Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School—A Legacy in Need of Revival
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Bongo District, stood Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School, a proud institution established in 1956. As the oldest school in the district, it has long served as the foundation for many prominent personalities, not just within the region, but across all of Ghana. Over the decades, its classrooms have nurtured future leaders, respected professionals, and notable figures such as regional ministers, MPs, and District Chief Executives, all of whom once walked its humble corridors. Yet, despite this rich legacy, the school’s current state tells a different story. The passage of time has not been kind. Years of neglect have left the buildings dilapidated. The infrastructure is crumbling, and the proud walls that once echoed with the laughter and dreams of children now bear the scars of time and relentless rainstorms. Roofs have been torn away, and doors and windows that were once broken have only recently been replaced. Furniture is scarce, and the needs remain many. During an exclusive engagement with Apexnewsgh, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre, the Tarongo/Atiabiise Electoral Area assembly member, voiced his deep concern. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Bongo MP and the Naidvar Trust NGO, whose support has helped replace some doors and windows. “I am aware that many dignitaries passed through this school. Today, they are successful members of society, including the Upper East Regional Minister. I appeal to Hon. Donatus Akamugri, Professor Atintono, Awinsira Wilbert Nam-katoti, and other notable alumni, including a former DCE, to come to the aid of Zorkor Tarongo Primary School.” He continued, emphasizing that as the oldest school in the Bongo District, much has broken down and urgently needs replacement. “Rainstorms have damaged the roof, but with the help of our MP and Naidvar Trust, we have made some progress. Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) also contributed by providing a borehole for the school. Still, the school remains neglected by the very people it once shaped.” Hon. Akugre made a heartfelt plea to former students, including Gaaga Akayeri Azitariga, Bongo’s first MP under the Fourth Republic, and many others. “Please, visit your old school and see its current condition. If you can help us renovate it, I would be deeply grateful. I know you will listen, as you always have.” And so, the story of Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School continues, a legacy waiting to be revived, calling on its sons and daughters to breathe new life into its aging walls. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” Launches at Zorkor Tarongo Primary School
A dream takes root as a new book, written by Cristiane Tavares and illustrated by the school’s own children, promises to nurture both young minds and the environment. Under the shade of hope and the watchful eyes of chiefs, assembly members, and proud community elders, a quiet revolution began at the Zorkor Tarongo Primary School. The occasion was the launch of a very special book: “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees.” But this was no ordinary book launch. The author, Cristiane Tavares, had penned the tale, yet the true magic came from the children themselves, for it was their bright, imaginative illustrations that brought the story to life. The book follows two local children, Anapoka and Anaba, on a mission to heal their world by planting trees, one seedling at a time. As the crowd gathered, the Executive Director of Naidvar Trust, Augustine Akugre, rose to speak. His voice carried a quiet determination. “My vision,” he said, “is to see Zorkor Tarongo Primary become the best school in the entire Bongo District.” He then revealed something extraordinary: the book is being sold across the world, and every bit of profit flows back directly to the school. The headmistress, Madam Azeko Mary Ngoomah, could barely contain her joy. For six years, Naidvar Trust had stood by her school like a faithful friend. But today, the gratitude spilled over. “If not because of Naidvar Trust,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion, “we would never have had the opportunity to sit on these dual desks.” She gestured to the furniture around her, a simple gift that had changed their daily reality. The event drew a constellation of dignitaries: the revered chief of Zorkor Tarongo, Naba Abelizire Ayeta II; the Tarongo Assembly member, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre; an old student, Nyaaba Awine Ibrahim; and countless community members who filled the grounds. As the sun climbed higher over the primary school, “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” was officially launched, not just as a book, but as a promise. A promise that with every page turned and every tree planted, a little school in Zorkor Tarongo would grow stronger, greener, and full of possibility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Volta Regional Minister Launches Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme to Tackle Poverty and Boost Food Security
