Cement Prices Under Threat as Port Congestion Delays Clinker Discharge
Ghana’s construction sector is bracing for a potential hike in cement prices as severe congestion at the nation’s ports continues to stall the discharge of clinker, a vital ingredient in cement production. Industry insiders warn that the prolonged delays, forcing vessels to wait up to 20 days to berth, are leading to spiraling demurrage costs that could soon be passed on to consumers. The urgent situation prompted an emergency meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, convened by Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, alongside Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe. Cement manufacturers and key industry players gathered to address the operational gridlock that has left clinker shipments stranded for weeks, straining the sector’s finances. Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), painted a stark picture, describing the industry as financially “leaking” due to mounting demurrage charges. Manufacturers cautioned that unless immediate action is taken, the burden of these escalating costs will inevitably affect cement prices in the local market. While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, industry players called for urgent interim solutions, such as temporary access to additional berths and the use of alternative berths for non-dust-producing raw materials like gypsum and slag. Minister Nikpe responded to these concerns by assuring stakeholders that the government is accelerating dredging activities to expand berth capacity. He explained that, with completion expected by the end of June, the port will soon be able to accommodate vessels over 20,000 tonnes—more than doubling current capacity and significantly reducing wait times. Partial relief is anticipated within the next two weeks as dredging progresses around Berth 14. Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that port inefficiencies directly inflate production costs and, ultimately, market prices. “If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she urged, highlighting the broader need to address structural bottlenecks. AGI President, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, praised the Ministers for their rapid intervention and collaborative stance, expressing hope that both immediate and long-term measures will restore efficiency and ease cost pressures for the industry. Still, until these improvements are fully in place, stakeholders warn that the ongoing port congestion and rising demurrage fees could drive cement prices higher, leaving consumers to bear the cost if the crisis is not resolved swiftly. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Furious Over Customs Truck Diversion Scandal, Vows Swift Action
A tense atmosphere gripped the corridors of power after President John Dramani Mahama was briefed on a high-profile customs enforcement operation that intercepted articulated trucks suspected of being part of a transit diversion and revenue evasion scheme at Ghana’s borders. The operation, led by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), targeted trucks declared as carrying transit goods from Akanu and bound for Niger via Kulungugu. The investigation uncovered troubling breaches, including the failure to provide the mandatory customs human escort, fuelling suspicions of internal complicity. Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, recounted on the Citi Breakfast Show how the President’s anger was palpable: “When we returned from the border, the President was waiting for us for feedback. He was so upset, and there is no way anybody involved in this is going to be treated with kid gloves.” Mr. Ampem stressed that the government would not tolerate any compromise by customs enforcement officers, who are entrusted with protecting Ghana’s borders and safeguarding national revenue. The message was clear: those found culpable would face sanctions, while officers who demonstrated integrity would be recognized and rewarded. “We want to send a very strong signal that our customs officers have the responsibility to ensure revenue and protect our borders. So, they should not be complicit in this,” Mr. Ampem stated. He further acknowledged that not all customs officers were involved in the alleged wrongdoing. Some, he noted, played a crucial role in uncovering the irregularities. “We want to reward good behaviours of customs officers and punish bad behaviours,” he added. As investigations continue, the government has pledged to intensify border enforcement and close revenue loopholes, ensuring that individual accountability is established and the integrity of Ghana’s customs operations is restored. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deputy Energy Minister Addresses Parliament on Rural Electrification and Power Stability
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the floor of Ghana’s Parliament was abuzz with questions about the nation’s energy future. Deputy Minister for Energy, Richard Gyan-Mensah, stood before lawmakers to address pressing concerns over rural electrification, grid expansion, and the stability of power supply. Representing the Minister for Energy, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Mr. Gyan-Mensah detailed the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives to bring electricity to underserved communities and to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure. Members of Parliament sought updates on how far the government had come in expanding electricity access, what measures were being introduced to make the grid more reliable, and what steps were underway to stabilize power supply for homes and businesses across Ghana. In response, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating rural electrification projects. He highlighted efforts to expand transmission networks and reinforce distribution systems, critical steps aimed at reducing outages and improving service delivery nationwide. Mr. Gyan-Mensah emphasized that these efforts are not just about powering homes, but about ensuring equitable access to electricity for all, particularly those living in rural and peri-urban areas. These initiatives, he stressed, are vital to the government’s broader national development plans. The Ministry, he concluded, will continue to prioritize infrastructure investments and policy reforms to fortify Ghana’s energy sector and drive economic growth for years to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NorthLite Solar Limited Hosts Cocktail Engagement to Celebrate 16 Years of Impact in Upper East Region
On a vibrant Friday evening, the headquarters of NorthLite Solar Limited in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga East, Upper East Region, transformed into a lively venue as clients, partners, and stakeholders gathered for a special cocktail engagement. The event, designed to foster connection and showcase NorthLite’s journey, marked another milestone in the company’s 16-year commitment to renewable energy and community upliftment. Mr. Adabre Akasoba Frank, the Chief Executive Officer, spoke passionately to Apexewsgh about the purpose of the gathering. “This event is mainly to socialize with the public and further share some of the packages offered by NorthLite Solar Limited,” he said. “We have been present in Bolga for 16 years; this is our headquarters. Here, we handle both off-grid and on-grid solar projects, always striving to touch lives and provide the best renewable energy services.” But NorthLite’s reach extends far beyond Bolgatanga. With a business location in Accra’s Airport City and a global office in Maryland, USA, NorthLite has established a footprint that enables them to attract investments and drive impact on a larger scale. Their mission? To deliver clean energy solutions tailored for both residential and commercial clients, while easing financial barriers through flexible, custom financing options. Partnerships with leading banks such as EcoBank, Stanbic, and Fidelity, as well as international financiers, allow NorthLite to support customers at every level. Importantly, NorthLite is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities. “We are especially proud to help female farmers in pro-poor areas and ensure peri-urban communities gain access to electricity,” Mr. Frank explained. “Our approach is holistic; we engage people, understand their unique energy needs, and design products or services to meet them. Where financing is a hurdle, we intervene with pre-financed projects or even provide solutions free of charge, thanks to grants from multinational entities.” The impact of NorthLite’s work is visible throughout the Upper East Region and beyond. “Ten years ago, we might have reached a community school or a small clinic. Today, our services touch thousands, even in urban areas like Bolga,” Mr. Frank said with pride. Besides expanding access to electricity, NorthLite’s projects contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and making electricity a right for all, irrespective of income or location. The cocktail event also served as a platform for partners to share their experiences. Representatives from Stanbic Bank and EcoBank highlighted their ongoing collaboration with NorthLite, while clients such as Prof. David Millar of the Millar Institute and Akayet Hotel testified to the durability, reliability, and quality of NorthLite’s services. They encouraged other institutions to patronize NorthLite for their energy needs. As the evening unfolded, invited guests exchanged contacts and ideas, strengthening bonds across the renewable energy ecosystem. The event underscored NorthLite Solar Limited’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development, community empowerment, and creating lasting impact, one solar project at a time. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Bank of Ghana Governor Calls for Long-Term Resilience in Financial Sector After Restoring Stability
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, has declared that Ghana’s financial sector has successfully moved past the stage of restoring stability and now faces the challenge of building long-term resilience rooted in strong governance and sustainable business practices. Addressing heads of banks at a bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Dr. Asiama emphasized that while the sector has regained its footing, the focus must now shift to ensuring durability. “Stability has been restored. The task now is durability. Durability requires stronger business models, broader ownership, deeper intermediation, disciplined innovation, and sound governance,” he asserted. Dr. Asiama reassured industry stakeholders that the Bank of Ghana would remain a “firm, fair, and forward-looking partner,” providing support where needed but maintaining clear regulatory standards. The Governor also referenced the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) recent decision, explaining that at its 128th meeting in January, the Committee reviewed improving global and local economic conditions before acting. With inflation declining faster than anticipated and expectations well anchored, the MPC determined that monetary conditions remained tight and, as a result, reduced the policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.50 percent. This move reflected growing confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery and easing inflationary pressures. Beyond monetary policy, Dr. Asiama revealed that the central bank had completed a thematic review of banks’ business models, focusing on funding sources, governance quality, and operational sustainability. He highlighted the need for continued structural reforms, particularly in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to address rising digital threats. In a bid to deepen ownership and enhance market discipline, the Governor encouraged banks to consider raising capital through listings on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a new era for Ghana’s financial sector, one where lasting resilience, innovation, and sound governance are at the forefront of industry priorities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
