Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Proposes Five-Point Plan to Tackle Ghana’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s escalating youth unemployment crisis and put forward a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the problem. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah described youth unemployment as one of Ghana’s most urgent socio-economic challenges, cautioning that existing interventions are falling short of expectations. Quoting recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, he noted that the unemployment rate among persons aged 15 to 24 rose from 32% in December 2024 to 32.5% by the third quarter of 2025, and that nearly two million young Ghanaians are neither in education, employment, nor training. “Mr. Speaker, we do not need more slogans or promises that results are in the pipeline. We need a more effective architecture to solve the worsening youth unemployment problem in our country. The time to act is now,” he declared. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi stressed the need for bold and measurable reforms, arguing that Ghanaian youth demand practical, dignified, and well-paid job opportunities—not rhetoric. Oppong Nkrumah’s five-point proposal includes: Publishing delivery scorecards for all job creation programmes, using clear metrics such as beneficiaries, cost per job, time-to-placement, and employment retention rates; Distinguishing between skills training initiatives and actual job creation efforts, noting that training alone does not guarantee employment; Shifting from government-led financing to increased private sector participation, with government reducing investment risks, co-investing in strategic sectors, and creating a supportive regulatory environment; Making apprenticeship programmes the backbone of the youth employment strategy, anchored by national certification, employer incentives, and structured pathways to jobs or entrepreneurship; Establishing a credible Labour Market Information System to provide real-time data on vacancies, skills gaps, and labour demand. He concluded by urging policymakers to move beyond slogans and promises, and instead adopt practical, accountable solutions to reverse the trend and unlock opportunities for Ghana’s burgeoning youth population. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
DRIP National Coordinator Vanderpuye Signals Bid for NDC National Chairmanship
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), has announced his readiness to step down from his current role to contest for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), should incumbent chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia choose not to seek re-election. In an interview the media, June 11, 2026, Vanderpuye made clear his respect for Asiedu Nketia, describing him as a “senior brother” and stating he would not run against him. “We started together in Sunyani; he’s one of the people that I respect so much, and so I wouldn’t want to contest him if he decides to contest. But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” Vanderpuye stated. Highlighting his extensive history with the NDC, Vanderpuye traced his political journey from youth organiser and foundation member of the party to serving as a ward secretary during the party’s formation in 1992, even while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. “I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana, the Future Leaders Organisation. I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he recounted. Vanderpuye also pointed to his experience as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, and campaign official in past NDC administrations. “I was a parliamentary aspirant as far back as 1996. Former deputy minister for trade, former deputy local government minister, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency in those days.” When asked if he would resign from his current post as DRIP National Coordinator to enter the chairmanship race, Vanderpuye confirmed his intent to step down, stating, “Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party.” Vanderpuye’s declaration sets the stage for a potential leadership contest within the NDC, pending the decision of the current national chairman. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case, Accra High Court Told
The Accra High Court has been formally informed that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a plea bargain in a high-profile criminal case involving alleged multi-million cedi fraud against the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The update came to light on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Attorney-General notified the court that Wontumi, the first accused, had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, made the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was communicated to the Attorney-General in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The case lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, his brother Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited as accused parties. Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the duo fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank using false pretences and the business entity as a front. The charge sheet further accuses Chairman Wontumi of presenting a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility and knowingly benefiting from the alleged fraudulent funds, which forms the basis of a money laundering charge. According to the prosecution, the transactions in question resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank. The notification of the plea bargain, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the presiding judge’s attention. As the case progresses, the court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification and oversee further negotiations between the parties under the applicable legal framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Roads Minister Seeks 1,000 New Staff to Boost Sector Capacity
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced a major push to strengthen the country’s road sector workforce, revealing that his ministry has formally requested the recruitment of about 1,000 additional staff. The move is aimed at addressing critical personnel shortages across road agencies and boosting the capacity to manage Ghana’s expanding infrastructure needs. Appearing before Parliament’s Select Committee on Economy and Development, Agbodza explained that the request was submitted by the Ministry’s Chief Director as a response to mounting staffing pressures. He highlighted that the recent creation of new administrative regions had not been matched with an increase in personnel for key agencies, leaving technical departments such as engineering and quality assurance overstretched. “The staffing level of the agencies is far less than what it should be. If you consider the fact that we are investing heavily on these projects, part of the reason some of the projects suffer quality assurance is simply because we don’t have enough people to monitor these projects,” Agbodza told the committee. He noted that while 137 staff were recently approved for various roles within the highways division, this was insufficient, particularly given the demands in the six newly created regions where institutional capacity remains weak. The minister stressed that recruiting more staff is essential for improving project supervision, ensuring quality assurance, and strengthening service delivery across the sector. Agbodza assured Parliament that the Ministry is committed to resolving the staffing challenge and enhancing operational effectiveness as Ghana continues to invest in road infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Sets Deadline for Outstanding Dues Ahead of Internal Elections
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a firm directive to all party members and aspirants with outstanding financial obligations, calling on them to settle their dues by June 18, 2026, as part of preparations for the party’s forthcoming internal elections. The announcement, made in a circular dated June 10, 2026, and signed by Deputy General Secretary (Finance and Administration) Barbara Serwaa Asamoah on behalf of the General Secretary, came in the wake of a Functional Executive Committee (FEC) meeting held a day prior. At the meeting, the party leadership resolved that only members in good financial standing would be eligible to contest in the upcoming polls. In a stern warning, the party cautioned that any aspirant who fails to clear their dues by the specified deadline will be barred from participating in the elections until all payments are made and official clearance is granted. To ensure transparency and orderliness, the NDC also released a revised electoral timetable to guide the conduct of internal elections across its constituencies and regions. According to the schedule, vetting and elections will take place from June 20 to July 11, 2026. A mop-up exercise is planned for July 14 to July 24, 2026, after which the Elections Committee will finalise the election album between July 29 and August 14, 2026. The party’s leadership has called on all regional and constituency executives, as well as aspiring candidates, to comply strictly with the directives. Emphasising the importance of discipline and fairness, the NDC underscored that adherence to financial obligations and electoral guidelines is essential for a smooth and credible internal contest as the party gears up for its next round of leadership selection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Caucus Demands Ministerial Briefing on South Africa Evacuation
The atmosphere in Parliament turned tense this week as the Minority Caucus firmly rejected a proposal from the Majority Leader suggesting that members should simply file an urgent question to obtain information on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. For the Minority, the stakes are too high for such routine procedures. Addressing the media, Patrick Boamah, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, made it clear that Parliament deserves more than written answers. He emphasized the national importance of the evacuation process, noting that it directly affects Ghana’s foreign relations and the safety and welfare of its citizens living abroad. Boamah argued that the situation extends well beyond the scope of standard parliamentary queries and called for a formal appearance by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to the Minority, only a direct ministerial briefing would provide the necessary transparency and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the evacuation and its broader diplomatic implications. The Minority Caucus is therefore urging the Foreign Affairs Minister to appear before the House to account for the government’s handling of the evacuation operation, underscoring their commitment to ensuring parliamentary oversight on matters of significant national concern. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Maintains Public Approval as Ghanaians Weigh Progress and Challenges
A recent nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has painted a nuanced picture of public sentiment towards President John Dramani Mahama, showing that the majority of Ghanaians continue to back his leadership 18 months into his administration. The poll, conducted in May 2026 and involving over 1,000 respondents from all 16 regions, found that 58.9% of citizens approve of the President’s performance, while 28.4% disapprove and 12.8% remain undecided. This endorsement comes on the back of significant improvements in Ghana’s economic indicators over the past year and a half. Since January 2025, inflation has plummeted from 23.5% to 3.4%, and the Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 26% against key international currencies. The Bank of Ghana’s policy rate has been slashed from 27% to 14%, bringing commercial lending rates down from 32% to 20%. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has also improved remarkably, dropping from 61.8% at the close of 2024 to 45.3% by the end of 2025. These achievements have earned the country rating upgrades from major international agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P. The IEA found that most Ghanaians who approve of the President’s performance cite these economic gains as their primary motivation, 73.5% point to improvements in the economy, 16% highlight road infrastructure, and 2.7% mention advancements in energy and electricity. Yet, the survey also notes a dip in approval from the 68% recorded in December 2025, suggesting that while macroeconomic stability is welcomed, the public is eager to see these gains reflected more directly in everyday life. Among respondents who expressed dissatisfaction, 30.9% identified the economy as a concern, and 29.9% pointed to ongoing challenges with electricity supply, a sentiment likely influenced by recent power outages in May 2026 that disrupted households and businesses. Corruption remains a significant issue, with 19.1% of disapprovers calling for more robust anti-corruption action and greater accountability from government officials. The IEA’s analysis indicates that while President Mahama enjoys a solid base of support rooted in perceived economic stabilization and infrastructure development, rising expectations around living standards, energy reliability, and anti-corruption efforts are shaping a more demanding electorate. For many Ghanaians, the full benefits of economic recovery are yet to be felt in terms of cost of living, job opportunities, and household income. As President Mahama navigates the second half of his term, the survey underscores the government’s need to balance continued macroeconomic progress with tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens. The findings reflect a broadly supportive but increasingly expectant public, looking for real change beyond the numbers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The NDC at 34: A Journey of Democracy and Development
