling resurgence of violence tied to the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy conflict. “The Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, as we intensify curfews to ensure public safety,” the statement articulated clearly, underscoring the government’s commitment to stability in the region. In a show of respect and acknowledgment, the government praised His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his dedicated mediation efforts, alongside the contributions of the Nayiri and Zugraana, who have worked diligently to advance peace dialogue. The statement noted how close the mediation had come to final resolution—until recent violent incidents reignited tensions, underscoring the fragility of peace efforts. “Otumfuo’s mediation, with the genuine help of Nayiri and Zugraana, had almost brought finality to the conflict until the very recent killings, which have necessitated drastic actions,” the government affirmed. As the situation unfolds, officials have urged all parties in the conflict to embrace dialogue over violence and actively support the peace process. Citizens of Bawku are also encouraged to cooperate fully with the Ghana Armed Forces, a call for unity aimed at restoring calm. While the increased security measures may disrupt the daily lives of many peace-loving inhabitants, the government reassures them of their dedication to public safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like students. “The Government of Ghana remains committed to restoring peace and stability in Bawku and other affected areas and is taking every necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” the statement concluded, leaving a steadfast message of hope for a brighter, more peaceful future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson did not shy away from calling out the previous administration for its mishandling of public finances, which he claims has led to the economic hardships stemming from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). Presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, Dr. Forson painted a stark picture of the consequences that many Ghanaians faced due to fiscal mismanagement under the former Akufo-Addo government. “The decision to restructure Ghana’s domestic debt, a measure that resulted in severe losses for countless bondholders, became necessary due to the fiscal recklessness of the previous government,” he stated firmly. The Finance Minister emphasized that the repercussions of these decisions were not merely abstract economic statistics; they represented profound personal losses for many citizens. Dr. Forson conveyed the personal stories behind the numbers, illustrating how the mismanagement of public finances resulted in “devastating haircuts” that stripped pensioners and the middle class of their lifetime savings, livelihoods, and dignity. The DDEP was characterized as more than just an economic policy; it was a painful chapter that inflicted immense distress on ordinary Ghanaians, undermining their hopes and aspirations. He stressed the breach of trust that ensued when individuals who had invested their hard-earned money in government securities found themselves with little to no return. This phenomenon has not only affected individual lives but also shaken public confidence in the financial system as a whole. Despite the daunting challenges that lie ahead, Dr. Forson assured Parliament and the Ghanaian public of the current administration’s commitment to restoring fiscal discipline and rebuilding trust in government securities. He urged for bipartisan cooperation to implement essential reforms that could steer the nation toward long-term stability and inclusive economic recovery. In his closing remarks, the Finance Minister emphasized the importance of unity in the face of adversity, urging all political factions to come together for the nation’s common good, thereby ensuring that such disruptions do not recur. His impassioned address resonated with many, reflecting a determination to turn the tide and prioritize the welfare of all Ghanaians as the country embarks on a path to recovery. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson recently declared that the Ghanaian cedi is no longer on a path of depreciation. During his address to Parliament on Thursday, July 24, where he presented the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, he highlighted the local currency’s impressive performance against major foreign currencies. With enthusiasm, he proclaimed, “Cedi no apicki!” underscoring the newfound stability and appreciation that has characterized the cedi in recent months. Dr. Forson provided a striking comparison to illustrate the cedi’s recovery. At the beginning of the year, the currency was trading around GH¢15 to the US dollar. However, it has since strengthened remarkably, now trading at about GH¢10.45 on the interbank market. This significant shift reflects a positive momentum that has been bolstered by enhanced macroeconomic