GJA Election: Dwumfour Woos Upper East Region Members with Vision for GJA’s Future
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has made a strong case for re-election, stating that his leadership has redefined journalism in Ghana and restored the association’s respect and authority. Apexnewsgh reports He made the pronouncement during his recent campaign in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. Engaging members of the Upper East GJA, Mr. Dwumfour said the GJA has undergone a significant transformation under his tenure moving from an “inactive” to a “proactive” institution capable of holding power to account. “It would be painful to start building something, lay the foundation, and not be allowed to complete it. According to Mr. Dwumfour, before he became president, the GJA wasn’t regarded. But today, the association is respected, and that means we are doing something right,” he said. He added that the GJA now commands respect in national discourse, citing recent bold actions such as blacklisting politicians who attack journalists as signs of a stronger and more assertive media body. “For the first time under my administration, we were called a legacy administration. But we’ve only achieved 40% of our vision. There’s a long way to go, and that is why a second term is necessary—to secure this legacy,” he stressed. Mr. Dwumfour’s comments come as he formally declares his intention to seek re-election as GJA President, promising to consolidate the gains made and push for deeper reforms to empower the media as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm.” With his leadership, Mr. Dwumfour is confident that the GJA will continue to thrive and play a vital role in Ghana’s media landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Passport Applicants in Kumasi Stranded Over Troskit Delivery Delays
Passport applicants in Kumasi are facing a major setback due to delivery delays by Troskit, a local courier service. The delays have put many applicants’ visa interviews at risk, leaving them frustrated and uncertain about the whereabouts of their documents. Despite confirmation from the passport office that the passports had arrived at Troskit, many individuals report that the courier has failed to deliver their documents. “We have been waiting for weeks and now our visa interviews are in jeopardy. No one is giving us answers. It’s very frustrating,” said a frustrated applicant who had an important visa interview scheduled for the following week. A visit the Troskit office in Asokwa showed some applicants upset and expressing frustration as they waited for their passports to be handed over. Troskit has since released a public apology, disclosing that an unforeseen technical issue affected their operations. The company has assured applicants that the issue has been resolved and deliveries will be made expeditiously. However, many applicants remain skeptical, worried that the delays will impact their travel plans. The situation highlights the challenges faced by applicants who rely on courier services to receive critical documents. Despite Troskit’s reassurance, many applicants are still anxious about receiving their passports on time. With visa interviews looming, the pressure is mounting, and applicants are hoping that Troskit will deliver their documents soon. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Appointments Committee Dismisses Petition Against Supreme Court Justice Nominee
The Appointments Committee of Parliament has dismissed a petition against Supreme Court Justice nominee, Justice Kwaku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo. The petition, submitted by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, accused Justice Ackaah-Boafo of misconduct during a court proceeding, alleging that the nominee insulted and disrespected Mr. Rau, calling him “arrogant” and “power drunk.” However, Justice Ackaah-Boafo firmly denied the allegations. After careful consideration, the Committee ruled that the petition is “worthless and unmeritorious,” describing it as baseless in the face of the law. Chairman Bernard Ahiafor noted that the Committee concluded that “the allegations contained in the petition that the Judge has insulted and attacked the petitioner is completely unfounded.” With the petition dismissed, the Committee has allowed the vetting of Justice Ackaah-Boafo to proceed. Ahiafor stated that the complaint against the nominee is related to the exercise of judicial power in conducting a Justice Ackaah-Boafo matter leading to a judgment. The Committee deemed the petition frivolous, vexatious, worthless, unmeritorious, and baseless in law and fact, constituting a complete abuse of the process. The Committee’s decision paves the way for Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s vetting to move forward, as the Appointments Committee considers his nomination for the Supreme Court position. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Chinese Ambassador: Ghana Can Never Eliminate Galamsey
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has made a bold assertion that Ghana “can never eliminate” illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Apexnewsgh reports Instead, he argues that the focus should shift to managing its severe environmental impact. Addressing journalists at a media interaction at his private residence in Accra, Ambassador Defa directly attributed the deepening galamsey crisis to Ghanaians, rather than Chinese nationals. He insisted that local individuals are the primary facilitators of these illicit activities. “To my understanding, in this country, you can never eliminate those small mines. Those mines, you will have illegalities involved in them,” Ambassador Defa stated. He emphasized the need for a policy shift, saying, “We need to find ways to solve this problem… The government needs to work on a policy to eliminate the pollution of waters and forests.” The Ambassador dismissed the prevalent perception that Chinese nationals are at the core of Ghana’s illegal mining operations. He expressed frustration with this common association, lamenting, “I don’t understand why when people say galamsey, they equate it to Chinese.” He clarified, “Actually, it is not Chinese. It didn’t originate from China. Chinese nationals cannot obtain licences or get permits. It is the Ghanaian people who throw the Chinese people over here.” Ambassador Defa suggested that many Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining are merely migrant labourers, brought into Ghana by local actors seeking to exploit the mining sector for quick financial gain. “Some of those who were caught red-handed are just migrant workers… I have a social media and when I post on X, people tag me with galamsey as if galamsey is caused by China. It is unfair to me. It is really unfair to me and to the majority of Chinese.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Yello Care: MTN Empowers Upper East Entrepreneurs with Social Media Education