Regional Minister James Gunu officially launched the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme, a flagship intervention under the Government of Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme. The lively event marked the start of a major initiative designed to reduce poverty, create jobs, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security throughout the region. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the launch, Mr. Gunu emphasized that Nkoko Nkitinkiti is more than a poultry farming project, it is a practical tool for economic empowerment aimed at households, young people, and aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs. “This initiative goes beyond rearing chickens,” Mr. Gunu said. “It is about empowering families, stimulating local economies, and setting the foundation for agribusiness success stories across Volta.” At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: poultry farming as a catalyst for grassroots economic development. As part of the rollout, the region will receive 180,000 day-old chicks, allocated to beneficiaries—especially households and enterprising youth, looking to build sustainable livelihoods. The Minister expressed confidence that this intervention would provide long-term economic relief for families, promote self-employment, and foster the growth of agribusiness throughout the region. Mr. Gunu also drew on the region’s rich history, recalling how, for generations, families relied on the sale of a few chickens to pay school fees, cover healthcare costs, and meet urgent household needs. “Nkoko Nkitinkiti is a revival of an age-old poverty reduction strategy that empowered families at the grassroots level,” he remarked. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural programmes that directly benefit rural communities and bolster food security. He applauded the stakeholders and partners behind the initiative and called on beneficiaries to make the most of the support provided, ensuring the programme’s sustainability and lasting impact. The Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme forms a key component of the broader Feed Ghana vision, which seeks to boost domestic agricultural productivity, improve food availability, and create economic opportunities nationwide. By distributing three million birds to 60,000 households across all 276 constituencies, the government aims to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported frozen chicken. This practice has cost the country over $350 million annually. Under the Household/Backyard Poultry Initiative, each participating household will receive 50 chicks, feed support, and technical guidance to help them transition from subsistence farming to self-sustaining poultry enterprises. The programme also includes support for 50 commercial anchor farmers, each set to receive up to 80,000 chicks and the resources needed to produce poultry at scale, thus strengthening the supply chain from farm to market. Local leaders echoed the optimism. The Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, Stephen Adom, assured residents that the programme would open up job opportunities for the youth and help reduce poverty and unemployment. He reiterated the John Mahama administration’s commitment to supporting Ghanaians through additional interventions, urging beneficiaries to use the chicks wisely to realize the initiative’s full potential. As the first batch of chicks arrives and households prepare their coops, the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is poised to transform lives, foster food sovereignty, and build a more resilient agricultural future for the Volta Region and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Employee Volunteers To Equip Health Centers As Part Of Its 2026 21 Days Of Y’ello Care Campaign
MTN Ghana will officially launch the 2026 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, its flagship employee volunteerism campaign, from June 1 to 21, 2026. This year’s campaign aims to equip various health centres with hospital beds to help address critical healthcare challenges in Ghana. Now in its 19th year, Y’ello Care continues to demonstrate the impact of employee-led action in driving meaningful and sustainable change across the communities we serve. Since its inception, the campaign has mobilised thousands of MTN employees to support initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and economic empowerment. Over the past six years, the campaign has reached more people through the efforts of MTN employee volunteers, contributing significant hours to community engagement, evolving each year to respond to the most pressing needs in our communities, guided by MTN’s purpose of leading digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress. This year’s theme, “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community,” addresses persistent healthcare access challenges in many parts of Ghana. Despite significant progress, large segments of the population, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas, continue to face barriers to essential health services due to distance, cost, limited infrastructure, and shortages of skilled health workers. These gaps disproportionately affect women, children, youth, and vulnerable populations. Y’ello Care 2026 will see MTN staff implement practical, community-led health initiatives aimed at improving access to preventative, primary, and responsive care. These interventions will leverage MTN’s connectivity, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships to help scale healthcare access to underserved communities and strengthen long-term health resilience. Planned activities include the repair of hospital beds, and donation of new beds, community health outreach programmes (WASH), digital health education campaigns, telemedicine-enabled services, public health screening to support the campaign against the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, and the use of data and digital tools to strengthen the delivery of health services. By focusing on prevention, early detection, digitally enabled healthcare solutions, and community-based care, the campaign aims to expand access to services, strengthen healthcare resilience, and improve health outcomes at scale. Commenting on the upcoming Y’ello Care, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer said, “Y’ello Care reflects our belief that meaningful progress begins with meeting communities where they are. We are focusing our efforts on expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in communities where it remains out of reach for many”. “MTN is uniquely positioned to help scale equitable healthcare access across Ghana through the power of connectivity, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Through Y’ello Care 2026, we are leveraging these capabilities to help communities access healthcare services that are more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable,” she concluded. In line with MTN’s values, the campaign prioritises collaboration, responsible delivery, and community-led implementation. Through trusted partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders, the campaign aims to deliver solutions that are responsive to real needs, respectful of local contexts, and designed for lasting impact. Through Y’ello Care, MTN reaffirms its commitment to enabling inclusive development and strengthening the communities we serve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tema Oil Refinery Welcomes One Million Barrels of Bonga Crude in Major Step Toward Revitalization
A new wave of optimism swept through Ghana’s energy sector this week as Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) announced the safe arrival of approximately one million barrels of Bonga Crude Oil aboard the MT Cap Felix. The delivery marks a significant milestone in the refinery’s ongoing campaign to rejuvenate its operations and fortify the nation’s petroleum supply chain. The management of TOR revealed that the high-quality crude cargo, purchased from global energy giant Shell, was supplied via TOR’s tolling partner, Triangle Commodities Trading. This strategic arrangement, officials explained, is part of a broader plan to restore TOR’s operational capacity and guarantee a secure, stable flow of petroleum products to consumers across Ghana. For TOR, the delivery of Bonga Crude represents more than just a shipment; it is a signal of renewed momentum in the refinery’s push to restore reliable refining activities, strengthen national energy security, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuels. Management highlighted that Bonga Crude is valued in the industry for its low-sulphur content and excellent refining yields, promising substantial output of premium products such as LPG, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), and fuel oil. These products are expected to serve both domestic needs and regional markets. Expressing gratitude, TOR’s leadership thanked the Government of Ghana, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and other partners for their steadfast support during the refinery’s resurgence. They emphasized that collaborative efforts have been crucial to reaching this new phase of operational recovery. Looking ahead, TOR reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship. The refinery reiterated its long-term vision to transform itself into a commercially sustainable energy hub, not just for Ghana, but for the entire West African sub-region. As the first barrels of Bonga Crude are prepared for processing, hopes are high that this latest development will pave the way for a new era of stability and growth in Ghana’s energy landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Zoomlion Defends Integrity Amid Auditor-General’s Claims of Billing Irregularities at All-African Games
Tension simmered in Accra this week as Zoomlion Ghana Limited found itself thrust into the spotlight following an Auditor-General’s report that scrutinized the company’s billing practices during the 13th All-African Games. The report, released in late May, questioned possible duplication of labour charges in Zoomlion’s invoices for cleaning and vector control services provided throughout the high-profile sporting event. But Zoomlion was quick to push back. In a pointed statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the waste management giant dismissed the Auditor-General’s findings as “untrue,” insisting that the allegations stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature and scope of its work. According to Zoomlion, the report failed to distinguish between two entirely separate service contracts, vector control and janitorial services, erroneously interpreting labour costs appearing on both sets of invoices as duplication. “The findings misinterpret operational reality, ignore the distinct scope of services provided under separate contracts and overlook the fact that all supporting documents were already available to the Auditor General at the material time,” the company’s statement read. Zoomlion detailed the breadth of its operations during the Games. Vector control, the company clarified, encompassed mosquito fogging and the management of reptiles, rodents, and cockroaches using specialist technology and teams. Janitorial services, meanwhile, included daily cleaning, waste evacuation, toilet maintenance, and mopping across key competition venues. Each service, they stressed, required its own personnel, schedules, and specialized equipment, justifying the separate labour charges. To underscore its transparency, Zoomlion revealed that all relevant documentation, ranging from invoices and contracts to daily supervision logs and equipment deployment records, had been submitted to the Ministry of Sports and other institutions overseeing the event. The company also highlighted the comprehensive scope of its work, which included over 30 different activities such as waste collection, vacuum cleaning, medical waste treatment, mobile toilet provision, water supply, and cesspit management. The logistical challenge was immense: Zoomlion deployed more than 350 specially trained personnel and a large fleet of equipment across four major venues, Accra Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Cricket Oval, and Bukom Trust Emporium. Staff underwent intensive training at the Army Peace Operations Training School in preparation for around-the-clock sanitation and vector control throughout the Games. In reflecting on its contribution, Zoomlion emphasized that its efforts helped ensure the Games proceeded smoothly, without a single sanitation incident or outbreak of disease. The company ended its statement with a firm rejection of the allegations: “Zoomlion unequivocally denies these allegations. The company is a responsible corporate entity that upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all its dealings.” As the dust settles, Zoomlion maintains that its reputation and the successful, hygienic staging of the All-African Games, speak louder than any report. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Halts New 0.75% Wallet-to-Bank Transfer Fee Pending Review
The Bank of Ghana has stepped in to halt the planned introduction of a 0.75 per cent charge on direct wallet-to-bank transfers by Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL), following a wave of public concern and debate. MMFL had announced that the new fee would be implemented starting June 1, 2026, sending ripples across the digital payments landscape. Many Ghanaians voiced worries about how the extra charge could discourage mobile money transactions, undermine financial inclusion, and increase the cost of accessing digital financial services. Responding to the mounting concerns, the central bank issued a statement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, directing MMFL to put the proposal on hold. The Bank of Ghana emphasized the need for broader stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the planned fee. According to the central bank, any changes to charges within the mobile money ecosystem must be approached with caution to safeguard consumers’ interests and ensure the continued growth and fairness of the mobile financial services sector. The Bank of Ghana reiterated its commitment to protecting users and supporting their financial well-being. While the central bank’s intervention has temporarily paused the fee, it remains unclear when the consultation process will be completed or whether the proposed charge will be revised, approved, or scrapped altogether. For now, customers and industry stakeholders await the outcome of further discussions and the future direction of mobile money fees in Ghana.
Ghana’s Cedi Faces Tough Times—A Story of Decline in 2026
Traders in Ghana count their cedis with worried expressions. The year is 2026, and Ghana’s currency has become the talk of West Africa, not for its strength, but for its steady fall against the US dollar. Early May saw the cedi drop to 11.36 against the dollar, marking a year-to-date decline of 10.28% according to Reuters, which relied on London Stock Exchange Group data for its analysis. The news rippled through the financial world, with predictions of further depreciation due to high demand for foreign exchange, especially from Ghana’s energy sector. “Ghana’s cedi is being dragged down by persistent corporate foreign-currency demand, particularly from the energy sector,” stated the Reuters report. The trend continued, and by the end of last week, the cedi closed at 11.61 to the dollar. Out of the nine currencies circulating in West Africa, including the CFA franc used by eight countries, the cedi stood out for all the wrong reasons. It was the worst-performing currency in the region in 2026, and its weak showing placed it alongside the Libyan dinar among Africa’s most fragile currencies. This downward spiral came even as inflation eased, a positive sign for Ghana’s economy. But for ordinary citizens and businesses, the weakening cedi brought challenges. Prices of goods and services climbed, as importers and traders sought dollars at rates higher than those officially quoted. Reuters attributed the cedi’s woes to relentless demand for foreign currency from importers and businesses. “The cedi is on a depreciating path due to persistent FX demand, with traders expecting the trend to continue,” the report concluded. As the cedi’s story unfolded, Ghanaians braced themselves for the uncertain months ahead, hoping for stability in a world where the value of their money seemed to slip further each day. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The eCedi Project: Still on Track, Says Bank of Ghana Governor
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has reassured the public that the central bank’s much-anticipated eCedi project has not been abandoned. Addressing journalists after a recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Dr Asiama emphasized the Bank’s ongoing commitment to the digital currency initiative. According to Dr Asiama, the BoG is actively exploring how the eCedi could pave the way for more efficient cross-border payments and boost regional trade across West Africa. He explained that, while significant progress has been made, the central bank intends to conduct several more pilot programmes before considering a nationwide rollout. “Our focus is on how the eCedi can facilitate faster cross-border settlements for businesses in the sub-region,” Dr Asiama stated. He stressed the importance of rigorous testing and broad stakeholder engagement to ensure the security and effectiveness of the digital currency system. The Governor also noted that the Bank of Ghana is closely monitoring global trends in central bank digital currencies. At the same time, the BoG is collaborating with international partners to refine the eCedi project and ensure it meets world-class standards. In summary, Dr Asiama made it clear that the eCedi remains very much on the Bank of Ghana’s agenda, with careful planning and further trials ahead before its full-scale introduction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Governor Warns: Converging Risks Threaten Ghana’s Economic Gains
It was a pivotal moment in Accra as Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, addressed the opening of the 130th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. With the city bustling outside, the Governor’s message inside was one of both caution and urgency: Ghana’s economy faces a confluence of external and domestic threats that could undermine the hard-won macroeconomic stability achieved in recent years. Dr. Asiama placed global energy developments and domestic pressures at the forefront of his address. He highlighted the prolonged Middle East conflict, which continues to inflate global energy prices and ripple through Ghana’s economy. “The protracted Middle East conflict and sustained energy price elevation are all risks which, if not addressed, could dislodge inflation expectations before they are firmly anchored,” he warned. For an energy-importing country like Ghana, every uptick in crude prices translates to higher fuel and transport costs, with cascading effects on consumer prices and inflation. The Governor described how these external shocks intersect with local vulnerabilities, especially disruptions in domestic energy supply, to create a “dual-channel inflation expectations problem.” Policymakers, Dr. Asiama said, are increasingly concerned that these risks could undo recent progress in stabilizing inflation. “Without timely policy responses, the current trajectory could reverse recent disinflation gains, complicating monetary policy decisions in the near term,” he cautioned. Beyond inflation, the Governor drew attention to Ghana’s external balances. Improvements in the current account, he noted, could be short-lived if global headwinds weaken export earnings and limit foreign exchange inflows. “The second risk is the current account and reserve vulnerability issues, fiscal risks from external revenue compression, and the domestic power crisis,” he explained. Fiscal risks are also heightened by possible revenue shortfalls linked to global economic slowdowns and volatile commodity prices. Dr. Asiama did not downplay the impact of domestic structural problems, particularly in the energy sector. While the power situation is “showing signs of abatement,” it still weighs heavily on the economy. Persistent power supply disruptions have driven up business costs and inflation expectations, raising the stakes for both producers and consumers. Against this backdrop, the Governor urged his colleagues on the MPC to scrutinize how well monetary policy is working in the current climate. “The current monetary policy transmission is still of concern,” he admitted, questioning whether policy signals are effectively influencing lending and credit growth. The answer, he stressed, would be critical for sustaining broader economic activity as conditions tighten. As the MPC’s deliberations got underway, it was clear that the stakes had rarely been higher. With risks ranging from global geopolitical tensions to domestic energy and fiscal challenges, the path forward would require a careful balancing act. “These risks will be central to the discussions this week,” Dr. Asiama concluded, underlining the importance of decisive and timely action. His final message was unmistakable: Ghana’s economic resilience will depend not just on the foundation of past reforms, but on the country’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a rapidly changing risk environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com