fundamentals, increased export inflows, and a resurgence of investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy. In his address, the Minister attributed this impressive performance to a trio of factors: sound fiscal and monetary policies, growth in critical exports such as gold and cocoa, and consistent flows of remittances from Ghanaians abroad. This combination of elements has not just resulted in a stronger cedi but has also led to a ripple effect of price stability, with noticeable price reductions in some imported goods. Dr. Forson reassured Ghanaians of the government’s commitment to maintaining these gains. “We will continue to implement prudent policies to preserve the value of our currency, reduce inflation, and ensure economic stability for all,” he affirmed, instilling confidence that the positive trends of the cedi could be sustained moving forward. As the Parliament session concluded, the atmosphere was charged with optimism regarding Ghana’s economic prospects and the resilience of its currency, signaling a hopeful chapter for the nation’s financial future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

According to market analysis conducted by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), fuel prices at the pump are projected to increase by between 6% and 9% during the second pricing window of July 2025. This anticipated rise comes as a response to current market indicators and is set to take effect from Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The mean retail price of petroleum products is expected to rise by an average of 8% from current levels once the new pricing window opens. Specifically, petrol prices are forecasted to increase by 6.47%, moving from an average of GHS11.59 per litre. Diesel, on the other hand, is anticipated to experience the most significant jump, rising by 9.30% from its current mean price of GHS12.97 per litre. In contrast, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is projected to see a slight decrease, with prices expected to fall by 0.45% per kilogram, providing a small relief amidst the broader increases. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 15, COPEC explained that these projections are based on current market indicators. The estimates assume stability in global Free-On-Board (FOB) petroleum prices and the cedi-dollar exchange rate in the near term. This is notable, especially as crude oil prices have recently seen a 4.89% drop, falling from $74.43 to $70.79 per barrel, and the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by 0.47%, shifting from GHS10.5288 to GHS10.5785 per dollar. COPEC attributed the expected price hikes primarily to the introduction of a GHS1 Energy Sector shortfall and debt repayment levy, recently implemented by the Ministry of Energy. This new financial measure is seen as a significant driver of the upcoming price increases. The Chamber also warned that final pump prices could vary within a ±5% margin from the estimates, depending on actual market movements as the pricing window progresses. As consumers brace for these changes, the implications of rising fuel prices on everyday expenses continue to be a pressing concern for many. Read below the statement by COPEC CHAMBER OF PETROLEUM CONSUMERS – (COPEC) ACCRA 14 July 2025 * FUEL PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO GO UP 6%-9% IN THE SECOND PRICING WINDOW OF JULY 2025* The current mean fuel price is expected to go up by about 8% in the next Pricing Window Analysis of Projection Barring any unforeseen major changes in global Petroleum FOB prices and the Dollar: Cedi exchange rates, indications across the downstream petroleum market are that, in the next window beginning 16 July 2025, the mean pump retail price of Petrol is expected to go up by 6.47% of the current mean price of GHS11.59/L ii. The mean price of diesel is also expected to go up by 9.30% of the current mean price of GHS12.97/L and iii. Mean LPG price per kg is also to go down by about -0.45%. Acknowledging that, the Crude price has gone down by -4.89% from $74.43/barrel to $70.79/barrel and that the Cedi has slightly depreciated relatively to the Dollar from an average rate of $1:GHS10.5288 to $1:GHS10.5785 (-0.4720%), coupled with the introduction of the Energy Sector shortfall and debt repayment levy of GHS1 by the Ministry of Energy, the following will constitute the projected mean retail prices for Petroleum products to within ±5% of COPEC’s projection starting from 16 July 2025. Petrol .. GHS12.34/L Diesel .. GHS14.18/L The Mean Price for Petrol and Diesel..GHS13.26/L LPG.. GHS11.55/kg Thus, a 14.5 kg of LPG cylinder would be expected to be sold at GHS167.43 within the next window. Below are the detailed descriptions. PETROL Though the international FOB price of petrol has decreased from $740.93/MT to $716.30/MT (-3.32%), the retail price works up to GHS12.34/L Thus, the retail price of Petrol is expected to increase by 6.47% of the current mean pump retail price of GHS11.59/L, to close