The Broken Chalkboards: Rev. Abukari Thomas Calls for Collective Action and Moral Reform Amid Rising Student Riots in Upper East Region
In recent years, the Upper East Region has witnessed a troubling surge in student riots across its educational institutions. This trend has left educators, parents, and leaders grappling for answers. Among those raising their voices for change is Rev. Abukari Thomas, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Christian Council, Bolgatanga and a respected Baptist Church head Pastor, who shared his profound reflections in a documentary “Broken Chalkboards” produced by journalist Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh. Rev. Abukari’s insights are a clarion call to society, urging all stakeholders to acknowledge the gravity of campus unrest and to seek solutions rooted in empathy, communication, and moral guidance. His message is not one of blame, but of collective responsibility, a rallying cry to educators, parents, religious leaders, and students themselves to reclaim the original purpose of education and to restore dignity and order in schools. Addressing the matter, Rev. Abukari begins with an earnest appeal: “I come your way to add my voice to things that are happening in our society, which are heartbreaking. For example, we look at our various institutions, we see some emerging trends that are of late not the best for u,s and it would not be appropriate for us to be silent on this issue.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. He observes with concern that nearly 90% of secondary schools in the Upper East have experienced some form of student unrest, a situation unprecedented in recent history. Rather than apportioning blame, he emphasizes the need for unity and shared purpose in seeking solutions. “We all have to find ourselves in getting a solution to this. So my focus here is not to look at who is at fault, but what can be done because we are in the woods and we need to come out.” Rev. Abukari laments the loss of the original vision for schools: environments meant to model, transform, and equip future leaders. He notes, “In our schools, this is a place where people are to be modelled, transformed, equipped, and then they will pick up leadership positions in the near future. But if we see them going all around destroying school properties…it might be a simple misunderstanding, misinformation or miscommunication.” The generational gap, he asserts, has made communication more complex. Today’s students are “sensitive and active,” with access to social media and peer influences sometimes leading them astray. Many, he warns, are unaware of the long-term consequences of their actions, including the destruction of scarce infrastructure. “The government has spent huge sums of amounts of money to put up infrastructure which our region is lacking. There is no institution in our region that we can boast and say that they have enough infrastructure…Why do we then destroy the few?” Rev. Abukari calls for proactive communication between school leadership and students, particularly through student representative councils. He suggests regular engagement, transparency about school management, and education about the realities of funding and resource allocation. “If students know that this is the right channel we are to pass through to get our grievances met, some of these instances we are observing will not be there.” He advocates for empowering student leaders with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the costs involved in running a school. “If we explain, they will understand,” he says, reinforcing the need for dialogue over destruction. While acknowledging the importance of child rights, Rev. Abukari cautions that many students misunderstand where their rights begin and end. “You have the right to be educated, so if you have the right to be educated, it means you have the right to be trained and be corrected.” He recommends that corrective measures be made pragmatic and transparent, so that students understand the intention is reform, not punishment. “School authorities, can we let them get to this understanding?” he asks, adding that many students come from troubled homes and need more structured support in school. A critical gap, according to Rev. Abukari, is the lack of effective guidance and counseling offices in schools. He urges management to invest in these services, so students can seek help and receive warm, professional advice. “If we get guidance and counselors to take care, an open office where the students can walk in with their heartfelt issues and walk out warmly received and properly educated, most of these issues that we encounter in our institutions will not be there.” He also proposes the creation of robust reward systems to motivate positive behaviour, complementing disciplinary action. “If we see more awards given to well-disciplined, well-dressed, well-behaved students…I think it will motivate and encourage the students to tow this line.” As a religious leader, Rev. Abukari stresses the role of faith communities in shaping student character. He calls for stronger religious life on campus, with chaplains and imams working together to help students discover purpose and resist negative peer pressure. “Nobody’s destiny is promoted through rioting. Nobody’s destiny is promoted through bad behavior.” Religious institutions, he believes, must step up to provide moral guidance, especially for students from broken homes. “If we religious leaders make sure that we model their religious life in these institutions, I think definitely…the numbers [of riots] should reduce.” Rev. Abukari does not leave out parents and alumni, urging Parent-Teacher Associations and school boards to support rightful discipline and set positive examples. He warns against interventions that undermine necessary corrective measures, noting that “since he did it and went scot-free, there’s nothing wrong.” He encourages alumni to take pride in building their schools, not destroying them: “It’s for us to go through our books, study, come out with flying colors, move to the next level so that you come back one day and say yes, I was a product of this institution.” A sobering reminder is offered to students: school records, including involvement in riots, often follow individuals throughout their lives. “If they pull out the files and you were part of those who burned down the dormitory, you were the gang leader,
