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
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