FDA Shuts Down 16 Food Establishments in Greater Accra for Lacking Hygiene Permits
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken decisive action to safeguard public health, shutting down 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid hygiene permits. The closures, which took effect on Wednesday, February 18, targeted businesses that failed to meet regulatory requirements despite prior warnings. Among the affected facilities are The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, along with several others. The FDA’s enforcement followed a two-week public notice, which cautioned that from February 1, 2026, any food service business without a valid Food Hygiene Permit would face closure. The announcement was made on the FDA’s official Facebook page, where the Authority reiterated its commitment to public safety and strict adherence to hygiene standards. The directive covers a wide array of food-related businesses, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices. By enforcing these regulations, the FDA aims to ensure that all establishments serving food to the public maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Governor Warns Banks Against Overreliance on Interest Income Amid Easing Rates
Banks in Ghana are being urged to rethink their profit strategies as the country’s interest rate environment continues to normalize. Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, delivered this cautionary message to banking executives at a recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where he revealed that nearly 68 percent of industry profitability currently stems from net interest income, the spread earned on loans and government securities versus what is paid on deposits. Dr. Asiama acknowledged that while interest income remains a core aspect of banking, excessive dependence on it exposes banks to the risks of fluctuating interest rates and sovereign market dynamics. “There is nothing inherently problematic about net interest income,” he noted, “however, a high dependence on it increases sensitivity to interest rate cycles and sovereign exposure dynamics.” A recent review by the central bank highlighted limited financial intermediation, with loans comprising less than a fifth of total industry assets, while asset concentration in government and central bank securities remains high. This means banks’ profitability is closely tied to monetary policy decisions. The warning comes as Ghana’s macroeconomic landscape shows signs of stability. The Bank of Ghana recently cut its benchmark policy rate by 250 basis points to 15.5 percent, citing rapid disinflation and anchored inflation expectations. Headline inflation dropped dramatically from 23.8 percent in December 2024 to just 3.8 percent in January 2026, the lowest since the adoption of inflation targeting. Real GDP expanded by 6.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, led mainly by growth in services and agriculture. This easing cycle has already led to falling money market yields. Treasury bill rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, with the 91-day bill now at 8.61 percent, the 182-day at 10.68 percent, and the 364-day at 11.06 percent, well below the year’s start. While this spells relief for government borrowing, it also signals shrinking margins for banks that rely heavily on these investments. Dr. Asiama urged banks to diversify their revenue streams beyond interest income, suggesting a stronger focus on transactional banking, trade finance, payments services, treasury operations, and other fee-based businesses that are less sensitive to changing rates. On asset quality, the Governor acknowledged that non-performing loans have improved but remain above the desired benchmark. With credit growth expected to accelerate as rates fall, he emphasized the need for strong underwriting and sectoral risk assessment to avoid a build-up of bad loans. To further strengthen the sector, the central bank will enhance its supervisory framework to include business model analysis, enabling early risk detection and timely regulatory action. Dr. Asiama’s message signals a strategic shift for Ghana’s banks, urging them to move toward a more diversified and resilient business model, one that can weather shifting monetary conditions and foster deeper financial intermediation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Accra Tomato Traders Warn of Imminent Shortage and Price Hikes Amid Supply Chain Threats