Ghana Makes History With First Order of Multi-Mission Airbus Helicopters
In a landmark move to strengthen its air fleet and emergency response capabilities, Ghana has placed its inaugural order for multi-mission Airbus helicopters. The Ministry of Defence, according to an Airbus press release dated January 15, 2026, has contracted Airbus Helicopters to deliver four advanced aircraft: two H175Ms, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The two H175M helicopters are set to serve a range of vital functions, including transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster relief. Meanwhile, the ACH175 and ACH160 models will primarily support transport operations, enhancing both the nation’s security and logistical infrastructure. Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Africa and the Middle East, Arnaud Montalvo, welcomed the deal as a significant return to Ghana, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ongoing customer support and a strategic partnership. Montalvo highlighted that Ghana’s selection of the versatile H175M underscores the country’s growing defence and security ambitions, while its acquisition of the ACH160 and ACH175 cements Ghana’s reputation as a leading Airbus customer in West Africa. The H175, in service since 2014, is part of the super-medium helicopter class, prized for its combination of long-range capability, high payload, and exceptionally smooth flight performance. Its versatility enables it to tackle a wide array of missions, from disaster relief and search-and-rescue to public service, military, and business aviation. The ACH160, Airbus’ latest corporate helicopter, is hailed as the most technologically advanced in its class, boasting 68 patented technologies, a spacious and luminous cabin, and innovative design features that set a new standard for passenger comfort. With this acquisition, Ghana is poised to greatly enhance its operational readiness across security, humanitarian, and transport domains, while forging deeper ties with Airbus Helicopters for long-term growth and cooperation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Broken Chalkboards: Nyeya Yen Calls for Better Food, Discipline, and Democratic School Management
Social justice advocate Nyeya Yen has shared deep concerns over the increasing rate of student riots in schools across the Upper East Region. Speaking in a documentary engagement with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh in his recent documentary titled “The Broken Chalkboards”, Mr. Yen drew from both his experiences in Ghana and over 30 years of living in the United Kingdom to offer insights and solutions. He began by challenging the notion that Western countries, particularly the UK, offer a flawless model of education and discipline. “People tend to have an exaggerated opinion of the United Kingdom. But it is not a perfect society. It has also failed a lot of its young people, particularly in the black community.” Mr. Yen explained that while Ghana struggles with student unrest, British schools face equally troubling issues such as gang violence, substance abuse, and high dropout rates among black students. “There was a time in London when almost every week two or three children died, killed by other children. Many of them were black kids from inner-city communities who had no supervision at home.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. Turning back to Ghana, Mr. Yen argued that the root causes of school riots are often practical, with poor food quality topping the list. “One of the major reasons for school riots is extremely poor food. When children are given food that is not sufficient, they get organized. Many riots have occurred because of poor food.” He pointed to corruption in food distribution and low salaries of kitchen staff as aggravating factors. “Sometimes the school may be given 100 bags, but the authorities decide to keep 20. And by the time the food gets to the kitchen, the cooks, who are paid 600 or 1000 cedis, also take some home. In the end, the children suffer.” Beyond food, Yen stressed the importance of inclusive school management and student participation in decision-making. “Schools should be run democratically. Get students involved through councils. Even in simple things like the kitchen, discuss with them. Don’t just say, ‘I am in charge.’ That brings resentment, and resentment can lead to riots.” He also highlighted the role of peer influence, bullying, and substance misuse in fueling unrest. Citing the Zuarungu case linked to the Bawku conflict, he warned against ethnic divisions infiltrating schools. “My advice to the young people is that we are all Ghanaians. We shouldn’t say, I am Frafra, I am Kusasi, I am Dagomba. Hate is extremely bad, and students should not allow it to divide them.” On discipline, Mr. Yen clarified that it should not be equated with corporal punishment but with firm, consistent guidance. “Discipline is not about beating. It is about how you relate to the child. If you say you will withdraw a privilege, follow through. Children know when you are not serious, and they will take liberties.” He concluded by calling for better supervision, stronger discipline, fair treatment, and meaningful engagement of students as the way forward. “Some of these students are already 17 or 18, and they are adults, voting age. They should be involved in the running of schools. Only then can we prevent resentment from turning into riots.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
