Trade Minister Announces Major Loan Recoveries and Probes at Ghana EXIM Bank
The atmosphere was one of transparency and resolve as Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, addressed the nation during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21. At the heart of her address was a significant development in the country’s efforts to tighten financial oversight and ensure the prudent use of state resources: the recovery of GH¢107 million in loan repayments and a fresh investigation into questionable loan disbursements by the Ghana EXIM Bank. Standing at the podium, Minister Ofosu-Adjare outlined the government’s multi-pronged approach to strengthening the credit system. She explained that, in 2025, Ghana EXIM Bank disbursed a total of GH¢304 million in loans under a stringent new policy. “This is not money for the boys or money for the girls,” she emphasized, underscoring the seriousness with which her ministry now approached credit creation. “You must satisfy requirements. You must show the credit you are taking will benefit the economy, and above all, you must demonstrate your ability to repay.” Her remarks reflected a shift toward greater accountability in public lending. The Bank’s stricter credit policy was already bearing fruit: GH¢107 million had been successfully recovered from loans that had long gone unpaid. “Recovery efforts on legacy loans are ongoing,” she continued. “We have initiated legal proceedings on several cases, and others have been referred to the appropriate security agencies for further action.” But even as the government celebrated these achievements, the Minister did not shy away from ongoing challenges. She revealed that some loan disbursements remained shrouded in mystery, with officials unable to account for how the funds had been issued or used. These cases, she said, had been swiftly referred to security agencies for thorough investigation. “There are loans that we do not know how they were disbursed,” Ofosu-Adjare admitted candidly. “We have referred them to the appropriate quarters to be dealt with expeditiously.” The Minister’s address was a clear signal that, under her watch, financial stewardship would not be taken lightly. With GH¢107 million recovered and further investigations underway, the government was not only reclaiming lost funds but also restoring public confidence in Ghana’s financial institutions. As the session concluded, observers noted a renewed sense of accountability—a promise that every cedi lent by the state must serve the nation’s interest, and that those who violate this trust will face the full scrutiny of the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Eric Adjei’s Vision Transforms NEIP Into a Launchpad for Ghana’s Young Entrepreneurs
When Eric Adjei ESQ. stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in January 2025, he brought with him more than just a new title; he brought a wave of optimism and resolve that has reverberated across the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. From his first day, Mr. Adjei made it clear that entrepreneurship in Ghana would no longer be treated as a buzzword or a distant dream. “We must move beyond rhetoric,” he declared at his inaugural staff meeting. “Our young people deserve real opportunities, measurable, visible, and life-changing.” With these words, NEIP began a transformation from a policy-driven institution to a results-oriented engine of job creation and innovation. At the heart of Adjei’s approach lies a simple but powerful conviction: Ghana’s future depends on the ingenuity and energy of its young people. Under his stewardship, NEIP has redirected its focus toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by the youth. Practical support, accountability, and measurable outcomes have become the guiding principles. This renewed direction soon found its flagship in the Edwumawura Programme, a nationwide intervention that quickly became the talk of the entrepreneurial community. Edwumawura, meaning “Job Creator,” is more than just a catchphrase. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation, regardless of where they live. From the busy streets of Accra to the most remote villages, the programme has reached Ghanaians who might otherwise have been left behind. The Edwumawura Programme was launched with fanfare but backed by substance. Its aim: to provide startup capital, business development services, and mentoring for individuals with promising ideas—especially at the grassroots. The process is inclusive and decentralized, ensuring that opportunity is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all with drive and determination. One young participant, Amina, from Tamale, recalls how the programme changed her life: “I always had ideas but no way to make them real. Edwumawura gave me training, a small grant, and the confidence to begin my poultry business. Now, I employ three people from my community.” Stories like Amina’s are becoming increasingly common. Across Ghana, young entrepreneurs are starting businesses, creating jobs, and building hope, thanks in large part to NEIP’s revitalized approach under Adjei’s guidance. But Adjei’s vision extends beyond traditional business models. Recognising the explosive growth of the digital economy, he championed a bold new initiative: NEIP would support content creators as legitimate entrepreneurs. In a country where millions of youth consume and create digital content daily, this was a game-changer. Workshops and mentorship sessions sprang up in