selling between GHS11.72/L and GHS12.96 /L , within ±5% range of COPEC’s projected figure of GHS12.34/L. DIESEL In the same manner, with the International FOB price of diesel increasing from $722.48/MT to $743.07/MT (2.85%), the projected mean retail pump price for the next window shall be GHS14.18/L Diesel is therefore expected to increase in price by about 9.30% of the current mean pump retail price of GHS12.97/L to be selling between GHS13.47/L and GHS14.89/L , within ±5% range of COPEC’s projected figure of GHS14.18/L. 3.0 Mean Price of Petrol and Diesel The mean price of petrol and diesel for the coming window per available parameters shall be GHS13.26/L . The mean pump price is therefore expected to increase by 7.96% over the current mean price of GHS12.28/L to be be selling between GHS12.60/L and GHS13.92/L, within ±5% of COPEC’s projected mean price of GHS13.26/L. LPG With the international FOB price of LPG decreasing from $492.70/MT to $465.52/MT (-5.41%), the projected retail price of LPG is expected to be on the average at GHS11.55/kg. Thus, within ±5% error, LPG is expected to be selling between GHS10.97/kg and GHS12.12/ kg. Remarks: 1. COPEC is very much appreciative of the fairly stable Dollar:Cedi exchange rate, which is being enjoyed in the fuel industry. * It is anticipated that the Dollar: Cedi exchange rate will continue to improve for the benefit of the general consumers of petroleum products. COPEC maintains that, Government must do all it can to reduce taxes on LPG or to subsidize the price of LPG to promote and encourage its nationwide accessibility and usage which will eventually help save the environment from further degradation by the use of firewoods. Currently, the total taxes and levies on retail prices of Petrol and Diesel is about 26.55%. * COPEC is requesting for the reduction of tax rates or to take off some of the fuel taxes to lessen the burden on consumers. * Alternatively, a formula can be adopted to vary the total levies with change in the Dollar:Cedi rate. We further appeal to the government not to relent in getting Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) back on stream in order to avoid or reduce the importation of finished products, with possible associated fuel contamination. COPEC wishes to appeal

13 banks that experienced capital shortfalls following the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) have successfully met or exceeded their recapitalization requirements as of the end of 2024. These institutions are on track to restore their Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) to the mandated 13 percent by the end of 2025. Despite this encouraging progress, one state-owned bank, alongside several others, remains significantly behind schedule. Factors contributing to their struggles include delays in shareholder capital commitments, elevated levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), and slow recognition of credit impairments and provisioning. According to a recent IMF Country Report, these banks are now under intensified supervision from the Bank of Ghana, which is enforcing corrective measures to ensure they meet their recapitalization targets by the approaching 2025 deadline. Furthermore, the approval and implementation of the World Bank-funded segment of the Ghana Financial Sector Stability Fund (GFSF) could provide additional support to some of these institutions, contingent on securing adequate capital injections to qualify for assistance. The report highlights ongoing efforts from Ghanaian authorities to improve credit quality and tackle financial sector legacy issues. While growth in NPLs has slowed, the overall NPL ratio remains high, standing at 22.6 percent as of 2024—though this is a decrease from 26.7 percent in the first quarter of the year. To mitigate the NPL burden, regulators are urging banks to strengthen their credit risk management systems, enhance skills in loan classification and provisioning, and closely monitor the effectiveness of NPL reduction strategies. Furthermore, the IMF report indicates that specialized deposit-taking institutions (SDIs), crucial for promoting financial inclusion, continue to be weighed down by undercapitalization and unresolved legacy challenges. Key components of the Ghana Financial Sector Strengthening Strategy (GFSSS) remain to be implemented in order to address these issues effectively. The Bank of Ghana is also revisiting its prudential and operational risk standards, progressing with the implementation of Basel II and III framework. Notably, the Bank has officially communicated to the industry that all regulatory reliefs granted after the DDEP will come to an end by the close of 2025, signaling the need for banks to bolster their resilience moving forward. As the Ghanaian financial sector navigates these challenges, the combined efforts of regulatory bodies and banking institutions will be critical in ensuring a sustainable and stable economic environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com