The Broken Chalkboards: Prof. David Millar Reveals 7 Root Causes of Student Riots and Pathways to Reform
The air, once filled with the hopeful banter of students, now trembles with the aftershocks of unrest. In the corridors of academia, concern ripples among parents and educators alike. Professor David Millar, President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, has added his voice in the documentary “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, as he warns: if the current wave of student riots is not checked, it threatens to engulf the entire nation. Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. Professor Millar’s observations are not mere conjecture. He describes, with painstaking clarity, how riots in secondary schools, once sporadic and exceptional, are becoming alarmingly routine. “It’s becoming very common and noticeable that rioting in schools, especially second-cycle institutions, is on the ascendancy. It’s beginning to increase nationwide,” he asserts. With each passing term, the risk grows that isolated incidents will ignite a conflagration, one that could destabilize the nation’s educational system and erode the social fabric. To understand the roots of this unrest, Professor Millar embarks on a thorough diagnosis of the contemporary school environment. His analysis yields seven interlocking factors, four major and cross-cutting, and three institution-specific, that fuel the flames of student discontent. The Shadow of Drug Abuse Foremost among the major factors is the specter of drug abuse and misuse. According to Prof. Millar, this problem is no longer confined to the school compound. It follows students home, forms habits, and then returns to infiltrate the school environment anew. The result is a culture where substance abuse becomes normalized, blurring the boundaries between personal recreation and institutional disruption. “We have to do something with drug abuse and drug misuse,” Prof. Millar insists, underscoring its centrality to the crisis. The Pressure Cooker of Peer Influence The second factor is the relentless pressure exerted by peer groups. Within the closed ecosystem of a school, peer validation becomes a form of currency. Membership in social circles is governed by overt and covert rules, and the need to belong can drive students to conform to destructive behaviors. For girls as well as boys, these peer groups can be both a refuge and a crucible—incubating actions that undermine the school’s integrity. The Rise of Cults and Weaponization Peer pressure, left unchecked, can metastasize into something even more insidious: the rise of cults within schools. These groups, often shrouded in secrecy and governed by their own codes, demand allegiance through symbolic acts, sometimes even the bearing of weapons. Inter-cult rivalries and competitions for dominance further stoke the fires of unrest. The existence of such groups, Prof. Millar warns, “weaponizes” peer relationships and transforms schools into battlegrounds. The Double-Edged Sword of Technology Modern information and communication technology (ICT) is another factor reshaping the school environment. Smartphones, social media, and even artificial intelligence platforms expose students to a world far beyond the classroom. While this can be a force for good, it also creates new avenues for comparison, competition, and subversion. Students return from holidays eager to display their new digital prowess, sometimes in ways that challenge or undermine school authority. The result is a generation increasingly at odds with the structures meant to guide them. Beyond these core issues, Prof. Millar identifies three more factors that vary from school to school. School Management Systems and Institutional Culture The management style of a school can either mitigate or exacerbate unrest. Institutions with strong religious affiliations or private ownership tend to be more responsive to misconduct, swiftly meting out discipline. Public schools, by contrast, often suffer from bureaucratic inertia—disciplinary procedures are drawn out, diluted by committees, and susceptible to outside interference. This laxity, combined with unclear institutional cultures, leaves a vacuum that disruptive elements are quick to fill. The Disruption Subculture A subtler, but no less significant, factor is what Prof. Millar calls the “subculture of disruption.” Weak students, fearful of looming examinations or unprepared for academic challenges, may seek to derail the school calendar altogether. By fomenting unrest, they hope to avoid failure and mask their own deficiencies. This phenomenon is often most acute as exams approach, with mass participation by those who feel threatened by strict enforcement of academic standards. The Parental Paradox Finally, the role of parents is both pivotal and paradoxical. While parental engagement is essential for effective discipline, unchecked indulgence can have the opposite effect. Some parents provide their children