Peasant Farmers Association Demands Six-Month Ban on Rice Imports to Protect Local Producers
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is urging the government to impose an immediate six-month suspension on rice imports, hoping to give beleaguered local farmers a chance to sell off unsold stocks and stabilise farm-gate prices. The Association argues that such a measure would restore confidence in the domestic rice market and provide crucial relief to producers facing mounting financial challenges. In a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, PFAG revealed that nearly 90% of local rice farmers have been left with unsold stock, despite repeated government interventions. The Association blamed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for failing to procure surplus rice as directed by President John Dramani Mahama, a lapse they say has put the sustainability of local rice production at risk. PFAG’s statement paints a stark picture: “PFAG calls on the government to immediately order a moratorium on rice imports for a minimum of six (6) months to allow for the clearance of existing Ghanaian-produced rice stocks.” The Association further demanded a transparent review of NAFCO’s mandate, procurement processes, financing, and institutional capacity. They also called for a legal and regulatory framework requiring all government entities, including ministries, state-owned enterprises, hospitals, schools, prisons, and the military, to procure only locally produced rice and other staples. PFAG is also pushing for the full and immediate implementation of the rice import quota policy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic rice industry and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imports. The Association emphasised that a coordinated package of interventions is needed to build a resilient and sustainable rice value chain. “Invest in post-harvest infrastructure, including storage facilities, milling capacity, and market linkage platforms, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the competitiveness of locally produced rice against imported alternatives,” PFAG insisted. Without urgent intervention, the Association warns that many rice farmers could face severe financial hardship, undermining national efforts to boost food production and achieve greater food security. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Tightens Grip on Liquidity with GHS 11.28 Billion Bill Auction
The Bank of Ghana has extracted GHS 11.28 billion from the financial system through its latest 14-day bill auction, highlighting the central bank’s ongoing efforts to control liquidity and anchor macroeconomic stability. Tender 864, conducted on June 3, 2026, saw the central bank successfully selling GHS 11.28 billion in short-term bills to banks and market participants. The auction drew bids at annual rates between 10.40% and 11.00%, with every qualifying offer being fully allotted. The weighted average discount rate settled at 10.88%, while the corresponding interest rate stood at 10.93%. Unlike government-issued Treasury bills, which fund public spending, Bank of Ghana bills are specifically designed as monetary policy tools to absorb surplus liquidity and guide short-term money market trends. The size of this latest mop-up underscores the central bank’s determination to keep inflation in check and preserve recent macroeconomic gains, especially as inflation has ticked up for two straight months, reaching 3.7% in May from 3.4% in April. For market watchers, the 10.93% average interest rate offers insight into current liquidity conditions and signals the central bank’s cautious monetary stance. This operation follows the Monetary Policy Committee’s recent decision to hold the policy rate steady at 14%. The Bank of Ghana’s active use of its bills underscores its commitment to maintaining orderly money markets and aligning liquidity with broader policy objectives. For banks, these short-term bills provide a valuable investment option, while for the central bank, they remain a vital lever for managing money supply and supporting economic recovery. As government spending, forex inflows, and shifting market expectations continue to shape liquidity across the banking sector, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the central bank maintains this robust pace of liquidity absorption in upcoming auctions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Warns: Foreign Digital Content Threatening African Values Among Children
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has voiced growing concern over the rising influence of foreign digital content on African children, cautioning that it is eroding traditional values such as respect for parents and elders. Addressing the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. George cited data showing that one in three African parents believes their children have lost the traditional value of respecting their parents. He highlighted that 78% of content consumed by African children on digital platforms originates from foreign sources. “So your kids, your grandkids are spending time and 78 per cent of the content that they listen to is from a foreign platform,” Mr. George noted, emphasizing the prevalence of non-African influences in children’s online consumption. According to the minister, digital platforms have become dominant in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young people, often supplanting the traditional institutions and community structures that once guided socialization. “One in three African parents reports that their children have gone wayward. They’ve lost the African value of respect for parents, and that’s coming from online platforms,” he warned. Mr. George urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the digital content their children engage with, arguing that much of it promotes values and behaviors at odds with established family structures and cultural norms. “You just need to take your time and listen to what our kids are watching, your grandchildren are watching online, and you’ll be shocked at what they are being told is the new norm for dealing with parents,” he said. The minister lamented that respect for elders, communal living, and family-centered decision-making, central pillars of African identity, are increasingly under threat. “For millennia, the African identity has been a respect for the elderly and our communal living. Today, the new generation of Africans has no respect for the elderly and family councils, and elders and community ceremonies are now a thing of folklore and a distant past,” Mr. George observed. He concluded by pointing out that digital platforms have become the primary source of socialization for many young people across the continent, a shift that has sparked ongoing debate among policymakers, educators, and cultural leaders about the broader impact of technology and social media on African family life and values. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Disinflation Trend Shows Signs of Reversal as Inflation Rises to 3.7% in May