In celebration of its “Yellow Care” month, MTN Ghana has taken a significant step in supporting local businesses in the Upper East Region. Every June, MTN dedicates itself to giving back to society through various initiatives, and this year is no exception. Apexewsgh reports As part of its efforts to empower young entrepreneurs, MTN has organized a social media education program for 35 budding business owners in the region. The training program focuses on teaching entrepreneurs how to utilize popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, to effectively market their products and services. By acquiring these digital skills, entrepreneurs can enhance their online presence, expand their reach to a wider audience, and expand their customer base. According to Martin Kumobah, the Upper East Regional Manager for MTN, the company’s efforts to support entrepreneurs demonstrate its commitment to fostering business growth and development in local communities. By investing in digital skills training, MTN is empowering entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. The program has benefited a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including dressmakers, basket weavers, cement sellers, and more. These individuals are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage digital platforms to promote their products and services globally, expanding their market reach and competing in the international arena. With this initiative, MTN is helping local businesses in the Upper East Region to thrive in the international market. By providing entrepreneurs with the necessary digital skills, MTN is opening doors to new opportunities and contributing to the local economy’s development. The Regional Manager further revealed that the company plans to monitor the progress of the entrepreneurs who underwent the social media training. This follow-up will help assess how effectively the entrepreneurs are applying the skills they’ve acquired to improve their businesses. He said, by tracking the entrepreneurs’ progress, MTN can identify areas where additional support may be needed and make adjustments to its training programs to better serve the business community. This hands-on approach demonstrates MTN’s commitment to ensuring that its initiatives have a lasting impact on local businesses. The monitoring process will also enable MTN to evaluate the effectiveness of its social media training program and make informed decisions about future initiatives. By doing so, MTN can continue to support entrepreneurial growth and development in the Upper East Region. The entrepreneurs who benefited from MTN’s social media training expressed heartfelt gratitude to the company for providing them with the necessary skills to enhance their online presence. Many of them acknowledged that, although they had seen others posting on social media, they didn’t know how to leverage these platforms for their businesses. Thanks to MTN’s training, these entrepreneurs have gained the confidence to create and share content on social media. They’re eager to apply their new skills to improve their businesses, expand their customer base, and increase their online visibility. The training has empowered these entrepreneurs to take control of their online presence, and they’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on their businesses. By providing them with the tools and knowledge they need, MTN has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of local businesses in the Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Announces GHS1 Billion Investment in Security Sector
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major investment in the country’s security sector, revealing that the government has allocated GHS1 billion to retool and modernize key security agencies. Apexnewsgh reports According to the President, the funding is intended to address long-standing issues of outdated equipment, which have severely hampered the effectiveness of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). The President explained that this effort is not just about equipment, but about making these professions more attractive and secure for the men and women who serve. Speaking during an interaction with officers from the various agencies at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the retooling agenda is part of a broader effort to enhance both operations and administrative efficiency. He noted that the government’s commitment should serve as a morale booster for security personnel, as efforts are being made to ease the burdens they face on the job. President Mahama also urged Ghanaians to remain patient with the country’s security agencies, stressing that systemic improvements are underway. In a related assurance, the President said plans are in place to provide the Ghana Police Service with armoured-plated vehicles to enhance the safety and effectiveness of patrol operations. He added that improving the conditions of service for personnel across all agencies remains a key focus for his administration. The President’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to reforming the security sector and enhancing the capacity of security agencies to effectively discharge their duties. The investment is expected to have a positive impact on the overall security landscape in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ing. Agyepong Urges NPP Delegates to Push for Grassroots Inclusion in Constitutional Reforms