with cars, excessive pocket money, and privileges that enable misbehavior. At home, such actions may go unchecked; at school, they find eager collaborators among peer groups. The result is a feedback loop where home and school reinforce rather than correct negative behavior. While the destruction of property during riots is costly, Prof. Millar is more disturbed by the long-term impact on behaviors and attitudes. “It’s not so much the destruction of property… but the negative impact on behaviors and attitudes that are long-term. For me, that is the worrying part. Because these have long-term implications. We call them our future leaders. Imagine our future leaders coming out with all those vices. What sort of leadership do we get?” Having laid bare the roots of the crisis, Prof. Millar turns to solutions. His proposals are pragmatic, grounded in both research and years of experience. Conscientization and Civic Education The first step, he argues, is a renewed emphasis on civic education—what he calls “conscientization.” Many students, he notes, are simply unaware of the long-term consequences of their actions. By bringing in resource persons, former addicts, and career professionals to share their experiences, schools can equip students with the knowledge they need to avoid destructive pathways. “Educate, educate, re-educate,” Prof. Millar urges, advocating for a revival of civic education programs and the involvement of the National Commission for Civic Education in a large-scale, school-to-school campaign. Revitalizing School Life with Positive Engagement Prof. Millar also calls for a renaissance in extracurricular activities. In the past, debates, drama clubs, and cultural associations provided outlets for energy and creativity. Today, these activities hold less allure, leaving students idle and susceptible
Transport Minister Confronts Artificial Scarcity in Ghana’s Commercial Transport Sector
On a brisk Wednesday morning in Accra, the city’s commuters were once again left stranded, facing long queues and rising fares along the busiest routes. The cause? A suspected artificial scarcity of commercial vehicles, orchestrated by some transport operators intent on driving up prices. The tension reached the corridors of power when Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Ghana’s Minister of Transport, took decisive action. Summoning leaders of the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport unions, he demanded answers about the troubling trends that had gripped the sector. The meeting, scheduled for the following day, was set to address mounting complaints about operators limiting vehicle availability in order to profit from desperate commuters, even as fuel prices and import duties on spare parts had recently dropped. At the Government Accountability Series, Deputy Minister Mr. Kwakye Ofosu voiced the frustrations of many Ghanaians. He revealed that some drivers were deliberately avoiding designated stations, choosing instead to roam the city in hopes of exploiting shortages and extracting higher fares. “They are creating scarcity to drive up prices so that they can engage in rent-seeking behaviour. It is an unlawful activity, and it must be looked into,” he declared. The situation has worsened since the 2025 yuletide, with commuters in places like Madina, Amasaman, Kasoa, and the famous Kwame Nkrumah Circle struggling to find rides during peak hours. Despite a 15% reduction in official transport fares due to lower fuel costs, many operators have continued to manipulate supply, leaving Accra’s residents facing inflated fares and long waits. Mr. Ofosu assured the public that the government, acknowledging the private-sector-led nature of transportation, was taking concrete steps to hold offenders accountable. “After the persistent reduction in fuel prices, some operators have decided to engage in undue practices by creating artificial shortages,” he explained. “It is an unlawful activity, and the government is looking at it to ensure those involved are dealt with.” As the capital’s rush hour challenges persist, the eyes of the nation will be on the outcomes of the minister’s meeting, a test of the government’s resolve to protect commuters and restore order to Ghana’s urban transport system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Customs Officers Foil Major Drug Smuggling Attempt at Takoradi Port
It began as a routine morning at the bustling Takoradi Port, but sharp-eyed customs officers were about to uncover one of Ghana’s largest drug interceptions in recent memory. The story unfolded at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited, where frontline officials noticed something odd, two shipping containers, declared as ceiling fan consignments, exhibited unusual packaging patterns. Trusting their instincts, the officers promptly reported their suspicions to customs management. Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, quickly took action, placing the containers under discreet surveillance. Once the all-clear was given, he ordered a full unstuffing of both 40-foot containers. What they discovered was staggering: hidden among stacks of ceiling fans and thousands of undeclared electrical appliances were an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs, believed to be Tapentadol and Timaking. The operation, powered by intelligence and executed with the support of the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, National Intelligence Bureau, and the Food and Drugs Authority, had paid off. With the contraband seized, samples were sent to the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis. The rest of the goods are now secured in the State Warehouse in Takoradi, as investigations intensify. Meanwhile, Maxwell Boateng, the declarant for the consignment, was detained and is assisting the Narcotics Control Commission in tracing those behind the containers. Authorities were quick to point out that the success of the operation underscored the critical role played by vigilant customs officers and the importance of strong interagency collaboration in protecting Ghana’s borders and safeguarding public health from the threat of illicit pharmaceutical trafficking. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