Ghana’s prolonged period of disinflation may be losing momentum, with headline inflation rising for the second month in a row to 3.7% in May 2026. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service on June 3, inflation ticked up by 0.3 percentage points from April’s 3.4%. Every month, price growth also edged higher to 1.1%, compared to 1.0% in the previous month, hinting at a gradual but persistent build-up in price pressures. The consecutive increases mark a notable shift after a stretch of steady disinflation, though the current inflation level is still well below the 18.4% seen in May 2025. Driving this renewed upward movement is a surge in food prices. Inflation for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages jumped to 3.3% in May from 2.2% in April. Food inflation every month nearly doubled, rising to 2.0% from 0.8%, pointing to fresh strains on household budgets. In contrast, non-food inflation eased slightly to 4.1% from 4.2%, suggesting that while overall inflation remains contained, food has become the main engine behind the latest increases. Locally produced items continued to exert the greatest inflationary pressure, with an annual rate of 5.0%, up from 4.7% in April, and accounting for more than 92% of the overall inflation outcome. Imported inflation also inched up but remained muted at 0.9%. Breaking it down by classification, services saw the highest inflation rate at 9.9%, compared to just 1.4% for goods, reflecting persistent price pressures in service-related costs. Regionally, the North East Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 10.1%, while the Savannah Region experienced deflation at -3.0%. Despite the recent uptick, the Ghana Statistical Service emphasized that inflation has dropped sharply from 18.4% in May 2025 to 3.7% in May 2026, signaling a broad improvement in macroeconomic stability. However, the agency cautioned that the emerging pressure from food prices now warrants closer monitoring. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Governor of Bank of Ghana Reassures Investors: Ghana Open for Business Again
Ghana is once more ready to welcome investors, according to Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Addressing an audience at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London, Dr. Asiama affirmed that recent economic reforms have restored stability and renewed confidence in Ghana’s long-term growth prospects. Reflecting on the challenges of Ghana’s 2022 economic crisis and the subsequent Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, Dr. Asiama acknowledged the caution that some investors have felt in recent years. However, he stressed that decisive policy and institutional reforms have since been implemented to ensure such difficulties are not repeated. Among these reforms, Dr. Asiama highlighted amendments to the Bank of Ghana Act, which now provide stronger safeguards against excessive central bank financing of government spending. New fiscal rules have also been introduced to reinforce discipline in economic management. “We are building back better. What happened in the past belongs to the past,” Dr. Asiama told investors, pointing to improving macroeconomic indicators as proof that Ghana’s economic recovery is underway. He noted, however, that global geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East remain significant factors in preventing a more rapid decline in interest rates. Dr. Asiama suggested that, were it not for these global uncertainties, interest rates in Ghana could already have fallen below 10%. He expressed confidence that as international conditions normalize, Ghana will continue on its path toward lower interest rates and stronger economic growth. Looking to the future, the Governor drew inspiration from financial centers in the Middle East and Asia, suggesting that Ghana could become the “Singapore of Africa” with the right investments. He outlined an ambitious vision to transform Accra into a leading international financial services hub within the next few years. Dr. Asiama concluded by urging the Ghanaian diaspora and international investors to seize the opportunities emerging from Ghana’s improving economic environment. He emphasized that the time is ripe for investment across multiple sectors, as the country enters a new phase of growth and development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Refutes Claims of Headquarters Sale
On June 2nd, the Bank of Ghana found itself at the center of swirling rumors. Reports were making the rounds, claiming that the central bank was considering selling its newly constructed $260 million headquarters. The story, first published by MyJoyOnline, sent ripples across the financial sector and raised many eyebrows. But the Bank of Ghana was quick to set the record straight. In an official press release, the central bank categorically dismissed the rumors as both false and misleading. The statement, clear and direct, left no room for doubt: “The Bank of Ghana categorically states that this report is false and misleading. The Bank is not considering, discussing, or planning the sale of its new headquarters.” The Bank went on to explain the significance of its new facility. Designed to enhance efficiency and support its operations, the building is described as a critical institutional asset, an investment in the future of Ghana’s financial system. Far from being up for sale, the headquarters stands as a testament to the Bank’s commitment to its statutory mandate. Concerned about the impact of such unfounded stories, the Bank also issued a word of caution. It warned that the spread of unverified reports could erode public confidence and inject unnecessary uncertainty into Ghana’s financial market. “Unverified reports of this nature have the potential to undermine public confidence in Ghana’s financial system and create unnecessary market uncertainty,” the statement stressed. To further reassure the public, the Bank reaffirmed its dedication to transparency. All official announcements, it emphasized, are made only through its established channels, its website, verified social media accounts, press statements from its Communications Department, or signed statements from the Secretary of the Bank. In the end, the Bank of Ghana’s clear response put the rumors to rest, reminding everyone of the importance of fact-checking and the value of credible information in safeguarding the nation’s financial stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana and South Korea Sign Historic Visa Waiver Agreement
Ghana and South Korea took a remarkable step forward. On the sidelines of the Africa-Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, met with a shared vision: to strengthen the ties binding their nations. With signatures exchanged and hands shaken, the two countries sealed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports. For nearly half a century, Ghana and South Korea had maintained formal relations, but never before had such an agreement been reached. Minister Ablakwa, elated by the breakthrough, announced the news on social media, calling it a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations. But the story does not end there. As the ink dried on this agreement, discussions were already underway to extend these privileges to holders of Ordinary Passports. Such a move, Ablakwa hinted, would open new doors for travel, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Ghana and South Korea. For now, the holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports in both countries can look forward to seamless journeys, free from visa barriers, a development expected to make official engagements more efficient and deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation. The world watched as Ghana and South Korea turned a new page in their shared story, with the promise of even closer ties on the horizon. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Volta Regional Minister Launches Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme to Tackle Poverty and Boost Food Security
Regional Minister James Gunu officially launched the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme, a flagship intervention under the Government of Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme. The lively event marked the start of a major initiative designed to reduce poverty, create jobs, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security throughout the region. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the launch, Mr. Gunu emphasized that Nkoko Nkitinkiti is more than a poultry farming project, it is a practical tool for economic empowerment aimed at households, young people, and aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs. “This initiative goes beyond rearing chickens,” Mr. Gunu said. “It is about empowering families, stimulating local economies, and setting the foundation for agribusiness success stories across Volta.” At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: poultry farming as a catalyst for grassroots economic development. As part of the rollout, the region will receive 180,000 day-old chicks, allocated to beneficiaries—especially households and enterprising youth, looking to build sustainable livelihoods. The Minister expressed confidence that this intervention would provide long-term economic relief for families, promote self-employment, and foster the growth of agribusiness throughout the region. Mr. Gunu also drew on the region’s rich history, recalling how, for generations, families relied on the sale of a few chickens to pay school fees, cover healthcare costs, and meet urgent household needs. “Nkoko Nkitinkiti is a revival of an age-old poverty reduction strategy that empowered families at the grassroots level,” he remarked. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural programmes that directly benefit rural communities and bolster food security. He applauded the stakeholders and partners behind the initiative and called on beneficiaries to make the most of the support provided, ensuring the programme’s sustainability and lasting impact. The Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme forms a key component of the broader Feed Ghana vision, which seeks to boost domestic agricultural productivity, improve food availability, and create economic opportunities nationwide. By distributing three million birds to 60,000 households across all 276 constituencies, the government aims to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported frozen chicken. This practice has cost the country over $350 million annually. Under the Household/Backyard Poultry Initiative, each participating household will receive 50 chicks, feed support, and technical guidance to help them transition from subsistence farming to self-sustaining poultry enterprises. The programme also includes support for 50 commercial anchor farmers, each set to receive up to 80,000 chicks and the resources needed to produce poultry at scale, thus strengthening the supply chain from farm to market. Local leaders echoed the optimism. The Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, Stephen Adom, assured residents that the programme would open up job opportunities for the youth and help reduce poverty and unemployment. He reiterated the John Mahama administration’s commitment to supporting Ghanaians through additional interventions, urging beneficiaries to use the chicks wisely to realize the initiative’s full potential. As the first batch of chicks arrives and households prepare their coops, the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is poised to transform lives, foster food sovereignty, and build a more resilient agricultural future for the Volta Region and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Employee Volunteers To Equip Health Centers As Part Of Its 2026 21 Days Of Y’ello Care Campaign