Tomato traders and importers in Accra are sounding the alarm over a looming tomato shortage and potential price hikes, urging the government to urgently invest in local irrigation infrastructure. Without such action, they warn, Ghana’s heavy dependence on imports from Burkina Faso, a trade route now fraught with peril, will continue to threaten food security and the livelihoods of thousands. The warning follows recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians and left others injured, disrupting the critical cross-border tomato supply chain. The incident has heightened fears among traders, many of whom now question the safety of continuing their operations. Esther Owusu Ansah, a tomato importer with more than three decades of experience, told Citi Business News that traders may soon stop traveling to Burkina Faso if adequate security is not guaranteed. “Our drivers have families, and they cannot risk their lives just to transport tomatoes,” she emphasized, noting that while security escorts are provided up to Paga, the journey beyond remains unpredictable. “We are even beginning to reconsider importing tomatoes altogether,” she added, expressing a growing sentiment among importers. Fellow trader Adwoa Pinnaman echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for the government to invest in irrigation systems and dams to support local tomato farming. “Many of the tomatoes we get are usually rotten,” she lamented, pointing out that significant sums are spent supporting Burkina Faso’s economy instead of strengthening Ghana’s own agricultural sector. Otumfuo Charity, Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch and an executive member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, raised another issue: the threat of smuggling. She warned that some traders from Togo exploit the current disruption by selling tomatoes meant for Togolese markets directly in Ghana. “We will not accept this, and we will issue a warning against such practices,” she asserted. Meanwhile, drivers and transporters distributing tomatoes across Ghana say their business has almost ground to a halt. Kwame Siaw, a driver at the CMB Underbridge branch, worried that many may be forced into unsustainable alternative jobs if the shortage persists. Veteran driver Peter Boahen added, “With fewer tomatoes on the market, prices will become more expensive. Since the main trucks that transport tomatoes from Burkina Faso are no longer coming, we will be left sitting here idle. How then will we take care of our families?” The traders’ collective message is clear: without prompt investment in local production, Ghana faces continued supply disruptions, rising prices, and growing economic hardship. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry Unveils Plans for Digital Church Registry Amid Thousands of Unregistered Churches
A sweeping effort to bring order and transparency to Ghana’s burgeoning religious sector is on the horizon, as the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs announces plans for a nationwide digital registry of churches. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim addressed Parliament, revealing that while over 2,200 churches are formally registered in Greater Accra as of 2025, thousands more operate nationwide without official recognition. Minister Ibrahim outlined the government’s intention to introduce a digital platform to streamline the registration process and provide accurate, real-time data on churches across the country. “We will establish a formal collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Justice to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee,” he stated. He further explained that metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies would keep local registers of churches under their jurisdictions, while the new digital platform would empower churches to update their operational status regularly. This initiative, he said, aims to ensure accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data, critical for governance, planning, and regulatory oversight. Recent regional surveys show that in Greater Accra, 98.1% of churches are single-owner entities, with the remainder affiliated to larger denominations. Though the Registrar General’s Department does not publish a consolidated national figure, available data suggest that the total number of churches in Ghana is in the several thousands. The proposed digital registry will be linked to the Registrar General’s database, enabling verification of operational churches and enhancing transparency in the sector. Minister Ibrahim concluded, “This is a timely step toward modernising our administrative systems and strengthening accountability in the religious sector, which has experienced rapid growth in recent decades.” The Ghana Statistical Service, meanwhile, continues to track religious affiliations rather than registrations, with 71.2% of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dawadawa Is More Than a Seasoning — It Is Heritage in Flavor
Dawadawa is more than a seasoning. It is memory, nutrition, economy, and sustainability woven together in flavor. In many West African kitchens, there is a defining moment when a pot of soup begins to deepen in character. Onions have softened, peppers have blended into the base, and palm oil or shea butter shimmers with heat. Then comes the quiet but transformative addition — a small ball or paste of fermented locust beans. The aroma shifts instantly, earthy and complex. That unmistakable scent signals something profound: dawadawa has entered the dish. Made from the fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree, scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa, dawadawa has nourished communities across West Africa for generations. Known by different names — iru among the Yoruba, soumbala in parts of the Sahel — it remains one of the region’s most treasured indigenous condiments. Its essence is simple yet powerful: carefully fermented seeds shaped by knowledge passed down through time. The African locust bean tree stands resilient across the savannah landscapes of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and northern Nigeria. It thrives in dry climates where other crops struggle, offering shade, soil enrichment, and food security. The tree’s long pods contain sweet yellow pulp enjoyed as a snack, but it is the hard brown seeds that become dawadawa. For many rural communities, this tree is not just vegetation; it is livelihood, nourishment, and ecological stability. The tree contributes quietly to sustainable agriculture. It enriches soils through nitrogen fixation, reduces erosion, and integrates naturally into traditional parkland farming systems. Farmers often preserve it within their fields rather than cutting it down, recognizing its value. Long before climate resilience and regenerative agriculture became global buzzwords, West African communities were practicing them through their relationship with this tree. Dawadawa is not simply harvested; it is crafted through labor and patience. The process begins during harvest season when ripe pods are collected. The pods are boiled to soften the pulp and release the seeds. After washing, the seeds undergo hours of cooking to soften their tough coats. Women — often working collectively — remove the seed coats by pounding and washing, a physically demanding task that requires strength and skill. Once cleaned, the seeds are boiled again and then wrapped in leaves or placed in covered containers to ferment naturally over several days. It is during fermentation that transformation occurs. Microorganisms break down complex compounds, producing the deep umami flavor that defines dawadawa. The seeds darken, soften, and develop their characteristic pungent aroma. No artificial additives are required. Time, heat, and microbial life do the work. This fermentation knowledge is rarely written down. It is carried in memory and practice, passed from mothers to daughters and elders to apprentices. Women know by touch, scent, and experience when fermentation is complete. The craft reflects an intimate understanding of natural processes, developed long before modern food science offered explanations. Beyond its distinctive flavor, dawadawa is nutritionally significant. It is rich in protein, making it an essential supplement in communities where access to animal protein may be limited. It contains beneficial fats, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Fermentation enhances digestibility and increases the availability of nutrients. In households with constrained incomes, a small portion can transform a simple pot of soup into a nutrient-dense meal. In northern Ghana, dawadawa defines beloved soups such as ayoyo and groundnut soup. In Nigeria, iru enriches egusi and ogbono soups. Across the Sahel, soumbala flavors stews served with millet or couscous. Each region shapes and prepares it slightly differently, yet the shared cultural thread remains strong. For many in the diaspora, its aroma evokes childhood kitchens, communal meals, and the steady rhythm of family life. Unlike imported bouillon cubes that increasingly fill market shelves, dawadawa carries no anonymous industrial origin. It carries the story of harvest seasons, of women gathered under shade trees pounding seeds, of conversation and laughter during fermentation days. In this way, it anchors communities to ancestral foodways even as globalization reshapes consumption patterns. Women stand at the center of dawadawa production and trade. Across Ghana’s Upper East, Northern, and Upper West regions, they harvest, process, and sell the condiment in local markets. Income from sales supports households, pays school fees, and strengthens women’s financial independence. The work is demanding, but it is also empowering. On market days, woven baskets lined with leaves display carefully shaped balls of fermented seeds. Buyers inspect texture, inhale aroma, and negotiate prices. Knowledge of quality is shared openly — whether fermentation is adequate, whether moisture levels are right, whether the product will store well. Markets become spaces of both commerce and cultural exchange. Modern discussions about sustainable food systems often emphasize reducing carbon footprints, promoting biodiversity, and strengthening local supply chains. Dawadawa embodies these principles naturally. Its primary ingredient grows locally with minimal external inputs. Production requires no imported chemicals. Distribution typically happens within short distances between producers and consumers. The African locust bean tree supports biodiversity and integrates into agroforestry systems. By preserving the tree, farmers maintain ecological balance. In a world increasingly reliant on long and fragile global supply chains, dawadawa demonstrates the resilience of localized food systems grounded in community knowledge. Yet challenges persist. Urbanization and shifting dietary preferences have led some consumers to favor imported seasonings perceived as more convenient. Younger generations may see traditional processing methods as labor-intensive. Climate change threatens tree populations through prolonged droughts and land degradation. Limited access to improved equipment can also constrain production quality and scalability. Within these challenges lie opportunities. Cooperatives can strengthen bargaining power. Improved packaging and hygiene standards can expand markets while preserving authenticity. Agroforestry initiatives can promote tree conservation and planting. Culinary education can reintroduce youth to the value of indigenous foods. When tradition meets innovation respectfully, resilience grows. Dawadawa’s importance extends beyond nutrition and economics. Food is one of the most enduring carriers of culture. Even as languages evolve and clothing styles change, taste memories remain. Preparing dawadawa teaches patience and cooperation. It honors processes that cannot be rushed without