Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Raises Alarm Over Illegal Meters in Bono East
The Bono East Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has expressed serious concerns over the rising prevalence of unauthorized meters in the region. This illegal practice is significantly impacting the revenue of utility providers, particularly the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). Regional Manager Cassiel Eghan Asiedu revealed alarming information during the office’s mid-year review. He stated that substandard meters, not sourced from NEDCo or the Ministry of Energy, have infiltrated the homes of unsuspecting residents, resulting in substantial revenue losses that hinder key investments in the utilities sector. “We have become aware of some individuals going around selling unapproved meters to unsuspecting residents of the region. This action is illegal and seriously affects the revenue of NEDCo. We urge prospective customers to visit the utility for service connections and to refrain from purchasing from private individuals,” Mr. Asiedu cautioned. His remarks highlighted the ongoing challenges the office faces as it seeks to ensure compliance and protect both consumers and service providers. In a positive update, Mr. Asiedu shared that the Commission has successfully facilitated credit adjustments totaling GHC79,253.91 for customers who reported discrepancies in their electricity bills during the first half of the year. Additionally, the Commission aided in the recovery of GHC21,991.47 on behalf of NEDCo. Throughout the reporting period, the office received a total of 826 complaints from consumers and utilities alike. Remarkably, 791 of these complaints were resolved, representing an impressive 95.76% success rate. The primary grievance among consumers was the quality of service, which accounted for 91.64% of all complaints lodged. To further engage the community, the Commission reached out to over 32,000 customers through its public education initiatives, simplifying access to vital information for consumers. Mr. Asiedu emphasized the importance of consolidating these gains through ongoing, transparent stakeholder engagements, as well as the vigorous enforcement of operational benchmarks. As the Commission continues its work, it remains committed to ensuring that residents of Bono East are protected from illegal practices and that the integrity of utility services is upheld for the benefit of all. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Deepens Commitment To Underserved Communities With Engagement In Donkorkrom
As part of its commitment to close the digital access gap and enhance customer experience in underserved areas, MTN Ghana held a community engagement in Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region aimed at empowering residents with knowledge on digital tools and mobile money safety measures. The forum focused on digital and financial inclusion for rural and remote communities and services designed to simplify their everyday lives. The forum also provided residents with vital information on how to prevent MoMo fraud. The community members were given updates on ongoing investments MTN Ghana is making to improve network infrastructure and reliability in Donkorkrom and surrounding areas. Commenting on the engagement, Georgina Fiagbenu, Corporate Communications Senior Manager at MTN Ghana said, “Our visit to Donkorkrom is a reflection of our commitment to serving all customers especially those in communities that have been historically underserved. We are listening, investing and working with urgency to improve the quality of service.” The community members actively participated in the forum, asking questions about product and services, the network and were taught how to spot and avoid MoMo scams. MTN’s team emphasized the importance of customer awareness. They also introduced the participants to digital tools to support their business operations and everyday tasks”. The District Chief Executive of Donkorkrom, Hon. Kate Mawusi, expressed her gratitude to MTN Ghana for their support to the district noting “I am happy to host MTN Ghana in Donkorkrom today. This visit demonstrates your commitment to your customers. We are excited to have you here in Donkorkrom”. The chief of Donkorkrom, Nana Akuamoah Boateng, commended MTN Ghana for coming to the community to engage with its residents. He commented that it was the first time a corporate organisation had recognised his community and organised such a forum to engage and solicit feedback on its services. He therefore urged MTN Ghana to continue to strengthen the relationship with Donkorkrom. Donkorkrom, a community with growing digital needs but limited infrastructure, was chosen as the location for the community engagement to reinforce MTN’s commitment to inclusive service delivery and improve connectivity in hard-to-reach communities. MTN Ghana has for several years organised community fora across Ghana to educate and solicit feedback on its services. These community fora underscore MTN Ghana’s dedication to providing timely information, improving digital literacy and strengthening trust through face-to-face engagement with its customers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Appoints New Governing Board for Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a new 10-member Governing Board for the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), a move aimed at enhancing the organization’s capacity to attract investments critical for Ghana’s economic transformation. The appointment aligns with the GIPC Act and follows consultations with the Council of State. Former Minister of State Akwasi Oppong-Fosu will chair the newly constituted board and includes influential figures from the finance, industry, and academic sectors. Among the members are Dr. Zakaria Mumuni, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission; Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Sampson Ahi; Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem; and the CEO of GIPC, Simon Madjie. Additional board members include John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks; Mercy Afrowa Needjan, President of the Greater Accra Markets Association; Dr. Reuben Owusu Gyamfi; and Major Christine Naa Adoley Oko (Rtd). At the inauguration ceremony