MTN Ghana will officially launch the 2026 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, its flagship employee volunteerism campaign, from June 1 to 21, 2026. This year’s campaign aims to equip various health centres with hospital beds to help address critical healthcare challenges in Ghana. Now in its 19th year, Y’ello Care continues to demonstrate the impact of employee-led action in driving meaningful and sustainable change across the communities we serve. Since its inception, the campaign has mobilised thousands of MTN employees to support initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and economic empowerment. Over the past six years, the campaign has reached more people through the efforts of MTN employee volunteers, contributing significant hours to community engagement, evolving each year to respond to the most pressing needs in our communities, guided by MTN’s purpose of leading digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress. This year’s theme, “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community,” addresses persistent healthcare access challenges in many parts of Ghana. Despite significant progress, large segments of the population, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas, continue to face barriers to essential health services due to distance, cost, limited infrastructure, and shortages of skilled health workers. These gaps disproportionately affect women, children, youth, and vulnerable populations. Y’ello Care 2026 will see MTN staff implement practical, community-led health initiatives aimed at improving access to preventative, primary, and responsive care. These interventions will leverage MTN’s connectivity, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships to help scale healthcare access to underserved communities and strengthen long-term health resilience. Planned activities include the repair of hospital beds, and donation of new beds, community health outreach programmes (WASH), digital health education campaigns, telemedicine-enabled services, public health screening to support the campaign against the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, and the use of data and digital tools to strengthen the delivery of health services. By focusing on prevention, early detection, digitally enabled healthcare solutions, and community-based care, the campaign aims to expand access to services, strengthen healthcare resilience, and improve health outcomes at scale. Commenting on the upcoming Y’ello Care, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer said, “Y’ello Care reflects our belief that meaningful progress begins with meeting communities where they are. We are focusing our efforts on expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in communities where it remains out of reach for many”. “MTN is uniquely positioned to help scale equitable healthcare access across Ghana through the power of connectivity, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Through Y’ello Care 2026, we are leveraging these capabilities to help communities access healthcare services that are more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable,” she concluded. In line with MTN’s values, the campaign prioritises collaboration, responsible delivery, and community-led implementation. Through trusted partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders, the campaign aims to deliver solutions that are responsive to real needs, respectful of local contexts, and designed for lasting impact. Through Y’ello Care, MTN reaffirms its commitment to enabling inclusive development and strengthening the communities we serve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tema Oil Refinery Welcomes One Million Barrels of Bonga Crude in Major Step Toward Revitalization
A new wave of optimism swept through Ghana’s energy sector this week as Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) announced the safe arrival of approximately one million barrels of Bonga Crude Oil aboard the MT Cap Felix. The delivery marks a significant milestone in the refinery’s ongoing campaign to rejuvenate its operations and fortify the nation’s petroleum supply chain. The management of TOR revealed that the high-quality crude cargo, purchased from global energy giant Shell, was supplied via TOR’s tolling partner, Triangle Commodities Trading. This strategic arrangement, officials explained, is part of a broader plan to restore TOR’s operational capacity and guarantee a secure, stable flow of petroleum products to consumers across Ghana. For TOR, the delivery of Bonga Crude represents more than just a shipment; it is a signal of renewed momentum in the refinery’s push to restore reliable refining activities, strengthen national energy security, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuels. Management highlighted that Bonga Crude is valued in the industry for its low-sulphur content and excellent refining yields, promising substantial output of premium products such as LPG, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), and fuel oil. These products are expected to serve both domestic needs and regional markets. Expressing gratitude, TOR’s leadership thanked the Government of Ghana, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and other partners for their steadfast support during the refinery’s resurgence. They emphasized that collaborative efforts have been crucial to reaching this new phase of operational recovery. Looking ahead, TOR reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship. The refinery reiterated its long-term vision to transform itself into a commercially sustainable energy hub, not just for Ghana, but for the entire West African sub-region. As the first barrels of Bonga Crude are prepared for processing, hopes are high that this latest development will pave the way for a new era of stability and growth in Ghana’s energy landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com