In a bid to strengthen ties with the nation’s key institutions, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, recently paid a working visit to the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD). The visit was part of his initiative to familiarize himself with the agency’s operations and to express the government’s gratitude for its vital contributions to the mineral sector. During his time at GOLDBOD, Mr. Debrah took a moment to commend the management and dedicated staff for their hard work in regulating and promoting responsible gold trade within Ghana. He emphasized the agency’s essential role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the gold industry, which is crucial for maintaining the nation’s integrity and reputation on the global stage. “I want to thank all of you for your continued service to the nation. Your efforts in safeguarding Ghana’s gold resources are commendable, and I wish you the very best in your work going forward,” Mr. Debrah said during his address to GOLDBOD personnel. The visit also provided an opportunity for direct engagement with the staff, allowing Mr. Debrah to listen to their concerns and discuss potential strategies to enhance the agency’s efficiency and overall impact in the sector. Reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting GOLDBOD, the Chief of Staff assured the team that their missions are crucial not only for Ghana’s economic development but also for bolstering its international reputation in the gold trade. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that a total of 6,850 excavators have been registered across the country as of July 8, 2025. This update is part of the authority’s efforts to streamline the operations of heavy-duty machinery, particularly in the mining and construction sectors. The registration exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant state agencies. According to the DVLA CEO, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, the initiative is critical for improving national data on earth-moving equipment and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. Mr. Kotey emphasized that the registration of excavators is a key step toward regulating their operations and addressing the environmental and security challenges posed by their misuse. He encouraged all stakeholders, especially owners and operators of unregistered excavators, to comply with the ongoing registration process to avoid sanctions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

The Parliament of Ghana has announced a new directive requiring all visitors and stakeholders to access the Parliament House exclusively through the Ceremonial Gate, located opposite the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The directive, issued on the authority of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, takes immediate effect and aims to improve security, streamline visitor management, and ensure orderly operations within the parliamentary precincts. According to the statement released by David Sebastian Damoah, Director of the Media Relations Department, all visitors will be directed to the Visitor’s Centre upon arrival. There, they will undergo processing, verification, and confirmation of the purpose of their visit. This new protocol is designed to enhance the security and efficiency of the parliamentary operations. The Parliament is urging the public and all relevant stakeholders to treat the new access protocol with “the urgency and importance it deserves,” as part of broader efforts to maintain security and efficiency in the operations of the legislative body. The directive is part of ongoing reforms to enhance access control and ensure the safety of both lawmakers and guests within the parliamentary compound. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), operating under the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has intensified nationwide efforts to curb the production and sale of substandard cement products. The move is part of a broader regulatory push to safeguard consumers and the construction industry. Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized that cement quality and safety are critical to protecting property owners, industry professionals, and the general public. In April 2025, the GSA conducted unannounced inspections targeting all cement manufacturing firms across the country. A total of 82 cement samples were collected for thorough testing using advanced methods such as physical and chemical analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction to assess quality and conformity to Ghana’s standards. The GSA also carried out a surveillance operation between May 6 and May 15, 2025, to verify the composition of cement products and examine the raw materials used in their production. To enhance monitoring and enforcement, over 300 additional trading standards inspectors were commissioned on May 3, 2025. These officers have been deployed to conduct cement surveillance and price verification exercises in several towns and municipalities nationwide. “The presence of these inspectors in the field ensures real-time regulatory oversight, helping us respond swiftly to violations and maintain consumer confidence,” the Minister said. The crackdown has already yielded results, with several cement manufacturing companies shut down for producing cement with substandard or unapproved materials. Companies such as Xin A Safe Cement Ghana Ltd, Kumasi Cement Ghana Ltd, and Uniceme Cement Ghana Ltd have been affected. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy on substandard goods, stressing that the GSA will continue to clamp down on non-compliant manufacturers to prevent dangerous products from reaching the market. “These actions are not just punitive, they are preventive,” she stated. “They protect lives, ensure industry integrity, and support fair competition and pricing.” The ongoing measures by the GSA aim to foster a healthier cement industry, promote construction safety, and ensure that only products meeting regulatory standards are allowed into the Ghanaian market. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced a significant enhancement to Ghana’s domestic natural gas supply. A new agreement with energy giant ENI will see an additional 30 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas production, effective Sunday, July 13, 2025. This brings ENI’s total gas supply to the country to 270 MMscfd. The Ministry described the development as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening Ghana’s energy infrastructure and improving supply reliability. The move is expected to bolster energy security, support industrial operations, and advance the government’s energy transition agenda. To facilitate the increase in domestic gas supply, ENI will temporarily suspend its gas exports. This measure is essential for optimising the supply chain and ensuring the successful implementation of the supply increase. The Ministry acknowledged the potential for short-term impacts on power generation due to the reallocation of gas resources but assured the public that adequate mitigation measures have been put in place to minimise any disruptions to the electricity supply. The Ministry is confident that the boost in gas production will have a positive impact on the country’s energy sector. The government is committed to ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply to support industrial operations and advance the country’s energy transition agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investors through its Aftercare Division, a key mechanism for post-establishment assistance. The assurance was given by the Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Mr. Simon Madjie, during a meeting with the new Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana Ltd., Mr. Pierre Hill, at the Centre’s office in Accra. Mr. Hill, who recently assumed leadership at Mantrac Ghana, emphasized the company’s long-standing investment in the country, with a workforce of over 1,000 employees. He highlighted the need for strengthened collaboration with government institutions to resolve operational challenges and ensure business continuity. Mr. Madjie acknowledged the company’s significant contribution to Ghana’s industrial and economic development and reiterated the Centre’s readiness to support investors beyond the initial entry phase. Mr. Madjie noted that GIPC’s Aftercare Division plays a crucial role in helping companies navigate regulatory processes and address operational issues. The division provides post-establishment assistance to investors, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive in Ghana’s business environment. Mr. Madjie also referenced ongoing efforts to review Ghana’s investment legislation, including the introduction of a proposed Investor Grievance Mechanism. This initiative aims to provide a framework for addressing investor concerns and promoting a more favorable business environment. The meeting between GIPC and Mantrac Ghana Ltd. demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to supporting investors and promoting a conducive business environment in Ghana. By providing aftercare services and collaborating with government institutions, GIPC aims to ensure that investors receive the necessary support to succeed in the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

The Government of Ghana has successfully fulfilled its Eurobond debt service commitments for 2025 with the payment of US$349.52 million on Thursday, July 3, 2025. This latest instalment brings the total Eurobond debt service payments for 2025 to US$699.04 million, following two earlier payments of equal value in January and July. The Ministry of Finance emphasized that the timely payment underscores the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and ongoing cooperation with external creditors. Ghana had previously made an initial payment of US$475.60 million in October 2024, shortly after concluding a comprehensive Eurobond debt restructuring deal. In total, Ghana has now serviced US$1.17 billion in Eurobond payments since the restructuring, bringing it fully up to date on all scheduled debt obligations for the year. This achievement demonstrates the government’s dedication to meeting its debt obligations and maintaining fiscal discipline. The Ministry of Finance expects this latest payment to have a positive impact on Ghana’s credit rating outlook, reinforcing its post-restructuring fiscal discipline and strengthening investor confidence in the country’s sovereign creditworthiness and economic recovery programme. Additionally, the payment is expected to support stability in the foreign exchange market, with the payment integrated into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management framework. Ghana is scheduled to service US$1.41 billion in Eurobond debt in 2026. The government remains committed to meeting all future debt obligations as part of its broader economic recovery and reform agenda. This commitment to debt management and fiscal responsibility is expected to contribute to Ghana’s economic stability and growth.