held in Accra, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized the pivotal role of GIPC in fostering job creation and stimulating economic growth through strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). She highlighted the government’s commitment to reviewing the GIPC Act, which is designed to establish a more resilient and investor-friendly regulatory framework, asserting, “This will ensure that Ghana remains a top destination for high-quality investments.” Chairperson Akwasi Oppong-Fosu reaffirmed the board’s dedication to supporting the Ministry in achieving President Mahama’s vision of a transformed, investment-driven economy. Simon Madjie, the CEO of GIPC, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the Centre and expressed optimism that the expertise brought by the new board members would greatly enhance the Centre’s investment promotion efforts. This development signals a renewed commitment to fostering an environment conducive to investment, ultimately driving Ghana’s economic progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Triumphs in Tightly Contested Ablekuma North Re-Run
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed victory in the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, with candidate Ewurabena Aubynn emerging as the winner after a closely fought re-run election. The official results, announced by Returning Officer Joseph Nii Kwartey Okpoti, revealed that Aubynn garnered an impressive 34,090 votes, edging out the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, who received 33,881 votes. The results indicate a nail-biting margin of just 209 votes between the two candidates. Of the 68,328 ballots cast, a remarkable 67,917 were classified as valid, while only 411 votes were rejected, highlighting the high level of engagement from the electorate. This victory is particularly significant for the NDC, marking a decisive turnaround in a constituency that experienced disputes during the parliamentary elections following the Electoral Commission’s re-collation exercise. Aubynn’s win not only flips the seat in favor of the opposition but also bolsters the NDC’s influence in the Greater Accra Region. With this significant achievement, the party now holds 184 seats in Parliament, further cementing its two-thirds majority. However, the re-run was marred by unsettling reports of violence, including alleged assaults on journalists and political party agents. These incidents have triggered widespread outrage and calls for urgent investigations and accountability, as the need for a peaceful electoral process resonates within the community. As the dust settles on this contentious election, the NDC stands poised to make its mark in Parliament, while the broader implications of the electoral violence continue to raise concerns regarding the integrity of the political landscape in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief of Staff Visits Ghana Gold Board, Praises Efforts in Gold Trade Regulation
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
NDC Slams NPP Over Attempts to Implicate Ibrahim Mahama
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hit back at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their renewed attempts to implicate businessman Ibrahim Mahama in the ongoing debate over the acquisition of Azuma Resources. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC, described the NPP’s actions as “very interesting” and dismissed their allegations as baseless. Mr. Tameklo clarified that Azuma Resources is a privately held company, not a state-owned entity, and that the transaction involving Mr. Mahama began under a previous administration. He questioned the validity of comparisons made by NPP figures between this transaction and the controversial proposed sale of SSNIT hotels to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong. “The two scenarios are not the same,” Mr. Tameklo emphasized. “You are comparing a private transaction with a public asset acquisition attempt by a sitting cabinet minister.” He maintained that Mr. Mahama’s business dealings are legitimate and have followed due process. The NDC legal chief accused the NPP of attempting to politicize a private business venture, suggesting that this was a distraction from the party’s internal issues. “The NPP’s desperation to find fault with Ibrahim Mahama is very interesting,” he said.
6,850 Excavators Registered Nationwide
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
Minority Slams Government Over Passport Relaunch and Embassy Closure
The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of causing financial loss to the state by spending $1.2 million on what they described as an unnecessary relaunch of Ghana’s chip-embedded biometric passport. According to the Minority, the project had already been fully secured and launched by the previous Akufo-Addo administration in December 2024, making the current government’s expenditure wasteful and unjustifiable. Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, stated that the outgoing government had secured supply credit, completed all testing, and formally launched the chip-embedded passport on December 2, 2024. He argued that the $1.2 million spent on the relaunch could have been channeled into improving service delivery and addressing logistical challenges at passport offices across the country. The Minority also revisited the issue of the sudden three-day closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC, in May 2025, which they say resulted in a loss of over $38,000 in expedited service fees. The closure led to the cancellation of 437 appointments and caused at least 112 travelers to miss their connecting flights. The caucus has demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs present a full audit report to Parliament on both incidents and compensate those affected by the embassy shutdown. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh emphasized that the government’s actions were unjustifiable and resulted in significant financial losses for the state. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
New Security Directive for Parliament House
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
Ghana Standards Authority Cracks Down on Substandard Cement
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