On June 10, 2026, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) celebrates its 34th anniversary, a milestone that marks over three decades of active political participation, democratic governance, and national development in Ghana. The story of the NDC began on June 10, 1992, when the party was founded during a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history. As the country transitioned back to constitutional rule under the Fourth Republic, the NDC emerged as a leading force on the political stage. Its roots trace back to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) administration, led by the dynamic Jerry John Rawlings. Rawlings, who became the NDC’s first presidential candidate, led the party to resounding victories in the 1992 and 1996 general elections, setting the stage for a new era in Ghanaian governance. Since its formation, the NDC has played a vital role in shaping Ghana’s democratic journey. The party has produced three presidents—Jerry John Rawlings, John Evans Atta Mills, and John Dramani Mahama, each contributing to the nation’s progress and stability. With a strong presence in Parliament and local governance structures, the NDC’s influence has been felt in communities across the country. As the party commemorates its 34th anniversary, members and supporters are taking time to reflect on the NDC’s achievements and its contributions to nation-building. Many recall the party’s impact in expanding infrastructure, improving education, advancing healthcare, and implementing social intervention programmes and economic reforms. These milestones, achieved during its time in government, have left a lasting legacy on Ghana’s development. This year’s anniversary comes at a significant time, with the NDC once again in government under President Mahama, following the party’s return to power after the 2024 general elections. Party leaders describe the 34th anniversary as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the NDC’s founding principles of social justice, accountability, inclusiveness, and national development. Across Ghana, supporters are expected to mark the occasion with messages of solidarity, community engagements, and reflections on the party’s rich history and future aspirations. The anniversary serves not only as a celebration of the NDC’s past but also as a reminder of its enduring role in Ghana’s political evolution and its continued influence in shaping the nation’s democratic and developmental agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam MP Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Commissions Construction of 1No.2 Unit KG Block at Nkusiezie
Excitement filled the air in Nkusiezie as community members, chiefs, and local leaders gathered to witness a significant milestone in the area’s educational journey. The Nabdam Member of Parliament, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, stood before the gathering to commission the construction of a new two-unit kindergarten block, a facility complete with an office, storeroom, five-seater KVIP toilets, and two-unit gender-friendly urinals. Dr. Nawaane, in his address, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the project, linking it to former President Mahama’s educational policy. “This project falls in line with President Mahama’s vision to increase the number of pupils attending kindergarten. We all know the importance of early childhood education; it is during these formative years that children develop essential skills. We teach them how to speak, write, read, sing, and even instruct them in our local language, nurturing their cognitive and social abilities.” He emphasized that research shows children who benefit from quality kindergarten education tend to excel as they move through primary, secondary, and even tertiary levels. “President Mahama is committed to kindergarten education, and that is why we’ve allocated about 10 percent of the common fund towards educational projects such as this.” Dr. Nawaane extended his gratitude to the assembly for championing the policy, and heaped praise on the contractor for delivering quality work. “You can see the good work that has been done,” he noted, inviting the young contractor to stand and be recognized by the crowd. “I also want to thank the chief and people of the community for embracing this project. Community acceptance and cooperation are what make successful implementation possible.” He concluded by assuring the community that maintenance of the facility would be a priority, so that generations of children would benefit from a safe and welcoming learning environment. The event marked not just the commissioning of a building, but the start of brighter educational prospects for the youngest members of Nkusiezie. Meanwhile, the contractor of the project, Mr. Jacob Azumah of Winmailes Company Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the support he received from the assembly and community members. According to him, he was able to meet the construction deadline because of the community’s support and cooperation. The event was honoured by opinion leaders, assembly officials led by the DCE, and GES officials, all of whom commended the initiative and pledged their continued commitment to the advancement of education in Nkusiezie. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asonge-Zanlerigu Road Delay Due to Commitment Letter, Contractor to Start Soon – Nabdam MP
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has announced that a contractor selected to construct the long-awaited Asonge–Zanlerigu–Damolgo–Tindongo–Pelungu road is yet to receive a commitment letter, which is required before mobilising to the site. The MP disclosed during the commissioning of a maternity block at the Gundug/Wore-Daah health centre in the Nabdam District. He reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to get the project off the ground, stressing that the road has been included under the Department of Feeder Roads and remains a government priority. Dr. Nawaane used the occasion to refute claims that roads in the Upper East Region have been left out of the government’s development agenda, particularly the widely discussed “Big Push” initiative. He explained that many people have misunderstood the scope of the programme, which is largely focused on major highway projects across the country. Most roads in the Upper East Region, he noted, fall under the feeder roads category. “As for roads, this government is committed to working on them. The Big Push is mainly about highways, and many people have heard about that. But resources are also being organised for us to work on feeder roads,” the MP stated. He added that Members of Parliament from the region are actively engaging government agencies and relevant ministries to ensure feeder roads receive the necessary attention and funding. Dr. Nawaane revealed that he had successfully pushed for the inclusion of the strategic road linking Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and extending to Sakoti on the list of feeder roads earmarked for intervention. Interested contractors have already been identified, and discussions have been held with the Department of Feeder Roads to pave the way for work to begin. Providing an update on the progress, the MP said: “I was with a contractor about five or six days ago, and we visited the national feeder roads office to find out how far the process had gone. We were informed that the commitment letter is not yet ready.” He explained that government procedures require contractors to obtain a commitment letter before commencing any project. To speed up the process, he indicated that further engagements would be held with the Minister for Roads and Highways. The MP disclosed that he had personally contacted the Roads Minister in Parliament and had been invited to a meeting alongside the contractor to explore ways of securing the release of the letter. Dr. Nawaane urged residents not to conclude that the road project has been abandoned, insisting that continuous behind-the-scenes engagements are taking place to ensure the project becomes a reality. In a pointed remark, he added: “We are not like the NPP government that will bring equipment on the site just to deceive people.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com