A King and a Governor Debate Ghana’s Cost of Money
The hallowed halls of the Bank of Ghana this week became the stage for a critical national dialogue, one that pit urgent economic revival against the specter of returning inflation. The occasion was a high-profile courtesy visit by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but the conversation swiftly turned from ceremony to substance. With the gravity of his office and the voice of a nation’s entrepreneurs, the revered monarch issued a direct and powerful plea to Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama: lower the cost of borrowing, and do it now. “The private sector is gasping for breath,” his message resonated, cutting to the heart of the nation’s economic tightrope. “Let me be as blunt as I can: no amount of investment by government can give us a sound economy. This moment calls for a private push.” He challenged the central bank to engineer a fundamental shift: “Move the economy from the crippling high interest rate regime to a level where it becomes a stimulant of business and job creation.” For the countless small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this was a long-awaited royal endorsement of their daily struggle. Governor Asiama, custodian of the nation’s price stability, received the call with measured understanding. He stood on a platform of hard-won gains, a historic drop in inflation to 5.4%, robust international reserves soaring above $13.8 billion, and money market yields in retreat. The 91-day Treasury bill rate had already fallen from 13.4% to 10.3% in a single month. “My prayer and wish,” the Governor shared, revealing a personal ambition aligned with the nation’s need, “is that by the end of my four-year tenure, lending rates will not be more than 10 per cent.” Yet, between that wish and the Asantehene’s demand lies a perilous path. The cautionary voice of global consultancy Deloitte echoed in the background of their discussion. While acknowledging the BoG’s successful 10-percentage-point rate cut in 2025, which stabilized the cedi and contained prices, Deloitte warned that excessive easing in 2026 could undo that very progress. “Excessive easing could risk reversing the progress made in controlling inflation,” their analysis stated, a stark reminder of the balancing act. Early signs in 2026 offer a glimmer of hope. The key Ghana Reference Rate has dipped slightly, and average bank lending rates have begun a slow descent from 26.6% to 24.2%. They are movements in the right direction, but for the Asantehene and the business community, they are mere footsteps on a journey that requires leaps. As the meeting concluded, the central challenge for 2026 was crystallized. The Bank of Ghana must now choreograph a delicate dance: unlocking the credit needed to fuel a private-sector-led recovery, without missing a step and reigniting the inflationary fires it just spent a year extinguishing. The trajectory of interest rates is no longer just a monetary policy metric; it is the defining economic story for the year ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Unveils Framework for Ethical Banking
The landscape of Ghana’s financial sector is on the cusp of a transformative shift. In a landmark move, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially unveiled the operational guidelines for Non-Interest Banking (NIB), opening the door to a new era of ethical finance and deeper financial inclusion. This culmination of years of strategic planning is widely credited to the steadfast efforts of BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, and the Advisor on Non-Interest Banking and Finance, Professor John Gatsi. The finalized guidelines provide a clear and robust regulatory roadmap, building upon an earlier exposure draft to ensure operators function within strict prudential standards. The excitement within financial circles is palpable. Rumors are swirling of at least five existing conventional banks preparing to apply for dedicated NIB “windows” by the end of January, while several large new investors are lining up to establish full-fledged non-interest banks. This dual-application system is a core feature of the framework, designed to encourage both innovation and stability. The comprehensive guidelines establish a solid foundation for this new banking model: Governance & Expertise: Licensed NIB Institutions (NIBIs) must form a Non-Interest Banking Advisory Committee (NIBAC) of experts in banking, law, and NIB principles to ensure all products are ethically sound and risks are managed. Integrity of Operations: For conventional banks offering NIB through a “window,” a strict separation is mandated. They must operate a separate Non-Interest Finance Fund (NIFF), ensuring these ethical funds are never mixed with conventional banking funds. Inclusive & Voluntary: The BoG emphasizes that NIB is open to all Ghanaians, irrespective of religious belief, and participation is entirely voluntary. Capital & Compliance: Capital requirements align with existing standards, while NIBIs must maintain liquidity through Shari’ah-compliant instruments, steering clear of interest-bearing securities. Tax Clarity Pending: The guidelines acknowledge the crucial issue of tax neutrality, with a resolution expected from a joint team coordinated by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The implications stretch far beyond bank branches. The BoG is collaborating with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to develop a harmonized framework for non-interest capital market instruments. This paves the way for the future introduction of Sukuk (ethical investment certificates), which promise to unlock new, shari’ah-compliant capital for Ghana’s critical infrastructure projects. By integrating Ghana with the global non-interest finance industry, this initiative promises to diversify the financial sector, promote resilience, and revolutionize how finance serves the real economy. Welcome to the new, inclusive chapter of banking in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Twelve-Month Miracle: How Discipline and Policy Tamed Ghana’s Inflation Beast
The year 2024 had ended with a heavy, familiar weight on the shoulders of Ghanaians. Prices seemed to climb an endless ladder, with the inflation rate perched at a daunting 23.8%. In marketplaces and homes, the conversation was the same: the relentless squeeze of shrunken purchasing power. But a quiet, determined battle was being waged. At the Bank of Ghana, Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama and his team held firm to a course of monetary discipline, a tight rein on policy that many hoped would steer the nation toward calmer waters. Month by month, throughout 2025, a fragile hope began to bloom. The numbers started to tell a new story. Each passing month saw the inflation rate dip, a slow but steady retreat from the peaks of pressure. By November, it had fallen to 6.3%, and as the year drew to a close, all eyes turned to the Ghana Statistical Service for the final tally of December. The data, when it came, was not just good news—it was historic. The annual inflation rate for December 2025 had plummeted to 5.4%, marking the twelfth consecutive month of decline. On a month-to-month basis, prices had barely crept up by 0.9%. The most significant relief came from the food basket, where inflation softened dramatically to 4.9%, a testament to improved harvests and smoother supply chains. The contrast was staggering. From 23.8% to 5.4% in just one year. The beast of inflation had been tamed, not by chance, but by design. During a courtesy call by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Governor Asiama stood before the gathering, his voice carrying the weight of vindication and deliberate effort. “This trend reflected the broad-based disinflation process across both food and non-food,” he explained. “Certainly, this has not happened by accident but is the result of sustained monetary discipline we brought on board, improved food supply, and others.” He painted a clear picture: the central bank’s firm hand on monetary policy, working in concert with better conditions for farmers and traders, had systematically eased the pressures that had burdened the economy. It was a victory of strategy over circumstance. As the announcement spread, a palpable sense of relief began to replace anxiety. Households, long navigating a landscape of elevated prices, could finally foresee a period of stability. The sustained decline promised a stronger foundation for the national economy and a restoration of consumer confidence as Ghana stepped into 2026. The Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to guard this hard-won stability, knowing it was the cornerstone for sustainable growth. The twelve-month miracle was complete, a testament to the power of policy and perseverance, offering a powerful new chapter for Ghana’s economic story. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Airports Company Clarifies Firearm Rules for Air Travelers After Spike in Seizures
In the wake of alarming revelations from the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, showing that more than 2,000 illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition were seized at airports, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has moved to clarify its firearms policy for air travelers. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, GACL Managing Director Yvonne Opare addressed concerns about how firearms are handled at the country’s airports. She explained that the company, working under new directives from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, has put in place a fortified weapons declaration policy designed to boost safety and security for all passengers. “Anyone who wants to travel with a firearm must have the correct license and must formally declare the weapon to airport security before boarding,” Opare stated. “If you do not have the proper authorization, or you fail to declare your firearm, even if it is licensed, the weapon will be confiscated and handed over to the National Investigation Bureau.” Opare pointed out that, in previous years, there was no clear legal framework regulating the carriage of firearms through Ghana’s airports. Now, however, the rules are strict: only legally registered firearms that have been properly declared are permitted on flights. Any weapon discovered without proper paperwork or declaration is seized immediately. The strengthened procedures, she emphasized, are part of ongoing efforts to keep Ghana’s airports safe and to ensure that all firearms are accounted for before any passenger takes to the skies. Source: Apexnewsgh.com