cities and towns, focusing on skills from video editing to digital marketing. For the first time, Ghanaian content creators were given training, access to funding opportunities, and help in building digital brands with global reach. Kwame, a young YouTuber from Kumasi, shares his experience: “Before NEIP’s support, I struggled to monetise my channel. Now, I understand branding, and I’ve tripled my income. NEIP treated me like any other entrepreneur.” This push into the digital space reflects a broader understanding of modern entrepreneurship—one that values creativity, technological savvy, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy. Observers note that Eric Adjei’s background as a lawyer blends seamlessly with his entrepreneurial drive. He insists on accountability and transparency, regularly engaging with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. His collaborative style has fostered partnerships that multiply the impact of NEIP’s programmes, drawing in investment and expertise from across the spectrum. Through it all, Adjei has maintained a relentless focus on innovation-driven growth. He is often seen visiting project sites, speaking with beneficiaries, and seeking feedback on how programmes can be improved. “Real impact,” he often says, “comes from listening to those we serve.” As NEIP continues to roll out new initiatives, expectations are soaring. The Edwumawura Programme and the content creation support scheme stand out as two pillars of a new era, one in which entrepreneurship is accessible, rewarding, and central to Ghana’s economic development. For Ghana’s youth, Eric Adjei’s leadership marks a turning point. No longer is entrepreneurship reserved for the privileged or the well-connected. Today, ideas are nurtured, innovation is celebrated, and young people are empowered to become the job creators of tomorrow. In the words of one beneficiary, “With NEIP and Mr. Adjei, we know our dreams are possible. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East CHASS Chair Warns of Rising Student Unrest, Calls for Collective Action
In a compelling segment of the documentary “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, Richard Akumbas Ayibilla, the Upper East Regional Chairman for the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), lays bare the troubling rise of student unrest in the region’s schools. His address, at once candid and urgent, delves into the deepening crisis of discipline, the shifting causes of school riots, and the collective responsibility required of educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to restore order and nurture the next generation of responsible citizens. Mr. Ayibilla began by tracing the evolution of student unrest in the Upper East Region. In the past, riots were often rooted in grievances over poor food or lapses in teaching, issues, he said, that while troubling, at least had some bearing on the core mission of education. “Discipline is the keyword in every educational institution,” he emphasized. “When discipline is present, students learn, complete assignments, maintain a clean environment, and build positive relationships. Ultimately, disciplined students leave school better prepared for life.” Yet today, the triggers of unrest have shifted dramatically. “Now, most of the riots across all the schools start from mobile phones,” he lamented. In schools such as Navrongo, St. Benedict, and Bolga Tech, what might begin as a minor dispute over a stolen or misplaced phone can rapidly escalate, drawing in friends, then entire clans, and sometimes splitting along tribal lines. What should be a tool for learning instead becomes a spark for chaos. “What starts as a seemingly minor issue can draw in friends and even entire clans, turning schools into battlegrounds over technology that should only be a tool for learning.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. While Mr. Ayibilla acknowledges the educational potential of mobile phones, from research and AI tools to global connectivity, he is troubled by the reality he sees. Students, he observed, rarely use their devices for academic enrichment. Instead, the lure of social media, especially platforms like TikTok, drives many to create content for attention and potential income. “For some, it’s just to go into TikTok, create content, and get likes,” he observed. Particularly disheartening for him was an encounter with students who believed speaking intentionally poor English in their videos would make them go viral. These behaviors, he warned, are more than mere distractions. They can fuel deeper conflicts, leading to arguments, resentment, and property destruction. “Essential resources, from furniture to vehicles, have been damaged during riots, further straining already limited school supplies,” he said. The consequences are not limited to broken rules but extend to broken trust and broken property, deepening the crisis in already under-resourced schools. Despite these challenges, Mr. Ayibilla remains unwavering in his advocacy for core values: commitment, discipline, hard work, teamwork, honesty, and excellence. “If students are committed, discipline will naturally follow,” he asserted, drawing an analogy from the classic cartoon Captain Planet: “When you put your powers together, you are more powerful.” He proudly recounted practices from his own school, where honesty is not just taught but lived. Lost items are reliably returned, a testament to the school’s culture of integrity. “If you come to my school and lose money or valuables, don’t worry. Once a student picks it, you will get it back,” he affirmed, suggesting that habits of honesty in youth sow the seeds of integrity in adulthood. Discipline in school, he argued, is the antidote to the corruption that plagues society at large. Mr. Ayibilla is adamant that the burden of instilling discipline cannot fall solely on teachers. “Parents are very key,” he insisted. By the time students arrive at secondary school, much of their character is already formed, making the educator’s task all the more formidable. He called on parents to visit schools, build relationships with teachers, and show genuine interest in their children’s lives. “When children are in school, and parents don’t visit, they know their actions at school will go unnoticed at home,” he explained. This absence of parental oversight, he warned, fosters a double life, children well-behaved at home but unruly at school. Extending his call to the wider community, Mr. Ayibilla invoked the proverb, “he who says he doesn’t care, will at the end of the day be the one to pay the price.” Elders, residents, and even market women, he argued, have a role in supervising and guiding the youth. Discipline, in his view, is everyone’s business. Notably, Mr. Ayibilla did not shy away from critiquing the impact of government policies and political interference on school discipline. He observed that sometimes the pronouncements of politicians — such as blanket bans on corporal punishment or directives to reinstate suspended students — undermine the authority of educators and embolden indiscipline. “Punishment is not to destroy, but to correct,” he explained. Sanctions should fit the offense and serve both to reform the offender and deter others, not to crush their spirit. He called for support from all stakeholders, including chiefs, opinion leaders, and policymakers, to ensure that discipline remains consistent, fair, and focused on students’ long-term well-being. In his view, when discipline is subverted for political convenience, the whole educational ecosystem suffers. In an era where public scrutiny of schools is intense, Mr. Ayibilla called for a more nuanced, compassionate evaluation of schools and teachers. He cautioned against condemning all schools or educators for isolated incidents of misconduct, whether in food management, exam performance, or student behavior. “In every society, there are good ones and bad ones,” he noted, arguing that the actions of a few should not overshadow the dedication and integrity of the many. He also challenged the widespread politicization of exam results. The government’s primary role, he contended, is to provide resources and infrastructure, not to sit exams on behalf of students. “If children write exams and don’t pass, ministers don’t write for them,” he said. Instead, he advocated for a focus on student improvement, completion rates, and the intangible benefits of education, such as character development and social competence. Mr. Ayibilla
The Broken Chalkboards: Hon. Volmeng David Nansong suggests reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools
In recent times, become grounds for unrest rather than learning. Hon. Volmeng David Nansong, the Regional Secretary for the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), sat reflecting on an alarming trend: student riots erupting across the region’s secondary schools. His thoughts, captured in an Apexnewsgh documentary titled “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, were not only observations but a rallying call to action. For parents, educators, and policymakers alike, this was no longer a problem to ignore. David Nansong spoke with the gravity of one entrusted with the hopes of parents and the future of children. “As secretary to the PTA,” he began, “I see the immense role parents play. But what’s truly causing these issues in our secondary schools?” He leaned forward, voice steady: “There are two main issues. The first is the use of mobile phones.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. Mobile phones, once symbols of progress and communication, had become the root of chaos. Although regulations prohibited their use in schools, compliance was abysmally low. Many students did not, in fact, buy these devices themselves; parents, often unknowingly, supplied them. Others acquired phones through less innocent means: gifts from boyfriends, odd jobs, or even theft. School administrators, recognizing the danger, had begun confiscating these devices. The response from students was swift and organized. Plans were hatched to incite confusion and riots, creating opportunities to break into storage rooms, most notably, the senior house master’s office, where confiscated phones were kept. “I can mention Zamse Senior High Technical, Bolga Senior High, and others,” he recounted, “where students broke in and reclaimed their phones. Fortunately, the school management, with the help of the students themselves, identified and apprehended the culprits, who were handed over to the police.” But the aftermath was sobering. Offices vandalized, damages incurred, and in some instances, violence escalated, libraries burned, water systems destroyed, all in pursuit of forbidden phones. The second major catalyst was the spillover of local conflicts, particularly the recent unrest in Bawku. Rivalries between tribes, which found their way into school corridors, fanned the flames of discord. “The conflict didn’t remain in the community,” Nansong explained, “it spilled into the schools, especially in rural areas. Students affiliated with opposing tribes carried tensions into classrooms, turning academic environments into battlegrounds.” It was not uncommon, he noted, for a spark in one school to ignite unrest in another. Through informal networks and social media, students coordinated actions across institutions, threatening the fragile peace that school authorities struggled to maintain. A third, subtler factor was the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy. While the initiative was lauded for making education accessible to all, it unintentionally eroded accountability. “Students now believe that regardless of their performance, they’ll remain in school. There is no demotion, no consequence for failure,” Hon. Nansong observed. “Whether they study or not, promotion is guaranteed.” This lack of academic consequence bred apathy. The abolition of corporal punishment, though a progressive step, left teachers wary. Fearful of repercussions, teachers hesitated to enforce discipline. “Students took this as license to misbehave. Teachers, uncertain of their limits, often turned a blind eye,” Nansong lamented. The cumulative effect was a student body emboldened to challenge authority, sometimes going as far as publicly insulting national leaders on social media, and a teaching staff rendered powerless to intervene. As if these challenges were not enough, the years 2023 and 2024 brought a new crisis: food shortages in schools. Adolescents, still growing and hungry, found themselves subsisting on meager rations, plain maize, garri and beans, porridge without sugar. “At that age, they cannot sustain hunger for long,” Mr. Nansong pointed out. “The lack of proper nutrition led to frustration and, for some, the riots became an outlet for their grievances.” School leaders, bound by bureaucracy and perhaps fear of reprisal, rarely spoke openly of these shortages. Yet, for those in leadership, the link between inadequate feeding and student agitation was clear. By 2025, however, the situation seemed to improve. Reports of food scarcity dwindled, and the frequency of demonstrations reduced. The only major incident that year stemmed from renewed tribal conflict, not deprivation. Hon. Nansong’s message to parents was stern: “Charity begins at home. Parents must be vigilant about what their children bring to school, especially mobile phones.” He urged parents to interrogate the source of any phone call received from their child at school, to visit schools regularly, and to keep in touch with teachers. He recounted a tragic incident where a student, believed by his parents to be attending school, drowned at a hotel swimming pool. School records revealed the student had never reported for the term. “If parents had checked, they would have known,” Nansong said, underscoring the need for constant communication between home and school. Recent debates over student appearance, particularly the directive for students to keep their hair neat and trimmed, sparked national conversation. Mr. Nansong supported the Education Minister’s stance, comparing school regulations to those of security services and training colleges. “In the security services, there are prescribed hairstyles and uniforms. Nursing trainees can’t do their hair anyhow. Why should this be an issue for our students?” he asked. He emphasized that neatness did not preclude natural hair, but rather discouraged neglect and disorder. He dismissed comparisons to the Achimota Rastafarian case, noting that religious exceptions were different from general discipline. “This is not about curtailing freedom; it’s about instilling the standards needed for communal learning and personal responsibility.” Hon. Nansong’s reflections were not a condemnation of today’s youth. “Not all students are bad,” he affirmed, “but certain behaviors threaten the peace and progress of all.” He recounted with sadness how, at Zamsi Senior High, students vandalized the senior housemaster’s office and stole confiscated mobile phones before their final exams. The responsible students were held accountable for the damages. “If a poor widow sends her child to school, and the child destroys property, it is only fair that the student pays for it,” he reasoned. “If you know
Ghana’s Economic Renewal: Vice President Engages IMF Leaders on Path to Sustainable Growth
Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has convened a high-level meeting with the heads of International Monetary Fund (IMF) country and regional offices across Africa. Against a backdrop of shifting economic tides and global uncertainty over debt and development financing, the gathering offered an opportunity to examine Ghana’s economic journey and its place within the continent’s broader narrative. Taking her seat at the table, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was resolute. She began by acknowledging the daunting challenges that had recently confronted Ghana, the currency’s turbulence, inflationary spikes, and the strain of external shocks that had tested the nation’s resilience. But she was equally determined to spotlight the progress made since those turbulent times. “Our present situation is a testament to Ghana’s resolve,” she told the assembled IMF officials. “We have moved from the brink to a place of cautious optimism. Single-digit inflation is not just a statistic, but a sign of stability returning to everyday life. The Cedi has found firmer footing, and real GDP growth is no longer a distant hope, but a present reality.” The Vice President explained that these improvements were not confined to the realm of economic indicators, they were beginning to tangibly uplift businesses, households, and communities throughout Ghana. Farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs were regaining confidence. Investment was stirring anew. The sense of renewal, she stressed, was driven by reforms owned and designed by the Ghanaian people. “These are not prescriptions handed down from abroad,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted. “They are policies we have chosen, and sacrifices we are prepared to make, knowing that the path to recovery is neither quick nor easy.” She acknowledged, however, that the role of international financial institutions such as the IMF remained significant, especially as Africa faced not only its own structural challenges but also the ripple effects of global economic pressures. Yet, there was a new current running through the continent: an emerging self-assurance and a readiness to define Africa’s development priorities on its own terms. “We are not turning away from partnership,” the Vice President clarified. “Rather, we seek collaborations that are balanced, forward-looking, and tailored to our continent’s aspirations. Our relationship with the IMF, for example, must evolve beyond crisis-response programs to embrace true, development-oriented partnership.” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang echoed the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing that Ghana’s future lay in self-reliance, but not isolation. She pointed to transformative opportunities on the horizon, notably the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to unlock trade, investment, and innovation across borders. The conversation turned to the challenges that persisted, high borrowing costs, structural bottlenecks, and the need for coordinated action to ensure fair financing for Africa’s development. Yet, there was a palpable sense of hope: that with prudent reforms and supportive partnerships, Ghana and its neighbors could chart a course toward sustainable growth. As the meeting drew to a close, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to this new chapter. The country, she said, would continue to build on its hard-won gains, deepening reforms and strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future. And as Ghana advanced, it would do so with a clear-eyed vision, guided by national ownership, mutual respect, and a steadfast belief in the potential of its people and partnerships. In the heart of Accra, and in the corridors of global finance, the message was clear: Ghana’s economic story was entering a new phase, one defined not by crisis, but by confidence, cooperation, and the pursuit of lasting progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Journalist Leads Crusade Against Youth Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Schools
In an intensified effort to curb rampant substance abuse among young people, multiple award-winning journalist Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen has shifted his media campaign to school grounds. His latest stop: Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIGBOSS), where he engaged students on the dire dangers and shattered futures linked to drugs and alcohol. His journey to this podium had begun not in a newsroom, but in the shadows. It had started with a camera lens pointed into places most avert their eyes from: the ghettos. His recent documentary, bearing the grim title “Swallowed by Drugs,” was not just a piece of work; it was a testament to a deepening nightmare. The footage he captured in various ghettos was a brutal, unvarnished portrait of a generation in peril. Young men and women, some barely older than the students now before him, lost in a haze of illicit smoke and cheap alcohol, their eyes hollow, their potential leaching away into the dirt floors of derelict shacks. Watch the full documentary: He had spoken to them, these ghosts of what could have been. Their stories were a broken record of tragedy. “I started in school,” one whispered, his voice thin as paper. “My friends said it would make me feel good, make me forget my problems.” Another, shivering slightly, confessed, “It is part of me now. I cannot stop. My family, they don’t know me anymore.” Many had abandoned their education, their homes, their very identities, seduced and then enslaved by substances that promised escape but delivered only a cage. These were not faceless statistics to Ngamegbulam. They were individuals whose dreams had names: the boy who wanted to be an engineer, the girl who once aced her science exams, the aspiring footballer with lightning in his feet. Their dreams, as he would soon tell the listening students, were now “shaky.” A gentle word for a brutal truth: they were dying. Witnessing this collapse firsthand had transformed Ngamegbulam’s role from documentarian to crusader. If he could expose the problem, he reasoned, he must also try to stem the tide. And so, he had intensified his media campaign, turning his focus upstream, to the schools, to the places where the slide often begins, to the students still perched on the precipice of choice. BIGBOSS was one such stop. “If you care to know,” his voice, calm yet urgent, broke the hall’s quiet. “If you care to know, over 400 million people live with the use of alcohol disorder. Yearly, 3 million people die as a result.” He let the global scale of the tragedy hang in the air before bringing it home, sharply, painfully local. “In Ghana, over 50,000 people find themselves in this abuse. Out of that 50,000, 35,000 are students. Just like you. Thirty-five thousand.” A subtle ripple went through the crowd. The number was no longer an abstract global figure; it was a potential classmate, a friend on the next bench, a reflection in the mirror. The remaining thousands, he noted, were “our mothers and our fathers.” But the youth, the JHS and SHS students, bore the brunt. “That means these people we are talking about,” he continued, leaning into the mic, “their dream of becoming that doctor is shaky. Their dream of becoming a nurse is shaky.” He spoke not with the fire of condemnation, but with the empathy of a witness and the clarity of a guide. He dismantled the false allure of alcohol and drugs brick by brick. It was not just a health issue, he explained; it was a future-annihilator. “Through studies, now and then, it’s just a way to improve yourself. It’s a way to help your family, your society, and your country. But when you engage yourself in alcohol, you will see that those dreams will never come true.” Then, he pivoted to aspiration. He gestured beyond the school walls, towards the seats of power and influence. “You admire those in Parliament. Our MPs. You love what they do, don’t you? And you want to be like them, don’t you?” Heads nodded, almost imperceptibly. “So, how do you think you will be like those people when you engage in drinking alcohol and taking drugs? You cannot be like them.” His alternative was simple, powerful, and rooted in self-interest. “The only way we can be like them is by shying away from alcohol and drug abuse. That is the only way you can represent your community in Parliament. That is the way you can be the Speaker. That is the way you can become a minister. That is the way you can also become a president.” He was not there to lecture, he insisted. He was a messenger, delivering a warning they must carry within themselves. “I am here to actually pass this message to you so that as you are going about your duties… You should know that drug and alcohol abuse is one thing that can actually deny you your dream.” His plea became personal, communal. He asked them to remember this gathering when they returned to their homes and communities, where social gatherings often orbit around “drinks and some other goodies.” He pointed to the worrying trend in the region: “Sports [drinking spots] are becoming the order of the day… The more people patronize all these drinking spots, the more people are going to waste every day.” Then, he gave them a charge, a title to wear with pride. “I want you to be an ambassador in your community. An ambassador in your constituency. You should be in that position of also advising members of your community… because it will never help the society to grow.” He concluded with a humility that resonated deeply. He respected their time, their studies, and their busy lives. But he needed one thing from them before he left. A collective declaration. A line in the sand. “Please, you have to say, ‘Say no to drug and alcohol abuse.’ I want you to say that.” For a heartbeat, there
Central Bank Urges Responsible Reporting as Journalists Call for Capacity Building
At the Bank of Ghana’s annual media engagement in Accra, the spotlight shone on the crucial relationship between financial stability and responsible journalism. Governor Johnson Pandit Asiamah, addressing journalists on Friday, emphasised the influential role of the media in shaping economic expectations as the nation locks in recent gains in macroeconomic stability. Governor Asiamah highlighted that while Ghana had weathered a challenging 2025, disciplined policy choices had restored order to the economy. Inflation, he noted, had plummeted from 23.8 percent a year earlier to just 5.4 percent in December 2025, thanks to tight monetary policy, sound liquidity management, and clearer communication. As Ghana enters 2026, the central bank’s focus, according to Asiamah, would shift to consolidation and embedding reforms rather than implementing swift policy changes. Emphasising the complexity of monetary and financial policy, Asiamah cautioned that misreporting or a lack of context could heighten uncertainty during sensitive periods of adjustment. “Our expectation is not compliance but responsibility, accuracy, balance and context,” he said, pledging continued openness and engagement with the press. The governor outlined several initiatives, including a rules-based auction framework for the foreign exchange market, tighter oversight, and a domestic gold purchase programme, all of which had bolstered confidence and pushed Ghana’s international reserves to over US$13.8 billion, equivalent to 5.7 months of import cover. On the other side of the conversation, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) welcomed the central bank’s openness but stressed the need for sustained capacity building. He argued that as economic reporting becomes more technical, amid inflation control, debt restructuring, and financial sector reforms, journalists must be equipped with the right skills. “It’s impossible to expect journalists to explain complex monetary and financial policies to the public without proper training,” the GJA president said, calling for regular workshops and briefings for media professionals nationwide, not just those in Accra. In response, Governor Asiamah announced plans for enhanced media training and a dedicated forum for economic reporters. He also unveiled a new “Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year” award, with the winner set to attend the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, an initiative aimed at encouraging accurate and insightful economic journalism. As Ghana continues its economic recovery, both central bank officials and journalists agree that collaboration and communication will be key in ensuring that the public remains well-informed and confident in the nation’s economic direction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
COPEC Urges NPA to Scrap Price Floors, Citing Consumer Disadvantage
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has intensified its call for the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to abolish price floors mandated in the 2024 petroleum products pricing guidelines. According to COPEC, the policy, which prohibits Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) from selling below a regulator-set minimum, is hampering competition and working against the interests of Ghanaian consumers. Speaking to Citi Business News, Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of COPEC, described the price floor as “outdated” and ill-suited for a deregulated downstream petroleum sector. He argued that removing the floor would enable oil marketing companies (OMCs) to pass on lower prices to consumers whenever market dynamics allow. Amoah explained, “If I have cash and can negotiate a better deal, I should be able to benefit from a lower price. The current system, where the NPA sets both price floors and ceilings, restricts the free market and ultimately inconveniences consumers.” His comments come as the second pricing window in January brings some relief at fuel pumps, yet Amoah insists more savings could be realized if price floors did not bind OMCs. He urged the NPA to consider creative solutions and to let market forces determine prices, rather than imposing regulatory limits. Under current NPA guidelines, price floors are set and communicated at the start of every pricing window, with PSPs facing fines of up to GHS5,000 if they sell below the established minimum. Since its introduction, industry players have criticized the policy for stifling healthy competition and denying consumers the full benefits of a deregulated market. COPEC’s renewed advocacy places the spotlight once again on pricing policies in Ghana’s petroleum sector and the ongoing debate over the most effective way to protect consumer interests. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GPRTU to Crack Down on Overcharging Drivers as Accra Commutes Worsen
As traffic snarls tighten their grip on Accra and the number of available commercial vehicles dwindles, frustration among commuters has reached a boiling point. Complaints about skyrocketing fares during peak hours are now commonplace, prompting the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to take decisive action against what it describes as exploitation by some commercial drivers. On Sunday, January 18, the General Secretary of the GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, spoke to Citi News, announcing a forthcoming crackdown on drivers who charge passengers above the approved rates. The Union’s enforcement exercise is set to begin on Monday, January 19, 2026, with GPRTU personnel stationed at known hotspots across the city to catch offenders in the act. “What the drivers fear is banning them from loading,” Abulbire revealed, emphasizing that the Union’s internal task force would be out in full force to ensure compliance. “From what we have discussed, we have decided that on Monday, we will deploy most of our guys to all the vantage points where these exploitations take place to check if indeed these are our cars or not.” To further tighten oversight, GPRTU plans to roll out a new branding system, marking all vehicles under its authority with the Union’s insignia. “We will begin to brand our cars with GPRTU on them. If we see that you then go out to exploit people, we will fish you out and then take you out of the union,” Abulbire warned, signaling that repeat offenders risk losing their membership entirely. The Union’s intervention comes at a time when commuters are increasingly burdened by unpredictable fares, especially as congestion and vehicle shortages worsen during rush hours. GPRTU’s leadership hopes the crackdown will not only deter overcharging but also restore public trust in the city’s commercial transport system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Broken Chalkboards: The Upper East Regional Education Director’s Battle Against Student Riots and Indiscipline in Schools
What once were sanctuaries of learning and personal growth have, in recent times, become epicenters of chaos and disruption. The phenomenon of student riots, once rare, now threatens to become a troubling ritual, a recurring storm that leaves behind fractured trust, shattered chalkboards, and an environment far removed from the ideals of education. Razak Z. Abdul-Korah, the Upper East Regional Education Director, has never shied away from confronting uncomfortable truths. In a recent documentary, “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, Mr. Abdul-Korah spoke candidly about the growing tide of student unrest and painted a comprehensive picture of its causes, impacts, and the necessary path forward. For decades, the schools of the Upper East Region have been pillars of hope—places where young minds are shaped for the future. But lately, a disquieting trend has emerged. Riots, demonstrations, and acts of indiscipline are no longer isolated incidents. They are spreading, springing up across almost all institutions, threatening the peace and stability necessary for effective learning. “It is of concern to everybody in the education space, all stakeholders as well,” Mr. Abdul-Korah began, his tone both measured and urgent. “A peaceful environment should be a creation of almost all stakeholders. So if one stakeholder happens not to be in line, it affects all.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. In his view, the responsibility to maintain peace cannot rest on one group alone. It must be a collective effort; school management, teachers, students, parents, and the wider community all have crucial roles to play. When even a single element falls out of harmony, the entire system feels the strain. Indiscipline, Mr. Abdul-Korah clarified, is not just a problem among students. “Let me even put it, not necessarily only student indiscipline, but indiscipline among staff, indiscipline among students, every level of indiscipline affects the management of the school.” While the recent spate of riots has spotlighted student behavior, the Regional Director was quick to point out that issues of discipline, or the lack thereof, cut across all levels. Sometimes, even administrative offices are not immune, though the manifestations may be less visible. “One trigger leads to another,” he explained. “It is not the best, especially when it goes out into demonstrations.” When discipline breaks down, the cost is not just measured in damaged property or lost learning hours, but in the erosion of trust and the peaceful environment schools strive to maintain. The cost of a riot is profound and far-reaching. “When students revolt against staff, there is mistrust. We are human beings. You may react, but as you go along, it may come in a different form to affect the learners,” Mr. Abdul-Korah stated. Every incident chips away at the fragile bond between teachers and students. Fear and suspicion replace mutual respect, and it can take months, sometimes years, for schools to regain their equilibrium. Learning outcomes suffer, and the ultimate victims are the students themselves. Specific cases, like the disturbances in Gowrie, Bongo, and Zuarungu, were cited. In Gworie, the environment became so inhospitable that learning was all but halted. In Bongo, a single expression of displeasure threatened to spiral out of control. In Zuarungu, the incident’s outcome remains unresolved, hanging over the school community like a specter. Despite the challenges, Mr. Abdul-Korah remains resolute. “We should work to see how to address some of them,” he insisted. Reports are being compiled and sent to the Director General for study and advice. Meanwhile, efforts are underway at the regional level to address concerns as they arise. “Every single actor that can contribute to creating this enabling environment should not be left out.” At every forum, whether with school managers, student bodies, or community elders, the message is the same: peace and discipline are everyone’s responsibility. According to the Regional Director, transparency is key. When the monitoring team visits a school, their first point of contact is the headteacher, ensuring that the purpose of their visit is clear. This openness extends to student forums, where students are encouraged to voice their concerns and see themselves as part of the management process. Many students, Mr. Abdul-Korah observed, do not realize that they are part of the disciplinary and management structures. “If a student is to be disciplined, the student leadership is part of the disciplinary committee. So you are aware, and that is how you are part of the management.” By making student leaders active participants in school management, a sense of ownership and responsibility is fostered. Issues can be raised and resolved through proper channels, reducing the likelihood of escalation. Speaking about effective communication of decisions, the Regional Director pointed out, misunderstandings often arise when decisions, especially disciplinary ones, are not communicated effectively. In one case at Zamse, a student was disciplined, but the reasons were not relayed to the rest of the students, leading to protests. In reality, the action had been recommended by fellow students who felt threatened by their peer’s behavior. “If we’re doing all these things to bring people on board in the management practice, we will reduce the tension,” the Director emphasized. According to Mr. Abdul-Korah, “Once tension is down, you may not see some of these things happening.” By fostering dialogue and quelling rumors, the triggers for riots can be addressed before they explode into full-blown crises. The Director was particularly keen to highlight the role of school management. “The best leader, the best manager certainly has some leadership qualities that drive the activities in his office.” But even the best leaders make mistakes. When they do, the ability to admit fault and correct course is essential. “It’s not everything that as a leader you get 100% right. But as and when, you could do take a decision without taking into consideration the consequences of it.” Sometimes, a careless remark or poorly thought-out decision can spark unrest. School boards and oversight bodies have a critical role to play in reducing tension. But the most effective interventions, Abdul-Korah believes, happen at the