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has issued a passionate appeal to delegates attending the party’s annual conference, urging them to push for deeper grassroots inclusion in the party’s ongoing constitutional reforms. In a statement released on Friday, June 20, 2025, Mr. Agyepong commended the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council (NC) for largely adopting reform proposals he submitted. However, he expressed concern over the exclusion of past polling station executives and electoral area coordinators from the expanded electoral college. “The polling station is the basic unit of political activity and represents the heart and soul of the party,” he stated. “Expanding participation at the top while excluding the polling station executives – the true engine of our grassroots – cannot only be an oversight but a gross injustice.” The National Council recently endorsed a limited expansion of the electoral college to include former national, regional, and constituency executives, as well as current MMDCEs, Members of Parliament, Ministers, and Deputies. While Agyepong welcomed this move as a step forward, he argued that it falls short of the inclusiveness needed to revitalize the party’s base. He warned that failing to recognize the sacrifices of those at the grassroots — many of whom have served the party loyally since 1992 — risks further alienation and discontent. According to him, the already strained morale at the polling station level could worsen unless reforms are broadened. Agyepong urged constituency executives and party delegates to advocate for the inclusion of all past ward and polling station executives as well as electoral area coordinators in the electoral college structure. He believes such a move will reduce monetary influence in internal elections and promote a genuine contest of ideas and vision. He concluded his appeal with a call to build a party that values every member, from flagbearers to foot soldiers: “Let’s build a party that recognizes every hand that lifts a flag, every knuckle that knocks a door, and every voice that calls out for equity.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
CWSA Assures Residents of Consistent Water Supply in Bono and Ahafo Regions
The Bono and Ahafo Regional Director of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Dr. Gustav M. Osiakwan, has assured residents of the two regions that his agency is working tirelessly to provide a consistent and adequate water supply, particularly in rural communities. Speaking to the media, Dr. Osiakwan revealed that several water projects are currently underway in key areas, including Wenchi, Dormaa, and Goaso. These projects, upon completion, are expected to serve multiple surrounding communities and significantly improve access to potable water. Dr. Osiakwan explained that the ongoing projects include the laying of pipelines that will connect homes directly to the new water systems. He urged residents to exercise a little patience as work progresses, assuring them that the agency is doing its utmost to ensure every household has access to safe and reliable water. However, Dr. Osiakwan expressed concern over one major challenge affecting the agency’s operations – non-payment of water bills. He disclosed that residents across the two regions owe the agency a combined total of GHS 400,000, a debt that is hampering service delivery and maintenance efforts. The CWSA is appealing to residents to honour their financial obligations, emphasizing that timely payment of water bills is essential for sustaining operations and expanding access. Dr. Osiakwan assured residents that the agency remains committed to ensuring every rural community in the Bono and Ahafo Regions enjoys clean and affordable water. The CWSA is calling on community members to support the agency’s efforts through cooperation and responsible usage. By working together, the agency and residents can ensure that everyone has access to this essential resource. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
ECG Disconnects Ghana Water Limited Over Massive Debt
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has disconnected Ghana Water Limited (GWL) from the national power grid due to an outstanding debt of GH¢999.6 million. The disconnection occurred on Tuesday, June 17, as part of ECG’s ongoing nationwide revenue mobilisation and disconnection exercise targeting indebted state institutions and private entities. The ECG task force has intensified efforts to retrieve debts owed to the company, with GWL being the latest target. Following the disconnection, ECG issued a 48-hour ultimatum to GWL to settle its outstanding debt or risk an extended disconnection of power supply to its main pumping stations, crucial for nationwide water distribution. In a related development, the ECG task force disconnected the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) over an outstanding debt of GH₵3,153,484.98. GBC had failed to comply with a previously agreed-upon structured payment plan, leading to the disconnection. The ECG’s actions are part of a broader initiative to tackle persistent non-payment and improve the financial stability of the power sector. The company is determined to recover debts owed by state institutions and private entities, ensuring the sustainability of the power sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
COPEC Slams Government Over Energy Sector Management
The Executive Director of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has criticized the government for its handling of the energy sector, particularly regarding the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). Speaking to the media, Amoah expressed concerns about the government’s priorities and commitment to long-term sector reforms. Amoah questioned why the government hasn’t utilized a portion of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to revamp TOR, a crucial state energy asset. He emphasized that reviving TOR would be a strategic move to stabilize the energy sector and reduce dependence on external factors. Amoah also criticized BOST for operating like a private profit-making entity instead of fulfilling its mandate as a public buffer to protect consumers from price hikes. He questioned why BOST is collecting margins from consumers while behaving like a commercial Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) focused on making profits. Amoah’s remarks come amid public concerns over high fuel costs and the government’s commitment to rebuilding strategic assets like TOR and enforcing public-interest mandates at BOST. He stressed that the government should prioritize the public interest over profit-making, ensuring that state assets serve their intended purposes. The COPEC Executive Director’s comments underscore the need for reforms in the energy sector, with a focus on revitalizing state assets and ensuring the proper functioning of public entities, such as BOST. The government faces scrutiny over its management of the sector and its impact on consumers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen